10.5 Tiny Bytes: What's the Deal with UTM?

Using the correct UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) zone is crucial when working with GIS data mapped to a UTM zone. We explain how projections work to translate locations from Earth's spherical surface to flat maps, and why UTM zones are critical for accurate agricultural mapping.• UTM divides Earth into 60 zones, each six degrees of longitude wide• UTM choice errors cause maps to appear in completely wrong locations, like oceans• Creating maps in the wrong UTM zone leads to unusable prescriptions for field operations• Maps created in one UTM zone but opened in another will show incorrect positions• Farms located on UTM zone boundaries may encounter projection issues more frequently• Always verify your UTM zone settings when working in mapping software• Turn on background maps to confirm your fields are projecting in the correct location• Reprojection tools in ADMS can help fix UTM errorsAvoid the sharks and floaties, check your UTM!https://gktechinc.com/https://gktechinc.com/