ACTIVITIES :

1. Explain why longitude scales cannot be used to measure distances in a Mercator chart.

- It's worth remembering that only the vertical, latitude scales on a Mercator chart can be used to measure distan
not the horizontal longitude scale. This is because each minute of latitude equals one nautical mile, while
the distance between minutes of longitude decreases between the equator and the poles.

2. If you are situated directly over the North Pole at such a distance that you can see the whole Earth what
circle would appear as the outermost circle?

 - a line going through Earth, connecting the North and South Poles. This is Earth's axis, and Earth rotates about
line. If we extend this imaginary line outward from Earth, the points where this line intersects the celestial spher
called the north celestial pole and the south celestial pole.

3. In Question No. 2, what would be the direction of the Earth’s rotation?

-The Earth rotates on its own axis and it rotates in the eastward direction and in a counter-clockwise in prograde
motion. So the direction of the earth’s rotation is considered as from west to east.

4. If you were to draw a figure of what you see in Question No. 2, how would the parallels of latitude appear?

- Lines of latitude appear horizontal with varying curvature in this projection; but are actually circular with diffe
radii. All locations with a given latitude are collectively referred to as a circle of latitude.

5. In Question No. 2, how would the North Pole of the Earth appear?
6. In Question No. 2, where is the South Pole of the Earth located?

7. From what reference plane is longitude measured?

Longitude is measured 180° both east and west of the prime meridian. As aids to locate longitudinal positions on
globe or map, meridians are plotted and drawn from pole to pole where they meet. 

8. If the departure is zero, where is the observer located?

- An observer located anywhere on the circumference of this circle on Earth.

9. Plot the meridian of a place whose longitude is 30° west of a place situated in longitude
45° E.
10. If the ship is sailing along a parallel of latitude, what direction is she heading?
- When a ship sails along same parallel of latitude, the course is either east or west.