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Notes on UTM Projection

Customer Question: I have some tabular data which has UTM coordinates, but the data extends across several UTM zones (in one case from zone 7 to 11). How can I make the  data from one zone fit into one from another zone. Is it simply adding 100,000m to the succeeding zones or is it somewhat more complicated. I have seen some maps where two different zone (?) matched up at different angles (although not in this area). 

Answer:

Well, what you should do depends on what are you trying to get.

If you're trying to project objects lying in different zones using the parameters of a single zone, just use the Projections dialog. The projection error will increase with increasing offset from the central meridian but you'll still be able to use five or six zone maps and the display will appear to be correct for even wider maps. See screenshots 1 and 2 for illustrations.

	Shot 1
	Shot 2
	Shot 3
	Shot 4
	Shot 5
	Shot 6
	Shot 7

If you're trying to produce a piece map of the sort often seen in atlases (screenshot 7) follow these steps:

1. Divide objects into separate maps so that there's one zone per map (screenshot 1 shows zone7, zone9 and zone11).

2. Project objects from one of the zones (screenshot 3) using default settings for easting and northing.

3. Compute offsets to apply to the other zones in meters as a multiple of 668222 meters (we figured out this factor as shown on screenshot 4 - see "hand-made calculations").

4. Project the other maps using the computed offsets as easting (screenshots 5 and 6).

5. Bring all maps together within the same workspace (InsertMap) or within the same map (MergeData). This will provide you with a piece map (screenshot 7).

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