Because a globe is round with no beginning or end, there are two imaginary reference lines from which all distances and locations are determined - the equator and prime meridian. Both the equator and the prime meridian intersect at point 0, where all numbering starts with longitude and latitude lines. Locations are uniquely identified on a globe by the point where the longitude and latitude lines intersect, i.e., Dallas, Texas is located 33 degrees north (latitude) 97 degrees west (longitude). Equator: Runs east and west around the exact middle of the globe. Prime Meridian: Imaginary line running from pole to pole and passing through Greenwich, England. Longitude: Imaginary lines running parallel with the prime meridian through each pole and numbered in 15 degree increments. Latitude: Imaginary lines running around the globe parallel to the equator and are numbered at 10 or 15 degree increments. See our "Globes as a Reference Tool" and our "Locating Places on Earth" pages for more details.