How many zones are there in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system?

The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system divides the Earth into a series of segments for the purpose of mapping and navigation. Specifically, it divides the world into 60 distinct zones, each spanning 6 degrees of longitude. This system allows for a more precise representation of geographic features and coordinates, as each zone has its own coordinate system that minimizes distortion.

Each of the 60 zones is numbered consecutively, starting at 1 for the zone that covers the 180° meridian and continues eastward. The zones extend from 80°S latitude to 84°N latitude, effectively covering the majority of the Earth's land mass and providing a useful framework for mapping and navigation.

Understanding the UTM system and the number of zones is fundamental for those involved in navigation, cartography, and geographic information systems (GIS), as it underpins many applications that require accurate positional referencing.