[Fuzz]

So I tried a very simple example, as when I need to do this, my usual workflow is to open mapping software with UTM zones and find out where I am, which takes a couple minutes. Asking ChatGPT would be quick. A UTM zone is a mapping grid, and you need to use the right one for the location you are in.

Spoiler!

What UTM zone is Saigon in?

Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, is located in UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) zone 48N. This UTM zone spans from 102°E to 108°E longitude.

OK, easy enough. Now for a trick question.

What UTM zone is Calgary in

Calgary is located in UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) zone 11U. This UTM zone spans from 114°W to 108°W longitude.

There is a serious error here, but I'll move on for now. The trick is that Calgary actually spans zone 11 and 12. The split is essentially at QE2 once it straightens out north of the city.

What UTM zone is Bowness Alberta in?

Bowness is a neighbourhood in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, which is located in UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) zone 11U. This UTM zone spans from 114°W to 108°W longitude, and covers the entire city of Calgary, including the neighbourhood of Bowness.

Well now it's repeated a previous mistake, but also confidently declared that zone 11 covers the entire city, which is not true.

What UTM zone is Gleichen in?

Gleichen is a hamlet located in the province of Alberta, Canada, which is located in UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) zone 11U. This UTM zone spans from 114°W to 108°W longitude and covers the entire city of Calgary and its surrounding areas, including Gleichen.

Now it is in error, becuase Gleichen is entirely within zone 12. Now, back to that first serious error. UTM Zone 11 is actually 120-114W.

What is the longitude spanned by UTM zone 11N?

UTM zone 11N spans from 120°W to 114°W longitude. This zone covers a large portion of the western coast of North America, including parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Knowing that longitude range, how is Gleichen in UTM zone 11?

I apologize for my previous response. Gleichen is actually located in UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) zone 12U, not in zone 11U. UTM zone 12U spans from 126°W to 120°W longitude, and covers the eastern part of the province of Alberta, Canada, where Gleichen is located.

OK, so it gets the zone correct this time, but the zone spans 114-108W. It did get the zone of Saigon correct. I do wonder if the complications of Calgary confused it. But this just shows, on the first idea I could come up with, that it is not be blindly relied upon, and can confidently spit out incorrect answers.