How to Convert Eastings & Northings

The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system is a method of referencing points on the globe using a system of zones. The earth is divided along longitude lines that are 6 degrees wide, creating 60 zones. Horizontally, the zones range from 80 degrees south latitude to 84 degrees north latitude. The horizontal sections are lettered from C to X, omitting I and O so there is no confusing with a one or a zero. Eastings and Northings are coordinates specified in meters, measured from the middle line of a zone for Eastings and from the equator for Northings.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Obtain the zone for the Easting and Northing coordinates that you want to convert.

   • 2

     Enter the zone and the coordinates into a conversion tool (see Resources).

   • 3

     Specify if the coordinates are for the northern hemisphere or for the southern.

   • 4

     Choose either decimal or degrees for your results. Convert.