Latitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is measured in degrees, with the equator at 0° latitude, the North Pole at 90° N, and the South Pole at 90° S. Latitude lines run parallel to the equator and are essential for navigation and mapping. Understanding latitude is crucial for various fields, including meteorology, climatology, and cartography. It helps in determining climate zones, weather patterns, and the positioning of celestial bodies. Latitude, along with longitude, forms the basis of the global coordinate system used for locating places on Earth.