Scale is constant along the central meridian but at a scale factor of 0.9996 to reduce lateral distortion within each zone. Minimal distortion within each UTM zone Direction

Minimal distortion of larger shapes within the zone.

Accurate representation of small shapes.

The central meridian and the equator Properties Shape Two lines parallel to and approximately 180 km to each side of the central meridian of the UTM zone Linear graticules Learn about the transverse Mercator projection Lines of contact See the 'Transverse Mercator' topic for the methodology. A north zone has a false northing of zero, while a south zone has a false northing of 10,000,000 meters. A false easting of 500,000 meters is applied. The value given to the central meridian is the false easting, and the value assigned to the equator is the false northing. To eliminate negative coordinates, the coordinate system alters the coordinate values at the origin. The origin for each zone is its central meridian and the equator.

Learn more about the Universal Polar Stereographic coordinate system.

Learn more about the transverse Mercator projection.The polar regions use the Universal Polar Stereographic coordinate system. The limits of each zone are 84° N and 80° S, with the division between north and south zones occurring at the equator. The globe is divided into 60 north and south zones, each spanning 6° of longitude.

The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system is a specialized application of the transverse Mercator projection.

Utm zone map