How many zones does the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system have?

The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system consists of 60 zones. Each zone covers a 6-degree longitudinal strip of the Earth, allowing for accurate mapping and spatial representation. This division into 60 zones enables detailed local mapping and minimizes distortion, as each zone uses its own specific coordinate system that best suits its geographic area. The UTM system is widely used in applications such as topographic mapping and conservation planning because of its effectiveness in representing large and small areas with precision.

This division into zones is particularly important for maintaining the integrity of spatial data, as each 6-degree section reduces the maximum distortion compared to using a single global projection. The significant number of zones helps accommodate the Earth's curvature while improving the accuracy of geographic information systems (GIS) that rely on precise location data.