Which coordinate system is used to uniquely identify a location on Earth?

The coordinate system that is used to uniquely identify a location on Earth is latitude and longitude. This system consists of two sets of lines that create a grid over the surface of the Earth, allowing for precise pinpointing of any location. Latitude lines run parallel to the equator and measure how far north or south a point is from it, while longitude lines extend from the North Pole to the South Pole and measure how far east or west a point is from the Prime Meridian. Together, they form coordinates expressed in degrees that can accurately define any place on the planet, making them essential for navigation, mapping, and geographic studies.

While other choices may refer to important geographic concepts or tools, they do not provide a universal method for pinpointing locations. For example, map scale deals with the representation of distances on maps, distance and elevation refer to physical measurements but lack specificity in terms of location, and geographic and thematic contexts relate more to types of maps rather than a coordinate system for identification.