How is latitude and longitude used in navigation?

The use of latitude and longitude in navigation is fundamentally about providing a very precise location. These coordinates are expressed in degrees, with latitude indicating the north-south position and longitude indicating the east-west position on the Earth's surface. This system allows navigators to pinpoint their exact location, which is crucial for safe and effective navigation.

With advancements in technology, particularly the Global Positioning System (GPS), the accuracy of locating positions using latitude and longitude has significantly improved. GPS devices utilize a network of satellites to determine precise coordinates, providing real-time positioning information that is highly reliable. This precision is essential for various forms of navigation, including aviation, maritime, and land-based travel, ensuring that navigators can accurately plan routes, avoid hazards, and reach their destinations efficiently.

In contrast, the other options suggest limitations that do not accurately reflect the comprehensive and precise capabilities of latitude and longitude. While visual flight rules (VFR) operations use these coordinates, they are not confined to this type of navigation alone. Additionally, latitude and longitude are significant for both sea and air navigation, not just for land-based navigation. The notion that they provide a vague idea of position undermines their defining purpose in navigation, which is to enable accurate and specific location identification.