Latitude is a measurement that indicates how far north or south a location is from the equator, which is at 0 degrees latitude. It is expressed in degrees, with the North Pole at 90 degrees north and the South Pole at 90 degrees south. Latitude helps in identifying specific locations on the Earth's surface and is essential for navigation and mapping. Lines of latitude, also known as parallels, run horizontally around the globe. They are used in conjunction with longitude, which measures east or west from the Prime Meridian. Together, latitude and longitude create a coordinate system that allows for precise location identification anywhere on Earth.