What is the significance of the geographical coordinates related to latitude?

Latitude is a crucial component of the geographical coordinate system, specifically used to establish the north-south positioning of a point on the Earth's surface. The significance of latitude lies in its ability to denote how far a location is from the equator, which is considered 0 degrees latitude. As you move northward towards the North Pole, the values increase to 90 degrees North, and as you go southward toward the South Pole, they decrease to 90 degrees South. This measurement is foundational for navigation, climatology, and understanding Earth's geography, as it allows for the accurate identification and mapping of locations, affecting various practical applications, including urban planning and environmental studies.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what latitude represents. While geographical coordinates do involve other factors, latitude specifically pertains to north-south positioning on the Earth.