Say What? UTM refers to the system grid that divides the entire world into 60 zones that are 6 degrees wide. The zones begin at east / west longitude 180 degrees and continue at 6 degree intervals. Each zone is then removed from the globe and flattened, losing its relationship to a sphere and introducing a certain amount of distortion. Since UTM projections distort the regions above 84 degrees north latitude and below 80 degrees south latitude far too much, they are not used on maps referencing the UTM grid. The UTM grid is based upon the meter and grid lines are always 1 kilometer (.62 miles) apart, making it much easier to estimate distance on a map. UTM coordinates are printed on a map in an east / west and north / south position. Numbers along the right side of a map are called northings (indicating the exact position in a north / south relationship). Numbers along the top of the map are called eastings (indicating the exact position an east / west relationship). Making sense of the numbers is quick and easy: Increasing easting numbers indicate you are heading east; decreasing indicate you are heading west. Increasing northing numbers indicate you are heading north; decreasing indicate you are heading south.