Cairo, the vibrant capital of Egypt, holds a significant place in history and geography. Pinpointing its exact location requires understanding its longitude and latitude coordinates. This guide will not only provide those coordinates but also explore related geographical information and answer frequently asked questions.
The coordinates for Cairo, Egypt are approximately:
- Latitude: 30.0444° N
- Longitude: 31.2357° E
These coordinates represent the geographical center of Cairo. However, it's crucial to remember that Cairo is a sprawling metropolis, and different parts of the city will have slightly varying coordinates. This central point serves as a useful reference for mapping and location services.
What is the Significance of Longitude and Latitude?
Longitude and latitude form the foundation of the geographical coordinate system. They allow us to precisely locate any point on the Earth's surface.
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Latitude: Measures the angular distance north or south of the Earth's equator. The equator is 0° latitude, with values increasing towards the North and South Poles (90° N and 90° S respectively).
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Longitude: Measures the angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian (0° longitude), which passes through Greenwich, England. Longitude values range from 0° to 180° east or west.
Understanding these coordinates is essential for navigation, mapping, and various geographical applications. For Cairo, its location relatively close to the equator and slightly east of the Prime Meridian explains its warm climate and its position within the Eastern Hemisphere.
How are these Coordinates Used?
These coordinates are fundamental to various applications:
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GPS Navigation: GPS devices and mapping apps rely on latitude and longitude to determine precise locations. Entering Cairo's coordinates into a GPS system will accurately direct you to its central area.
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS): GIS uses these coordinates to spatially analyze and visualize geographic data, enabling researchers and urban planners to study Cairo's urban development, infrastructure, and population distribution.
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Cartography: Mapmakers use longitude and latitude to accurately represent locations on maps, ensuring consistency and precision in geographical representation.
What are the different areas within Cairo's coordinates?
Cairo's vast size means pinpointing a specific location within the city often requires more precise coordinates or the use of street addresses. The coordinates provided above represent a central point; however, different districts, landmarks, and neighborhoods will have their own unique sets of coordinates. Consider using a detailed map or online mapping service to locate specific areas within Cairo.
How accurate are these coordinates?
The coordinates provided are approximations. The accuracy depends on the reference system and data source used. More precise coordinates might be available for specific locations within Cairo using more specialized mapping systems or GPS data.
What is the elevation of Cairo?
Cairo's elevation varies across the city. However, the average elevation is around 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level. This relatively low elevation contributes to the city's vulnerability to flooding in certain areas.
This comprehensive overview provides a clear understanding of Cairo's longitude and latitude, their significance, and their applications. Remembering these coordinates is a helpful starting point for anyone interested in the geography of this historically rich and geographically significant city.
