Confluence Survey Resources Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Test

In surveying, latitude is measured in degrees from the equator, which is designated as the reference point at 0 degrees. As you move north of the equator, latitude values increase positively to a maximum of 90 degrees at the North Pole. Therefore, north latitude is considered positive because it represents the coordinates that describe locations in the northern hemisphere. Conversely, south latitude indicates positions south of the equator and is recorded as negative values. This convention is critical in positioning and mapping as it allows surveyors to clearly define locations in relation to the equator. The equatorial latitude is zero, so it doesn’t hold a positive or negative value. West latitude, akin to south latitude, is also negative in the context of mapping coordinates. Thus, north latitude is the only aspect that is universally recognized as positive in surveying practices.