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The UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) coordinate system divides the world into sixty north-south zones, each 6 degrees of longitude wide. UTM zones are numbered consecutively beginning with Zone 1, which includes the westernmost point of Alaska, and progress eastward to Zone 19, which includes Maine. If UTM ticks are shown on a USGS topographic map, the zone is indicated in the credit legend in the lower left corner of the map collar.
Within each zone, coordinates are measured as northings and eastings in meters. The northing values are measured from zero at the equator in a northerly direction. Each zone has a central meridian that is assigned an easting value of 500,000 meters. In Zone 16, for example, the central meridian is at 87 degrees longitude west. One meter east of that central meridian is 500,001 meters easting.
Almost all USGS topographic maps produced after 1977show UTM tick marks on the sides of the map (or a full-line grid) every 1,000 meters. Some maps, including all those produced after 2009 (US Topo maps) include full UTM grid lines. To make UTM measurements, subdivide the 1,000-meter grid squares into tenths or hundredths. This narrows down the coordinate to a 100 meter or 10 meter square. Measurements can be made using a gridded mylar overlay, a paper scale, or a coordinate reader.
Note that the large numbers adjacent to the tick marks around the perimeter of the map represent tens of thousands and thousands of meters. The millions and hundreds of thousands of meters are shown with small numbers and are sometimes dropped when giving UTM coordinate positions. The military implementation of UTM (Military Grid Reference System or MGRS) drops the small digits and indicates the 100,000 meter square by a two letter identifier. Most UTM users and GPS (Global Positioning System) units use the full value of the UTM coordinates.
Learn more:
- The Universal Transverse Mercator Grid
- Do all USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps show the UTM grid?
- U.S. National Grid
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- FAQ
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- Publications
- News
What does the term UTM mean? Is UTM better or more accurate than latitude/longitude?
UTM is the acronym for Universal Transverse Mercator, a plane coordinate grid system named for the map projection on which it is based (Transverse Mercator). The UTM system consists of 60 zones, each 6-degrees of longitude in width. The zones are numbered 1-60, beginning at 180-degrees longitude and increasing to the east. The military uses their own implementation of the UTM system, called the...
link
What does the term UTM mean? Is UTM better or more accurate than latitude/longitude?
UTM is the acronym for Universal Transverse Mercator, a plane coordinate grid system named for the map projection on which it is based (Transverse Mercator). The UTM system consists of 60 zones, each 6-degrees of longitude in width. The zones are numbered 1-60, beginning at 180-degrees longitude and increasing to the east. The military uses their own implementation of the UTM system, called the...
Learn More
Why don't U.S. Forest Service Visitor maps have Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grids?
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid is not used on the Forest Service Visitor Map series because of the maps’ small scale and intended use. The more detailed Wilderness maps and Special Area maps published by the Forest Service might have UTM grid ticks. UTM grids are included on all US Topo maps (7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale) published by the USGS after 2010. Order paper maps for...
link
Why don't U.S. Forest Service Visitor maps have Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grids?
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid is not used on the Forest Service Visitor Map series because of the maps’ small scale and intended use. The more detailed Wilderness maps and Special Area maps published by the Forest Service might have UTM grid ticks. UTM grids are included on all US Topo maps (7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale) published by the USGS after 2010. Order paper maps for...
Learn More
Do all USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps show the UTM grid?
Historical Topographic Map Collection (1884-2006) : The USGS policy about putting a full UTM grid on 7.5-minute (1:24,000-scale) topographic maps has changed over time. Beginning in the mid-1950s, the grid was indicated by blue ticks around the map at 1,000-meter spacing. In 1979, the ticks were replaced with a full-line black UTM grid. This decision was reversed in 1992, then reversed again in...
link
Do all USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps show the UTM grid?
Historical Topographic Map Collection (1884-2006) : The USGS policy about putting a full UTM grid on 7.5-minute (1:24,000-scale) topographic maps has changed over time. Beginning in the mid-1950s, the grid was indicated by blue ticks around the map at 1,000-meter spacing. In 1979, the ticks were replaced with a full-line black UTM grid. This decision was reversed in 1992, then reversed again in...
Learn More
What is the State Plane Coordinate System? Can GPS provide coordinates in these values?
The State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS), which is only used in the United States, is a plane coordinate system (north-south and east-west lines are perpendicular) in which each individual state has between one to six zones, depending on the state's size and shape. This coordinate system’s high level of accuracy is achieved through the use of relatively small zones. The State Plane Coordinate...
link
What is the State Plane Coordinate System? Can GPS provide coordinates in these values?
The State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS), which is only used in the United States, is a plane coordinate system (north-south and east-west lines are perpendicular) in which each individual state has between one to six zones, depending on the state's size and shape. This coordinate system’s high level of accuracy is achieved through the use of relatively small zones. The State Plane Coordinate...
Learn More
How large is the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27) to NAD 83 shift?
Within the conterminous 48 states, the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27) to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) shift of the latitude/longitude graticule (lines showing parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude for the earth) is in the range of 10-100 ground meters. Changes to UTM values are generally larger, around 200 meters, and changes for other coordinate systems are...
link
How large is the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27) to NAD 83 shift?
Within the conterminous 48 states, the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27) to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) shift of the latitude/longitude graticule (lines showing parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude for the earth) is in the range of 10-100 ground meters. Changes to UTM values are generally larger, around 200 meters, and changes for other coordinate systems are...
Learn More
Why are the NAD 83 position values so far from the NAD 27 values? Were the old coordinates wrong?
The old coordinates were not wrong, just different. Positions obtained using the North American Datums of 1927 ( NAD 27 ) and 1983 ( NAD 83 ) are based on different earth shapes--or ellipsoids--and used the best technology available at the time. Mathematically, NAD 83 is a stronger datum because all previously existing horizontal stations and newer GPS surveyed stations were adjusted...
link
Why are the NAD 83 position values so far from the NAD 27 values? Were the old coordinates wrong?
The old coordinates were not wrong, just different. Positions obtained using the North American Datums of 1927 ( NAD 27 ) and 1983 ( NAD 83 ) are based on different earth shapes--or ellipsoids--and used the best technology available at the time. Mathematically, NAD 83 is a stronger datum because all previously existing horizontal stations and newer GPS surveyed stations were adjusted...
Learn More
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles . In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos , which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
link
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles . In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos , which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
Learn More
Where can I find indexes of USGS topographic maps?
View map indexes on these interactive maps (you must zoom in to see the index lines and map names) : Map Locator on the USGS Store - Click the icon on the left that looks like two pieces of paper and select “1:24,000” for our standard map series. TopoView - Click on any of the round map scale indicators on the right side of the map. The National Map Viewer - Click on the Layer List icon at the top...
link
Where can I find indexes of USGS topographic maps?
View map indexes on these interactive maps (you must zoom in to see the index lines and map names) : Map Locator on the USGS Store - Click the icon on the left that looks like two pieces of paper and select “1:24,000” for our standard map series. TopoView - Click on any of the round map scale indicators on the right side of the map. The National Map Viewer - Click on the Layer List icon at the top...
Learn More
How are different map projections used?
The method used to portray a part of the spherical Earth on a flat surface, whether a paper map or a computer screen, is called a map projection. No flat map can rival a globe in truly representing the surface of the entire Earth, so every flat map misrepresents the surface of the Earth in some way. A flat map can show one or more--but never all--of the following: True directions True distances...
link
How are different map projections used?
The method used to portray a part of the spherical Earth on a flat surface, whether a paper map or a computer screen, is called a map projection. No flat map can rival a globe in truly representing the surface of the entire Earth, so every flat map misrepresents the surface of the Earth in some way. A flat map can show one or more--but never all--of the following: True directions True distances...
Learn More
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid
link
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid
By
Educational Resources
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid
link
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid
link
By
Educational Resources
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
link
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
In this lesson, we will discuss the USGS Store and how it can be used to access the US Topo and historical USGS Topographic maps. Specifically, this lesson will talk about the USGS Store, both where it’s accessed and what’s available at the store, as well as how you can locate and download free topographic maps through the store.
By
National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Program, Communications and Publishing
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
link
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
link
In this lesson, we will discuss the USGS Store and how it can be used to access the US Topo and historical USGS Topographic maps. Specifically, this lesson will talk about the USGS Store, both where it’s accessed and what’s available at the store, as well as how you can locate and download free topographic maps through the store.
By
National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Program, Communications and Publishing
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid
No abstract available.
Authors
Maps for America: cartographic products of the U.S. Geological Survey and others
"Maps for America" was originally published in 1979 as a Centennial Volume commemorating the Geological Survey's hundred years of service (1879 - 1979) in the earth sciences. It was an eminently fitting Centennial Year publication, for, since its establishment, the Geological Survey has continuously carried on an extensive program of mapping to provide knowledge of the topography, geology, hydrolo
Authors
Morris M. Thompson
Finding Yourself Outdoors
Finding Yourself Outdoors
Updated USGS digital topographic maps feature more trails and other recreationpoints of interest
Read Article
Story Map - Topographic Maps for the Nation
Story Map - Topographic Maps for the Nation
The USGS National Geospatial Program has released an interactive Story Map giving viewers an overview of the US Topo map program
Read Article
Related Content
What does the term UTM mean? Is UTM better or more accurate than latitude/longitude?
UTM is the acronym for Universal Transverse Mercator, a plane coordinate grid system named for the map projection on which it is based (Transverse Mercator). The UTM system consists of 60 zones, each 6-degrees of longitude in width. The zones are numbered 1-60, beginning at 180-degrees longitude and increasing to the east. The military uses their own implementation of the UTM system, called the...
link
What does the term UTM mean? Is UTM better or more accurate than latitude/longitude?
UTM is the acronym for Universal Transverse Mercator, a plane coordinate grid system named for the map projection on which it is based (Transverse Mercator). The UTM system consists of 60 zones, each 6-degrees of longitude in width. The zones are numbered 1-60, beginning at 180-degrees longitude and increasing to the east. The military uses their own implementation of the UTM system, called the...
Learn More
Why don't U.S. Forest Service Visitor maps have Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grids?
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid is not used on the Forest Service Visitor Map series because of the maps’ small scale and intended use. The more detailed Wilderness maps and Special Area maps published by the Forest Service might have UTM grid ticks. UTM grids are included on all US Topo maps (7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale) published by the USGS after 2010. Order paper maps for...
link
Why don't U.S. Forest Service Visitor maps have Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grids?
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid is not used on the Forest Service Visitor Map series because of the maps’ small scale and intended use. The more detailed Wilderness maps and Special Area maps published by the Forest Service might have UTM grid ticks. UTM grids are included on all US Topo maps (7.5-minute, 1:24,000-scale) published by the USGS after 2010. Order paper maps for...
Learn More
Do all USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps show the UTM grid?
Historical Topographic Map Collection (1884-2006) : The USGS policy about putting a full UTM grid on 7.5-minute (1:24,000-scale) topographic maps has changed over time. Beginning in the mid-1950s, the grid was indicated by blue ticks around the map at 1,000-meter spacing. In 1979, the ticks were replaced with a full-line black UTM grid. This decision was reversed in 1992, then reversed again in...
link
Do all USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps show the UTM grid?
Historical Topographic Map Collection (1884-2006) : The USGS policy about putting a full UTM grid on 7.5-minute (1:24,000-scale) topographic maps has changed over time. Beginning in the mid-1950s, the grid was indicated by blue ticks around the map at 1,000-meter spacing. In 1979, the ticks were replaced with a full-line black UTM grid. This decision was reversed in 1992, then reversed again in...
Learn More
What is the State Plane Coordinate System? Can GPS provide coordinates in these values?
The State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS), which is only used in the United States, is a plane coordinate system (north-south and east-west lines are perpendicular) in which each individual state has between one to six zones, depending on the state's size and shape. This coordinate system’s high level of accuracy is achieved through the use of relatively small zones. The State Plane Coordinate...
link
What is the State Plane Coordinate System? Can GPS provide coordinates in these values?
The State Plane Coordinate System (SPCS), which is only used in the United States, is a plane coordinate system (north-south and east-west lines are perpendicular) in which each individual state has between one to six zones, depending on the state's size and shape. This coordinate system’s high level of accuracy is achieved through the use of relatively small zones. The State Plane Coordinate...
Learn More
How large is the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27) to NAD 83 shift?
Within the conterminous 48 states, the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27) to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) shift of the latitude/longitude graticule (lines showing parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude for the earth) is in the range of 10-100 ground meters. Changes to UTM values are generally larger, around 200 meters, and changes for other coordinate systems are...
link
How large is the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27) to NAD 83 shift?
Within the conterminous 48 states, the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27) to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) shift of the latitude/longitude graticule (lines showing parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude for the earth) is in the range of 10-100 ground meters. Changes to UTM values are generally larger, around 200 meters, and changes for other coordinate systems are...
Learn More
Why are the NAD 83 position values so far from the NAD 27 values? Were the old coordinates wrong?
The old coordinates were not wrong, just different. Positions obtained using the North American Datums of 1927 ( NAD 27 ) and 1983 ( NAD 83 ) are based on different earth shapes--or ellipsoids--and used the best technology available at the time. Mathematically, NAD 83 is a stronger datum because all previously existing horizontal stations and newer GPS surveyed stations were adjusted...
link
Why are the NAD 83 position values so far from the NAD 27 values? Were the old coordinates wrong?
The old coordinates were not wrong, just different. Positions obtained using the North American Datums of 1927 ( NAD 27 ) and 1983 ( NAD 83 ) are based on different earth shapes--or ellipsoids--and used the best technology available at the time. Mathematically, NAD 83 is a stronger datum because all previously existing horizontal stations and newer GPS surveyed stations were adjusted...
Learn More
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles . In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos , which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
link
How do I find, download, or order topographic maps?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been the primary civilian mapping agency of the United States since 1879. Some of the most well-known USGS maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also called 7.5-minute quadrangles . In 2009, the USGS transitioned from our hand scribed historical topographic maps to US Topos , which are computer-generated on a regular schedule using national databases...
Learn More
Where can I find indexes of USGS topographic maps?
View map indexes on these interactive maps (you must zoom in to see the index lines and map names) : Map Locator on the USGS Store - Click the icon on the left that looks like two pieces of paper and select “1:24,000” for our standard map series. TopoView - Click on any of the round map scale indicators on the right side of the map. The National Map Viewer - Click on the Layer List icon at the top...
link
Where can I find indexes of USGS topographic maps?
View map indexes on these interactive maps (you must zoom in to see the index lines and map names) : Map Locator on the USGS Store - Click the icon on the left that looks like two pieces of paper and select “1:24,000” for our standard map series. TopoView - Click on any of the round map scale indicators on the right side of the map. The National Map Viewer - Click on the Layer List icon at the top...
Learn More
How are different map projections used?
The method used to portray a part of the spherical Earth on a flat surface, whether a paper map or a computer screen, is called a map projection. No flat map can rival a globe in truly representing the surface of the entire Earth, so every flat map misrepresents the surface of the Earth in some way. A flat map can show one or more--but never all--of the following: True directions True distances...
link
How are different map projections used?
The method used to portray a part of the spherical Earth on a flat surface, whether a paper map or a computer screen, is called a map projection. No flat map can rival a globe in truly representing the surface of the entire Earth, so every flat map misrepresents the surface of the Earth in some way. A flat map can show one or more--but never all--of the following: True directions True distances...
Learn More
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid
link
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid
By
Educational Resources
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid
link
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid
link
By
Educational Resources
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
link
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
In this lesson, we will discuss the USGS Store and how it can be used to access the US Topo and historical USGS Topographic maps. Specifically, this lesson will talk about the USGS Store, both where it’s accessed and what’s available at the store, as well as how you can locate and download free topographic maps through the store.
By
National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Program, Communications and Publishing
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
link
Lesson 9a: Accessing US Topo and Historical USGS Topographic Maps
link
In this lesson, we will discuss the USGS Store and how it can be used to access the US Topo and historical USGS Topographic maps. Specifically, this lesson will talk about the USGS Store, both where it’s accessed and what’s available at the store, as well as how you can locate and download free topographic maps through the store.
By
National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Program, Communications and Publishing
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Grid
No abstract available.
Authors
Maps for America: cartographic products of the U.S. Geological Survey and others
"Maps for America" was originally published in 1979 as a Centennial Volume commemorating the Geological Survey's hundred years of service (1879 - 1979) in the earth sciences. It was an eminently fitting Centennial Year publication, for, since its establishment, the Geological Survey has continuously carried on an extensive program of mapping to provide knowledge of the topography, geology, hydrolo
Authors
Morris M. Thompson
Finding Yourself Outdoors
Finding Yourself Outdoors
Updated USGS digital topographic maps feature more trails and other recreationpoints of interest
Read Article
Story Map - Topographic Maps for the Nation
Story Map - Topographic Maps for the Nation
The USGS National Geospatial Program has released an interactive Story Map giving viewers an overview of the US Topo map program
Read Article