The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) is a global map projection system that divides the world into a series of zones. Each zone is 6 degrees of longitude wide and uses a transverse Mercator projection, which minimizes distortion in that specific area. This makes it particularly useful for detailed mapping and navigation. In the UTM system, coordinates are expressed in meters, allowing for precise location identification. The zones are numbered from 1 to 60, starting at the International Date Line and moving eastward. This system is widely used in fields such as geography, cartography, and GPS technology.