Which coordinate system in the USA is measured in feet and has 120 zones following state and county boundaries?

The State Plane Coordinate System is designed specifically for surveying and mapping within individual states, using measurements in feet to provide local precision. This system breaks the United States into several zones that typically align with state and county boundaries, facilitating accurate and detailed regional mapping. Each zone is defined by a unique projection, which reduces distortion over the limited area it covers.

The choice of feet as a unit of measurement is particularly advantageous in the U.S. context, as it aligns with common surveying practices. The existence of approximately 120 zones allows for tailored applications across different areas, accommodating the diverse geographical features found throughout the country.

In contrast, the Universal Transverse Mercator is a global system that provides a uniform metric measurement across a larger scale, while the Geographic Coordinate System relies on latitude and longitude for positioning, not tailoring it to specific state boundaries. Decimal degrees also use latitude and longitude without the zone-specific adjustments that the State Plane system provides. Thus, the State Plane Coordinate System effectively meets the specific needs of local surveyors, making it the appropriate choice in this context.