How did the geographic coordinate system originate?

Answer 1

The Geographical coordinate system was developed by explorers and mariners in the past to help them navigate around the world.

Latitude was calculated by observing with quadrant or astrolabe the inclination of the sun or of charted stars, but longitude presented no such manifest means of study. Longitude was roughly calculated by comparing the relative positions of the moon and Mars with their anticipated positions. But this method had several limitations. It required the occurrence of a specific astronomical event (in this case, Mars passing through the same right ascension as the moon), and the observer needed to anticipate this event via an astronomical almanac. One needed also to know the precise time, which was difficult to ascertain in foreign lands. Also, it required a stable viewing platform, rendering the technique useless on the rolling deck of a ship at sea.

Answer 2

Via latitude(North and South) and longitude(East and West), which are laid out as a grid over the globe and broken down by degrees, and more specifically minutes and even seconds. These do not refer to time of course. Where latitude and longitude intersect is your geographic coordinate.

Answer 3

The geographic coordinate system originated from the need to specify precise locations on the Earth's surface. It is based on the concept of latitude and longitude, which can be traced back to ancient Greek astronomers and mathematicians. Over time, improvements in technology and mapping techniques have refined the system to its current form.