W 30° N: Interpreting the Directional Coordinate

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In summary, "W 30° N" is a geographic coordinate that specifies a location on Earth's surface. It stands for west longitude of 30° and north latitude of 30°. To find a location on a map using "W 30° N", you would need to locate the intersection of the line of longitude at 30° W and the line of latitude at 30° N. It can be used to specify any location on Earth, but other information such as the name of the place and country is also needed. "W 30° N" is different from "N 30° W" in terms of the order of direction, but they both represent the same location.
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GingerKhan
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Does it mean 30 degrees north of west, or 30 degrees west of north?
 
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  • #2
30 degrees north of west

W 30 N means aim west, then turn 30 degrees north.
 
  • #3
Thanks!
 

FAQ: W 30° N: Interpreting the Directional Coordinate

What does "W 30° N" mean?

"W 30° N" is a geographic coordinate that specifies a location on Earth's surface. The "W" stands for west, indicating that the location is west of the prime meridian. The "30°" represents the degree of longitude, and the "N" stands for north, indicating that the location is also north of the equator.

How do you use "W 30° N" to find a location on a map?

To find a location on a map using "W 30° N", you would first locate the prime meridian and equator on the map. Then, you would find the intersection of the line of longitude at 30° W and the line of latitude at 30° N. This intersection represents the location specified by "W 30° N".

Can "W 30° N" be used to specify any location on Earth?

Yes, "W 30° N" can be used to specify any location on Earth's surface. However, it is only one of many possible combinations of longitude and latitude coordinates that can be used to specify a location.

What other information is needed to fully specify a location on Earth?

In addition to longitude and latitude coordinates, other information is needed to fully specify a location on Earth. This includes the name of the place or landmark, the country or region it is located in, and possibly more precise coordinates such as minutes and seconds.

How is "W 30° N" different from "N 30° W"?

Although "W 30° N" and "N 30° W" both represent a location on Earth's surface, they are different in terms of the direction they indicate. "W 30° N" specifies a location that is west of the prime meridian and north of the equator, while "N 30° W" specifies a location that is north of the equator and west of the prime meridian. This difference in order does not change the actual location, but it is important to use the correct format when communicating coordinates.

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