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GeographyClass 11Practical Work in Geography

Practical Work in Geography | Class 11 Geography Notes

By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 4 min read

Practical Work in Geography – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Practical Work in Geography from Class 11 Geography, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.

Comparison between Parallels of Latitudes and Meridians of Longitudes

This section provides a comparative analysis of the characteristics of parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude, highlighting their differences and uses.

Parallels of latitude measure angular distance north or south of the equator, while meridians of longitude measure angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. Parallels are parallel to each other and appear as circles on the globe, whereas meridians converge at the poles and appear as semicircles.

The distance between two parallels is approximately constant at about 111 km, but the distance between two meridians varies from 111.3 km at the equator to zero at the poles. There are 179 parallels (including the equator) and 360 meridians (180 east and 180 west).

Latitudes are used to demarcate temperature zones such as the torrid, temperate, and frigid zones based on their angular positions. Longitudes are primarily used to determine local time relative to the Prime Meridian.

This comparison helps in understanding the distinct roles these imaginary lines play in geography and navigation.

📊 Diagram: Table 3.1 presents a side-by-side comparison of the characteristics of parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude, including their measurement, appearance, spacing, and uses.

🔗 Connection: This comparison reinforces the understanding of latitude and longitude before applying these concepts in exercises and activities.

Frequently asked questions

1. Answer the following questions in about 30 words: (i) Which are the two natural points of references on the earth? (ii) What is a great circle? (iii) What are coordinates? (iv) Why does the sun appear to be moving from east to west? (v) What is meant by local time?

(i) The two natural points of reference on the earth are the North Pole and the South Pole.

(ii) A great circle is any circle drawn on a globe (or sphere) that divides it into two equal halves. It represents the shortest distance between two points on the surface.

(iii) Coordinates are numerical values (latitude and longitude) used to specify the exact location of a place on the earth's surface.

(iv) The sun appears to be moving from east to west because the earth rotates from west to east on

2. Distinguish between latitudes and longitudes.

Latitude:

  • Imaginary horizontal lines running parallel to the Equator.
  • Measure distance north or south of the Equator (0° to 90° N or S).
  • Also called parallels.
  • Used to determine climate zones.

Longitude:

  • Imaginary vertical lines running from pole to pole.
  • Measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian (0° to 180° E or W).
  • Also called meridians.
  • Used to determine time zones.
## ACTIVITY 1. Find out the locations of the following places with the help of your atlas and write their latitudes and longitudes. | Place | Latitude | Longitude | | --- | --- | --- | | (i) Mumbai | | | | (ii) Vladivostok | | | | (iii) Cairo | | | | (iv) New York | | | | (v) Ottawa | | | | (vi) Geneva | | | | (vii) Johannesburg | | | | (viii) Sydney | | |

Students should refer to an atlas or reliable geographic source to fill in the latitudes and longitudes:

(i) Mumbai: approx. 19° N, 72.8° E (ii) Vladivostok: approx. 43° N, 131.9° E (iii) Cairo: approx. 30° N, 31.2° E (iv) New York: approx. 40.7° N, 74° W (v) Ottawa: approx. 45.4° N, 75.7° W (vi) Geneva: approx. 46.2° N, 6.1° E (vii) Johannesburg: approx. 26.2° S, 28° E (viii) Sydney: approx. 33.9° S, 151.2° E

2. What would be the time of the following cities if the time at Prime Meridian is 10 a.m. (i) Delhi (ii) London (iii) Tokyo (iv) Paris (v) Cairo (vi) Moscow

Given: Time at Prime Meridian (0° longitude) = 10 a.m.

To find local time at other cities, use the formula: Local Time = GMT + (Longitude in degrees × 4 minutes per degree)

Note: East longitude adds time, West longitude subtracts time.

Approximate longitudes:

  • Delhi: 77° E
  • London: 0° (Prime Meridian)
  • Tokyo: 139° E
  • Paris: 2° E
  • Cairo: 31° E
  • Moscow: 37° E

Calculations: (i) Delhi: Time difference = 77° × 4 min = 308 min = 5 hrs 8 min Local time = 10:00 + 5:08 = 3:08 p.m.

(ii) London:

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