Latitude: Degrees to Kilometers Conversion

The distance represented by one degree ($1^{\circ}$) of latitude is consistent across the Earth because lines of latitude (parallels) are parallel circles. One degree of latitude corresponds to the distance measured along a meridian (a line of longitude).

Calculating Distance per Degree of Latitude

The Earth's circumference is approximately $40,075$ kilometers. Since a full circle consists of $360^{\circ}$, we can calculate the distance for $1^{\circ}$ of latitude by dividing the total circumference by $360$.

• Earth's Circumference: $C \approx 40,075 \text{ km}$
• Total Degrees in a Circle: $360^{\circ}$

Calculation:

Distance per degree = $\frac{\text{Earth's Circumference}}{360^{\circ}}$

Distance per degree $\approx \frac{40,075 \text{ km}}{360^{\circ}}$

Distance per degree $\approx 111.32 \text{ km}$

Approximation for Latitude

The question asks for the approximate distance. Rounding $111.32$ km gives us $111$ km.

Therefore, $1^{\circ}$ of latitude is approximately $111$ km.