0.1 Degree Longitude in km: Understanding the Conversion
When working with geographical coordinates, it's essential to understand the conversion between degrees and kilometers. In this article, we'll explore the conversion of 0.1 degrees of longitude to kilometers.
What is a Degree of Longitude?
A degree of longitude is a unit of measurement used to express the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, which passes through Greenwich, England. The distance between two points on the same latitude (i.e., same parallel) is equivalent to 111.320 km (69.170 miles) at the equator.
Converting 0.1 Degrees of Longitude to Kilometers
To convert 0.1 degrees of longitude to kilometers, we need to consider the latitude of the location. The conversion factor varies with latitude due to the Earth's slightly ellipsoidal shape.
At the Equator (0° Latitude)
At the equator, 1 degree of longitude is approximately equal to 111.320 km (69.170 miles). Therefore, 0.1 degrees of longitude would be:
0.1 × 111.320 km = 11.132 km
At Mid-Latitudes (e.g., 40° Latitude)
At mid-latitudes, the conversion factor is slightly smaller due to the Earth's ellipsoidal shape. The approximate conversion would be:
0.1 × 108.593 km = 10.8593 km
At Higher Latitudes (e.g., 60° Latitude)
As you move further away from the equator, the conversion factor decreases further. At higher latitudes, the approximate conversion would be:
0.1 × 96.506 km = 9.6506 km
Conclusion
In conclusion, the conversion of 0.1 degrees of longitude to kilometers depends on the latitude of the location. While the conversion is approximately 11.132 km at the equator, it decreases as you move towards higher latitudes. Understanding these conversions is crucial in various fields, such as navigation, geography, and geophysics.
