
Universal Transverse Mercator
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) is a coordinate system that divides the Earth into a series of narrow, vertical zones, each 6 degrees of longitude wide. Within each zone, locations are identified using a grid of east-west (easting) and north-south (northing) measurements in meters, providing precise and consistent mapping. It’s commonly used in navigation, surveying, and mapping because it allows for accurate, localized positioning without distortion over small areas. Essentially, UTM offers a standardized way to pinpoint locations on Earth's surface with high precision by dividing the globe into manageable sections.