What do you call the total system of parallels and meridians that form a network of intersecting lines?

The total system of parallels and meridians that form a network of intersecting lines on a globe or map is known as a geographic grid [3]. Parallels are lines of latitude that run east-west, parallel to the equator, while meridians are lines of longitude that run north-south, passing through the poles [3]. The intersection of these two sets of lines creates a grid-like structure that allows for the precise pinpointing of any location on the Earth's surface using coordinates [4]. This network is also technically referred to as a graticule in cartography [4]. The grid system is essential for navigation, as it provides a standardized man-made framework for identifying positions based on angular distances from the equator and the prime meridian [2].

Sources

1. [2] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/longitude/
2. [3] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > Mathematical Location of Places on the Globe > p. 10
3. [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graticule_(cartography)