The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid
Fact Sheet
157-99
By: Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey
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Abstract
The most convenient way to identify points on the curved surface of the Earth is with a system of reference lines called parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude. On some maps, the meridians and parallels appear as straight lines. On most modern maps, however, the meridians and parallels appear as curved lines. These differences sre due to the mathematical treatment required to portray a curved surface on a flat surface so that important properties of the map (such as distance and areal accuracy) are shown with minimum distortion. The system used to portray a portion of the round Earth on a flat surface is called a map projection.
Suggested Citation
Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, 1999, The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 157-99, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs15799.
ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid |
| Series title | Fact Sheet |
| Series number | 157-99 |
| DOI | 10.3133/fs15799 |
| Year Published | 1999 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Description | 2 p. |
| Country | United States |