by 
The Curious Bag
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Grid maps are means for subdividing any given area. This enables maps of local areas to be easily incorporated into those of large areas. The earth has long been gridded into a map of latitude and longitude coordinates.
Northing and Easting
Typical grid maps are squares subdivided into smaller squares. A datum (grid origin) is usually established in the southwest (lower left) corner of the square, and any point on the grid is measured in Cartesian units as distance north and distance east of the datum.
Flexibility
Grid maps are used because of their flexibility to subdivide geographic areas. For example, a grid map of a neighborhood can be incorporated into a city grid.
Compatibility
Geographic grid maps are continually being standardized. Thus, an area mapped on a grid should be compatible with any other grid map.
Feasibility
Cartographers enjoy mapping with grids, and most mapping is done on a grid system. This enables mapmakers to break a large area into smaller areas that can be feasibly mapped.
UTM Coordinate System
The standard grid map on earth is the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system. Designed in the 1950s, it enables any location on earth to be plotted (in meters) in UTM northing and easting coordinates.
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