In the Rectangular Survey System, what is the primary reason for the implementation of Correction Lines and Guide Meridians?

Rectilinear Survey System: Areas and Sections

The Rectangular Survey System (RSS), also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is a systematic framework for land division and location, based on a network of orthogonal lines. It is a cornerstone in recording and documenting real estate ownership in large areas of the United States.

The scientific importance of the Rectangular Survey System lies in providing a unified and accurate reference framework for determining the geographic locations of land, reducing ambiguity and potential ownership disputes. This system is characterized by its ability to divide vast areas of land into smaller, more manageable units, facilitating sales, purchases, and real estate development. Furthermore, the system is based on precise mathematical and geometric foundations, ensuring high levels of accuracy and reliability in determining property boundaries.

This chapter aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Rectangular Survey System, from basic concepts to practical applications. The focus will be on defining the different areas and divisions that make up the system, starting from Base Lines and Principal Meridians, through Townships and Sections, to Partial Sections.

The main components of the Rectangular Survey System, including Base Lines, Principal Meridians, Tier Lines, and Range Lines, are to be identified and defined. The division of land into Townships, Sections, and Partial Sections within the Rectangular Survey System will be explained. The numbering system for Townships and Sections, and how to use this system to locate a specific parcel of land, will be interpreted. The concept of Correction Lines and Guide Meridians and their role in addressing distortions resulting from the curvature of the Earth will be clarified. The concept of Government Lots and how to deal with them in the Rectangular Survey System will be understood. The Rectangular Survey System will be applied in describing real property, and understanding how to read and interpret these descriptions. The Geodetic Survey System and its role in providing accurate topographic maps of areas subject to the Rectangular Survey System will be identified.

The Rectangular Survey System is a land division system based on a grid of perpendicular lines.

Base Line: An east-west line that serves as the zero line for latitude.
Principal Meridian: A north-south line that serves as the zero line for longitude.

Each area has its own Base Line and Principal Meridian. For example, the "San Bernardino Base and Meridian" (S.B.B. & M.) serves the San Bernardino area.

Land is divided into squares using parallel lines:

Tiers: Imaginary lines running parallel to the Base Line, typically 6 miles apart, numbered north and south from the Base Line. Indicated by "Tier" followed by number and direction (N or S).
Ranges: Imaginary lines running parallel to the Principal Meridian, typically 6 miles apart, numbered east and west from the Principal Meridian. Indicated by "Range" followed by number and direction (E or W).

The intersection of a Tier and a Range forms a square called a Township, which is 6 miles on each side (36 square miles). Townships are identified by their location relative to the Base Line and Principal Meridian (e.g., "Township 1 North, Range 3 East" or "T1N, R3E").
* Area of a Township: 6 miles * 6 miles = 36 square miles

Each Township is divided into 36 Sections, each 1 mile on each side. Sections are numbered 1 to 36, starting in the northeast corner and proceeding in a snake-like fashion, ending in the southeast corner.
* Area of a Section: 1 mile * 1 mile = 1 square mile = 640 acres

Sections can be further divided into smaller parts, such as quarters or halves (Partial Sections), described from smallest to largest (e.g., "SW 1/4 of NE 1/4").
* Area of partial sections:
* Quarter Section: 640 acres / 4 = 160 acres
* Half Quarter Section: 160 acres / 2 = 80 acres
* Quarter Quarter Section: 160 acres / 4 = 40 acres

Due to the curvature of the earth, adjustments are made to Range lines every 24 miles north and south of the Base Line at Correction Lines (also called Standard Parallels). Every fourth Range line east and west of the Principal Meridian is called a Guide Meridian. Irregular parcels of land that are not a complete Section or Quarter Section are called Government Lots.

Land descriptions using the Rectangular Survey System start with the smallest division and list each larger division in sequence, concluding with the Base Line and Principal Meridian.
* Example: "The Northwest quarter of the Southwest quarter of Section 33, Township 6 South, Range 13 West, San Bernardino Base and Meridian" or "The NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Sec. 33, T6S, R13W, S.B.B. & M.".

The U.S. Geological Survey maintains a geodetic survey system and publishes detailed topographic maps called "Quadrangles." These maps typically contain Base Lines, Principal Meridians, Section lines, and topographic features.

The chapter discusses the Rectangular Survey System, a land division system based on a rectangular grid for identifying and describing land parcels. The system aims to provide a standardized and organized method for land ownership and management. It relies on two main lines: a Base Line (east-west) and a Principal Meridian (north-south). Their intersection is the reference point.

A. Townships:

Land is divided into square Townships, 6 miles by 6 miles (36 square miles). Township location is relative to the Base Line and Principal Meridian. Lines parallel to the Base Line are Tier Lines, defining Tiers (east-west). Lines parallel to the Principal Meridian are Range Lines, defining Ranges (north-south). A Township is described by its Tier number and direction (North/South) from the Base Line, and Range number and direction (East/West) from the Principal Meridian (e.g., T1N, R3E).

B. Sections:

Each Township is divided into 36 Sections, each one mile by one mile (640 acres). Sections are numbered 1-36, starting in the northeast corner of the Township, numbering in a serpentine (snake-like) fashion to Section 36 in the southeast corner.

C. Partial Sections:

Sections can be divided into smaller parts, like Quarter Sections (160 acres each), and Quarter Sections can be divided into quarters or halves. Partial Sections are described by specifying the sequence of divisions, from smallest to largest. Example: "The SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4".

D. Adjustments and Government Lots:

Due to the Earth's curvature, Range Lines converge towards the poles. Adjustments are made to Range Lines every 24 miles (four Tiers) to address this. These Tier Lines are called Correction Lines or Standard Parallels. Every fourth Range Line east and west of the Principal Meridian is a Guide Meridian.

Variations due to convergence or other factors are accounted for along the northern and western boundaries of the Township. Quarter Sections along these boundaries are often irregular in size and shape. Irregular parcels can also occur when land borders water bodies. An irregular piece that isn't a complete Section or Quarter Section is a Government Lot, identified by a specific Government Lot number.

E. Describing Land Using the Rectangular Survey System:

Land description starts with the smallest division and lists each larger division in sequence. The description must reference the Base Line and Principal Meridian. Example: "NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Sec. 33, T6S, R13W, S.B.B. & M.".

Conclusions and Implications:

• Standardization and Facilitation: The system provides a standardized way to describe land, facilitating sales, purchases, and valuation.
• Precise Identification: The system allows precise identification of land parcels, reducing ownership disputes.
• Importance of Base Line and Principal Meridian: The importance of these as reference points is highlighted.
• Adjustments are Necessary: Periodic adjustments are required to account for Earth's curvature.
• Government Lots Compensate for Irregularity: The Government Lot system compensates for irregular land caused by natural features.

The Rectangular Survey System is a vital tool in land management, relying on the division of land into Townships, Sections, and smaller parts in an organized and referenced manner, with necessary adjustments for Earth's curvature. This system has significant impacts on land transactions, ownership identification, and property valuation.