In the context of mapping, what is 1 minute equivalent to?

In the context of mapping and geographic coordinates, 1 minute is a measurement of angular distance, specifically referring to minutes of arc. One minute is equivalent to 60 seconds, which is a fundamental unit in the system of measuring angles where degrees are subdivided into minutes and seconds.

In geographic terms, a degree is further divided into 60 minutes (often represented by the symbol ′), and each minute is then divided into 60 seconds (represented by the symbol ′′). This hierarchical structure allows for precise location determination on the globe.

Understanding this subdivision is crucial for tasks related to navigation, geographic positioning, and precise mapping, as it helps in accurately measuring distances and positions on the Earth's surface.