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 UTM particularly useful for detailed mapping and navigation. UTM coordinates are expressed in meters, providing a precise location system. Each point is defined by an easting and a northing value, allowing for easy calculation of distances and areas. This system is widely used in fields such as geography, cartography, and military operations.