MTEL Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Preparation

The starting point for measuring longitude is the Prime Meridian, which runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and is situated at 0 degrees longitude. This line was established as the standard reference for global navigation and mapping, allowing for a uniform system to determine the east-west position of points on the Earth's surface.

The Prime Meridian passes through Greenwich, England, and serves as the basis for timekeeping as well. Longitude is measured in degrees east or west of this line, which is essential for navigation in both air and sea travel. Understanding the Prime Meridian's significance helps to grasp how global positioning and cartography function.

The other lines mentioned, such as the Equator, are related to latitude, measuring north and south positions instead. The 180 Degree Meridian serves as a point of reference for the opposite side of the Prime Meridian but does not serve as the starting point for measuring longitude. Similarly, the Tropic of Cancer pertains to latitude and is related to the Earth's tilt but is not relevant to longitudinal measurements.