When measuring latitude using dividers, which line should the divider point touch?

When measuring latitude using dividers, which line should the divider point touch?

• A. The longitude line nearest the object
• B. The latitude line nearest the object
• C. The equator
• D. The prime meridian

Answer: (B)

Latitude is read by measuring how far north or south you are from a known latitude line on the chart. When you use dividers, place one point on the object’s position on the chart and the other point on the latitude line that lies closest to that position. This line is the one that gives you the smallest offset to translate into degrees of latitude, which minimizes reading error. Touching a longitude line would only give you an east–west measurement, not the north–south position you’re after. The equator is a valid latitude line, but using the nearest latitude line keeps the measurement more accurate and straightforward for determining the object's latitude.

Latitude is read by measuring how far north or south you are from a known latitude line on the chart. When you use dividers, place one point on the object’s position on the chart and the other point on the latitude line that lies closest to that position. This line is the one that gives you the smallest offset to translate into degrees of latitude, which minimizes reading error. Touching a longitude line would only give you an east–west measurement, not the north–south position you’re after. The equator is a valid latitude line, but using the nearest latitude line keeps the measurement more accurate and straightforward for determining the object's latitude.