Definition: Latitude LXPi, a technical term in navigation, describes the position on Earth's surface at which an object or vessel is located relative to a reference point or datum. This altitude marks the bottom of the water level and defines its location within a geographic coordinate system. Latitude can be measured from the center of a sphere of latitude (latitude L), but it varies slightly by elevation, with the highest latitudes being closer to the pole due to Earth's rotation at that place. The term is used primarily in navigation where it's often associated with geographical coordinates and helps locate objects on land or at sea. It's important for maritime navigation as it can determine how an object's position relates to the shore or other points on the map, allowing a vessel to navigate safely without being too far from its intended destination.