The Government Rectangular Survey, also known as the Rectangular Survey System or Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is a method for land division primarily used in the United States. This system divides land into a series of grids to standardize land descriptions and divisions, making the transfer, sale, and management of land more efficient.
Structure of the Rectangular Survey System
The Government Rectangular Survey system relies on a grid-based division created from two main axes:
- Meridian (North-South Line): These are longitudinal lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole.
- Baseline (East-West Line): These are latitudinal lines that run perpendicular to the meridian.
Quadrangles, Townships, and Sections:
- Quadrangles: The district under the survey is divided into quadrangles, each spanning 24 square miles.
- Townships: Each quadrangle is further divided into squares called townships, each measuring 6 miles on each side, thus covering an area of 36 square miles.
- Sections: Each township is segmented into 36 smaller squares called sections, with each section being 1 mile square.
Historical Context and Implementation
The PLSS was initiated by the Land Ordinance of 1785 and has predominantly been used in western states as the U.S. expanded westward. This system was designed to simplify land transactions for the federal government and settlers by providing a clear and concise method of describing parcels of land.
Applications and Comparisons
Applicability
The Rectangular Survey System is crucial for:
- Land Ownership: Simplifies the description and transfer of land.
- Taxation: Assists authorities in land assessment and taxation.
- Development Planning: Facilitates urban planning and development.
- Resource Management: Helps in the management of natural resources and agricultural planning.
Comparisons with Other Land Survey Systems
Unlike the Metes and Bounds system, which uses physical features and measurement descriptions to outline land parcels, the Rectangular Survey provides a more standardized and repeatable method.
Related Terms
- Meridian: A longitudinal line used as a reference in the PLSS.
- Baseline: A latitudinal line used as a reference in the PLSS.
- Township: A six-mile square division of land in the PLSS.
- Section: A one-mile square subdivision within a township.
- Quadrangle: A larger 24-mile square block of land containing multiple townships.
FAQs
Q1: How are townships numbered in the Rectangular Survey System? A: Townships are numbered in a “township and range” format, representing their distance north or south of the baseline and east or west of the principal meridian.
Q2: Are there any other names for the Government Rectangular Survey System? A: Yes, it is also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS).
Q3: Why is the Rectangular Survey System predominantly used in the western states? A: The system was implemented as the U.S. expanded westward, providing a methodical approach to surveying the new lands.
References
- United States Geological Survey (USGS)
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- Land Ordinance of 1785
Summary
The Government Rectangular Survey system is a crucial framework for land division in the United States. Structured around meridians and baselines, it divides land into quadrangles, townships, and sections, supporting efficient land management and transactions. Its historical implementation and continued use in western states underscore its significance in real estate, taxation, and urban planning. By standardizing land descriptions, the Rectangular Survey System simplifies numerous processes essential to land administration and development.
