The Benefits of the Rectangular Survey System

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 149 views

The Legal Description of Land: Understanding the Basics

When it comes to describing land, there are several methods used to identify and define property boundaries. In the United States, one of the most common methods is the rectangular survey system, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS). This system uses a grid-like pattern of townships, ranges, and sections to divide the land into manageable parcels. But what exactly is the rectangular survey system, and how does it differ from other methods of land description?

What is the Rectangular Survey System?

The rectangular survey system is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of townships, ranges, and sections to divide the land into manageable parcels. This system was established by the U.S. government in the early 19th century to facilitate the sale and distribution of public lands. The system is based on a series of meridians and baselines that intersect to form a grid of squares, each measuring one square mile.

How Does the Rectangular Survey System Work?

The rectangular survey system is based on a series of meridians and baselines that intersect to form a grid of squares, each measuring one square mile. The system is divided into six main sections:

Townships: A township is a square area of land that measures six miles by six miles. Townships are further divided into 36 sections.
Ranges: A range is a series of townships that run east-west. Ranges are numbered from north to south.
Sections: A section is a square area of land that measures one mile by one mile. Sections are further divided into 640 acres.
Meridians: A meridian is an imaginary line that runs north-south through the center of a township.
Baselines: A baseline is an imaginary line that runs east-west through the center of a township.

How Does the Rectangular Survey System Differ from Other Methods of Land Description?

The rectangular survey system differs from other methods of land description in several ways. For example:

Metes and Bounds: Metes and bounds is a method of land description that uses a series of measurements and directions to define property boundaries. This method is often used in older areas of the country where the rectangular survey system has not been established.
Lot and Block: Lot and block is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of lots and blocks to divide the land into manageable parcels. This method is often used in urban areas where the rectangular survey system is not applicable.
Township: Township is a method of land description that uses a square area of land that measures six miles by six miles. This method is often used in rural areas where the rectangular survey system is not applicable.

The Benefits of the Rectangular Survey System

The rectangular survey system has several benefits, including:

Efficient land use: The rectangular survey system allows for efficient land use by dividing the land into manageable parcels.
Easy to navigate: The rectangular survey system is easy to navigate, making it simple to locate property boundaries.
Accurate land description: The rectangular survey system provides an accurate land description, making it easy to identify property boundaries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rectangular survey system is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of townships, ranges, and sections to divide the land into manageable parcels. This system is based on a series of meridians and baselines that intersect to form a grid of squares, each measuring one square mile. The rectangular survey system differs from other methods of land description in several ways, including metes and bounds, lot and block, and township. The benefits of the rectangular survey system include efficient land use, easy navigation, and accurate land description.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rectangular survey system? The rectangular survey system is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of townships, ranges, and sections to divide the land into manageable parcels.
How does the rectangular survey system work? The rectangular survey system is based on a series of meridians and baselines that intersect to form a grid of squares, each measuring one square mile.
What are the benefits of the rectangular survey system? The benefits of the rectangular survey system include efficient land use, easy navigation, and accurate land description.

References

Public Land Survey System (PLSS): The Public Land Survey System is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of townships, ranges, and sections to divide the land into manageable parcels.
Metes and Bounds: Metes and bounds is a method of land description that uses a series of measurements and directions to define property boundaries.
Lot and Block: Lot and block is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of lots and blocks to divide the land into manageable parcels.
Township: Township is a method of land description that uses a square area of land that measures six miles by six miles.
The Rectangular Survey System: A Q&A Guide

The rectangular survey system is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of townships, ranges, and sections to divide the land into manageable parcels. This system is based on a series of meridians and baselines that intersect to form a grid of squares, each measuring one square mile. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the rectangular survey system.

Q: What is the rectangular survey system?

A: The rectangular survey system is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of townships, ranges, and sections to divide the land into manageable parcels.

Q: How does the rectangular survey system work?

A: The rectangular survey system is based on a series of meridians and baselines that intersect to form a grid of squares, each measuring one square mile. The system is divided into six main sections: townships, ranges, sections, meridians, and baselines.

Q: What is a township?

A: A township is a square area of land that measures six miles by six miles. Townships are further divided into 36 sections.

Q: What is a range?

A: A range is a series of townships that run east-west. Ranges are numbered from north to south.

Q: What is a section?

A: A section is a square area of land that measures one mile by one mile. Sections are further divided into 640 acres.

Q: What is a meridian?

A: A meridian is an imaginary line that runs north-south through the center of a township.

Q: What is a baseline?

A: A baseline is an imaginary line that runs east-west through the center of a township.

Q: How does the rectangular survey system differ from other methods of land description?

A: The rectangular survey system differs from other methods of land description in several ways. For example, metes and bounds is a method of land description that uses a series of measurements and directions to define property boundaries. Lot and block is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of lots and blocks to divide the land into manageable parcels. Township is a method of land description that uses a square area of land that measures six miles by six miles.

Q: What are the benefits of the rectangular survey system?

A: The benefits of the rectangular survey system include efficient land use, easy navigation, and accurate land description.

Q: How is the rectangular survey system used in real estate?

A: The rectangular survey system is used in real estate to identify and describe property boundaries. It is also used to determine the size and location of properties.

Q: Can I use the rectangular survey system to find my property?

A: Yes, you can use the rectangular survey system to find your property. You can use a map or a GPS device to locate your property based on its township, range, and section numbers.

Q: How do I find my property's township, range, and section numbers?

A: You can find your property's township, range, and section numbers on a map or by contacting your local county assessor's office.

Q: What if I have a question about the rectangular survey system?

A: If you have a question about the rectangular survey system, you can contact your local county assessor's office or a real estate professional for assistance.

Conclusion

The rectangular survey system is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of townships, ranges, and sections to divide the land into manageable parcels. This system is based on a series of meridians and baselines that intersect to form a grid of squares, each measuring one square mile. We hope this Q&A guide has helped you understand the rectangular survey system and how it is used in real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rectangular survey system? The rectangular survey system is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of townships, ranges, and sections to divide the land into manageable parcels.
How does the rectangular survey system work? The rectangular survey system is based on a series of meridians and baselines that intersect to form a grid of squares, each measuring one square mile.
What are the benefits of the rectangular survey system? The benefits of the rectangular survey system include efficient land use, easy navigation, and accurate land description.

References

Public Land Survey System (PLSS): The Public Land Survey System is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of townships, ranges, and sections to divide the land into manageable parcels.
Metes and Bounds: Metes and bounds is a method of land description that uses a series of measurements and directions to define property boundaries.
Lot and Block: Lot and block is a method of land description that uses a grid-like pattern of lots and blocks to divide the land into manageable parcels.
Township: Township is a method of land description that uses a square area of land that measures six miles by six miles.