We live on the planet Earth, which is third from the Sun. Since the Earth is huge and we live on a very small area, we cannot see it as a whole. So, to see the shape of the Earth and to know its unique features, a three dimensional model of the Earth was created with a specific scale – the globe. This chapter explains directions, the shape of the Earth, the lines of latitude and longitude, the heat zones and how time is calculated around the world.
1. Directions
- Directions on the ground are always shown with respect to the North. If we know the North, it is easy to find the other directions – South, East and West.
- North, South, East and West are the four cardinal directions.
- The Sun rises in the East and sets in the West.
- If we stand facing the Sun in the morning, we face the east and the west is towards our back. The left hand points towards the north and the right hand points towards the south.