A to Z GIS | Explore this related guide, featuring updated terms and graphics and developed in coordination with Esri’s GIS Dictionary team.
Learn more about A to Z GIS
GIS Dictionary
Browse dictionary
international date line
URL copiedShare URL
[geodesy]
An imaginary line, generally following the meridian of longitude lying 180 degrees east and west of the Greenwich meridian, where the date changes. The time zone east of the international date line is twelve hours ahead of Greenwich mean time; the time zone west of the international date line is twelve hours behind Greenwich mean time. A traveler going west across the date line adds a day; a traveler going east across it subtracts a day.
