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    How many sections are contained within a standard township as defined by the Rectangular Survey System?

    Last updated: مايو 14, 2025

    English Question

    How many sections are contained within a standard township as defined by the Rectangular Survey System?

    Answer:

    36 sections

    English Options

    • 25 sections

    • 16 sections

    • 64 sections

    • 36 sections

    Course Chapter Information

    Chapter Title:

    Rectangular Survey System: Townships and Sections

    Introduction:

    The Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is a foundation for land identification and description, especially in the United States. It relies on a regular coordinate grid, providing a systematic framework for land division and precise location determination. This chapter focuses on understanding how real estate properties are managed and described, impacting legal, real estate, and engineering practices.

    The scientific importance lies in its organized and repeatable methodology, a practical application of plane geometry and mathematical geography. It embodies the use of reference longitude and latitude lines (Base Line and Principal Meridian) to create a consistent coordinate grid. The system addresses geodetic challenges, such as the convergence of longitude lines, through the introduction of Correction Lines. Studying this system reveals the evolution of surveying practices and their impact on land distribution and development.

    The chapter aims to provide the knowledge and skills to understand and apply the Rectangular Survey System in practical contexts. Upon completion, participants should be able to:

    1. Identify and understand the main components of the Rectangular Survey System, including the Base Line, Principal Meridian, Range Lines, and Tier Lines.
    2. Define and identify Townships and Sections within the Rectangular Survey System and understand the spatial relationships between them.
    3. Describe land accurately using the Rectangular Survey System according to established standards.
    4. Understand how Sections are divided into smaller parts (Partial Sections) and identify these parts.
    5. Recognize the concept of Correction Lines and Government Lots, understanding the reason for them and how to deal with them.
    6. Interpret and understand land descriptions based on the Rectangular Survey System in legal and real estate documents.
    7. Distinguish between the Rectangular Survey System and other land description systems, such as the Lot and Block System.
    Topic: Topic not available
    Body:

    Rectangular Survey System

    The Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Government Land Office (GLO) Survey System, is a method for dividing and locating land, primarily in the United States. It uses a rectangular coordinate network to define locations, facilitating real estate transactions and documentation. The system comprises Townships and Sections.

    Base Line and Principal Meridian

    The Base Line and Principal Meridian form the foundation of the system.

    • Base Line: An east-west line considered the zero line for Tiers.
    • Principal Meridian: A north-south line considered the zero line for Ranges.

    Their intersection establishes a reference point for locating land within a survey area. An example is the "San Bernardino Base Line and Meridian" or "S.B.B. & M".

    Townships

    Townships are units formed by the intersection of Tier Lines and Range Lines.

    1. Tier Lines: Imaginary lines running parallel to the Base Line, 6 miles apart, dividing land into east-west strips called Tiers.
    2. Range Lines: Imaginary lines running parallel to the Principal Meridian, 6 miles apart, dividing land into north-south strips called Ranges.

    3. Township Definition: A square area of 6 miles x 6 miles, formed by the intersection of a Tier and a Range, containing 36 square miles.

      • Area: A = (6 miles) * (6 miles) = 36 miles²
      • Area in square feet: (1 mile = 5280 feet) A = 36 miles² * (5280 feet/mile)² = 1,014,492,160 feet²

    4. Township Naming: Each Township is defined by its distance from the Principal Meridian and Base Line. For example, "Township 1 North, Range 3 East" or "T1N, R3E".

    Example:

    The Township T2S, R4W is located in the second Tier south of the Base Line and the fourth Range west of the Principal Meridian.

    Sections

    Each Township (6 miles x 6 miles) is divided into Sections.

    1. Section Lines: Imaginary lines 1 mile apart within the Township.

    2. Section Definition: Each Township contains 36 Sections, each 1 mile on a side, containing 640 acres.

      • Area: A = (1 mile) * (1 mile) = 1 mile²
      • Area in square feet: (1 mile = 5280 feet) A = 1 mile² * (5280 feet/mile)² = 27,878,400 feet²
      • Area in acres: A = 1 mile² = 640 acres
        3. Section Numbering: Sections are numbered 1 to 36, starting in the northeast corner of the Township and continuing in a serpentine manner, ending with Section 36 in the southeast corner.

    Partial Sections

    Sections can be divided into smaller parts.

    1. Quartering a Section: Sections are divided into four equal quarters: Northwest (NW ¼), Northeast (NE ¼), Southwest (SW ¼), and Southeast (SE ¼), each with an area of 160 acres.

      • Area: A = 640 acres / 4 = 160 acres
        2. Dividing Quarters: Quarters can be further divided into quarters or halves.
        3. Describing Partial Sections: Partial Sections are described by listing the sequence of divisions, smallest to largest. For example, "SW ¼ of NE ¼", with an area of 40 acres.

      • Area of quarter of quarter section: A = 160 acres / 4 = 40 acres

      • Area of half of quarter section: A = 160 acres / 2 = 80 acres

    Adjustments and Government Lots

    Range Lines converge towards the poles due to the Earth's curvature.

    1. Correction Lines (Standard Parallels): Adjustments to Range Lines are made every 24 miles (every fourth Township line) north and south of the Base Line.
    2. Guide Meridians: Adjustments are made every fourth Range Line east and west of the Principal Meridian.
    3. Government Lots: Irregularities due to convergence or other factors are accounted for along the northern and western boundaries of a Township. Quarter Sections along these boundaries may be irregular in size and shape. Irregular parcels can also occur when land borders a body of water. An irregular parcel is known as a Government Lot, identified by a special Government Lot number.

    Describing Land

    Land descriptions use the Rectangular Survey System.

    1. Standard Procedure: Descriptions begin with the smallest division, listing each larger division in sequence.
    2. Basic Information: The Base Line and Principal Meridian are specified.
    3. Example: "The NW ¼ of the SW ¼ of Sec. 33, T6S, R13W, S.B.B. & M".

    Geodetic Survey System

    The U.S. Geological Survey maintains a geodetic survey system and publishes topographic maps (quadrangles). These maps contain Base Lines, Principal Meridians, Section Lines, and topographic features.

    ملخص:

    The "Rectangular Survey System" focuses on defining townships and sections for property location. This system divides land into rectangles, aiding property identification and transfer.

    Key points:

    1. The system uses a Base Line (east-west) and Principal Meridian (north-south). Their intersection is the reference point (e.g., S.B.B. & M).
    2. Land is divided into Tiers (parallel to the Base Line) and Ranges (parallel to the Principal Meridian), spaced six miles apart.
    3. Townships are formed by Tier and Range intersections, are six-mile-sided squares, covering 36 square miles. Townships are identified by their location relative to the Base Line and Principal Meridian (e.g., T1N, R3E).
    4. Each Township is divided into 36 Sections, each a one-mile-sided square, containing 640 acres. Sections are numbered 1-36 in a serpentine pattern, starting in the northeast corner and ending in the southeast corner.
    5. Sections can be divided into smaller parts, like quarters and half-quarters. These are described smallest to largest (e.g., SW 1/4 of NE 1/4).
    6. Range lines converge due to Earth's curvature, requiring adjustments every 24 miles. Adjustment lines are "correction lines" or "standard parallels," and every fourth Range line is a "guide meridian." Quarter sections on the northern and western borders of a township are often irregular due to these adjustments. Irregular land parcels due to water bodies are "Government Lots."
    7. Land descriptions use the Rectangular Survey System by identifying the smallest division first, then each larger division in sequence, ending with the Base Line and Principal Meridian.

    Conclusions:

    • The Rectangular Survey System is an effective land division system.
    • Understanding key terms (Base Line, Principal Meridian, Tiers, Ranges, Townships, Sections) is essential.
    • The system helps in precise property identification and transfer.

    Implications:

    • The system provides a legal framework for property identification, facilitating real estate transactions and reducing disputes.
    • It is widely used in the US, especially in the western and central regions.
    • Understanding the system is crucial for surveyors, appraisers, lawyers, and other real estate professionals.

    Course Information

    Course Name:

    Your Land Area: A Guide to Real Estate Maps and Surveys

    Course Description:

    Embark on an exploratory journey to understand the secrets of maps and land surveys! In this course, we unveil the rectangular survey system, from base lines and principal meridians to the precise subdivisions of sections and quarter sections. Learn how to accurately locate properties using the unique section numbering system and explore how to address corrections in survey lines. Furthermore, discover the metes and bounds system, a common method for describing smaller properties. Join us to empower yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently understand and interpret land survey maps, opening new horizons in the fields of real estate appraisal and urban development.