How many UTM zones are there on Earth?

There are a total of 60 Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) zones on Earth. Each UTM zone covers a longitudinal band that is 6 degrees wide. The zones are numbered from 1 to 60, starting at the International Date Line and proceeding eastward. This numbering system allows for a systematic regional division of the Earth for the purpose of mapping and spatial analysis, providing a framework that minimizes distortion of scale and shape for local areas.

The UTM system is particularly beneficial for detailed mapping and geographic analysis, allowing for the projection of the curved surface of the Earth onto a flat map with greater accuracy for smaller areas. This framework is essential for applications in GIS, as it enables more precise location-based data collection and analysis within each specific zone.