The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) is a map projection system for assigning coordinates to locations on the surface of the Earth. It is a precise, grid-based coordinate system ideal for regional mapping and navigation, utilizing 60 zones to minimize distortion. The UTM system divides the Earth into 60 zones, each 6 degrees of longitude in width. Most zones in UTM span 6 degrees of longitude, and each has a designated central meridian. The point of origin of each UTM zone is the intersection of the equator and the zones central meridian. A position on the Earth is given by the UTM zone number and band letter and the easting and northing planar coordinate pair in that zone and band. The UTM coordinate system is a system of grids that is used to locate positions on the Earth. Within each zone, locations are represented by a pair of (x, y) coordinates, where x is the easting (distance east from a central meridian) and y is the northing (distance north or south from the equator). UTM coordinates are measured in meters.