Base and Meridian
Base and meridian are fundamental concepts in land surveying within the Government Rectangular Survey System (GRSS). Surveyors use these imaginary lines to reference, locate, and describe land parcels accurately.
Detailed Definition
- Base Line: An east-west line used as a principal reference point in the GRSS. It serves as the starting point for measuring north-south distances.
- Meridian: A north-south line that serves as another primary reference point in the GRSS. It intersects the baseline at a specific point, helping to measure east-west distances.
The point where the base and meridian lines intersect is a critical location known as the “initial point,” and it serves to establish the precise positioning of land parcels in a rectangular format.
Examples
- Mount Diablo Base and Meridian (MDBM): This initial point is used notably to survey lands in California and Nevada.
- Salt Lake Meridian: This surveyed line is primarily used for referencing lands in the state of Utah.
- San Bernardino Base and Meridian (SBBM): This is used mainly for land descriptions in Southern California.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the base and meridian in the Government Rectangular Survey System?
- The base and meridian lines serve as permanent reference points to measure and describe land accurately.
2. How does the rectangular survey system improve land description precision?
- By using a standardized grid of rectangular parcels, the system allows for consistent and precise land measurements, reducing disputes over land boundaries.
3. Are base and meridian lines physical markers?
- No, base and meridian lines are imaginary lines. However, they are often marked by physical monuments placed by surveyors at significant points along these lines.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Township: An area of land defined by the rectangular survey system, generally six miles square, made up of 36 sections.
- Range: The north-south row of townships, counted west or east from a meridian in the rectangular survey system.
- Section: A one-square-mile block of land, part of a township, typically containing 640 acres.
- Principal Meridian: The principal north-south line used as a fundamental guide in the rectangular survey system.
Online Resources
- US Bureau of Land Management: Offers comprehensive details and historical context on the Public Land Survey System.
- National Society of Professional Surveyors: Professional resources and learning materials for surveyors.
- Surveyors Historical Society: Provides a historical perspective and reference materials on surveying practices.
References
- “Principles and Practices of Surveying” by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
- “A History of the Rectangular Survey System” by C. Albert White.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Brown’s Boundary Control and Legal Principles” by Walter G. Robillard, Donald A. Wilson, and Curtis M. Brown.
- “Evidence and Procedures for Boundary Location” by Donald A. Wilson and Curtis M. Brown.
- “Surveying: Theory and Practice” by James M. Anderson and Edward M. Mikhail.
Real Estate Basics: Base and Meridian Fundamentals Quiz
### What is the primary direction of the base line in the Government Rectangular Survey System?
- [x] East-west
- [ ] North-south
- [ ] Northeast-southwest
- [ ] Northwest-southeast
> **Explanation:** The base line runs in an east-west direction and serves as a principal reference point for land surveying.
### What direction does the meridian line run?
- [ ] East-west
- [x] North-south
- [ ] Northwest-southeast
- [ ] Southeast-northwest
> **Explanation:** The meridian line runs north-south and intersects the base line to form the fundamental reference system in land surveying.
### Where do the base and meridian lines intersect?
- [ ] At the property boundary
- [x] At the initial point
- [ ] At the nearest town center
- [ ] At the land division line
> **Explanation:** The intersection of the base and meridian lines is known as the initial point, which is a critical location in the GRSS.
### Which state uses the Mount Diablo Base and Meridian for its land survey system?
- [x] California
- [ ] New York
- [ ] Texas
- [ ] Florida
> **Explanation:** The Mount Diablo Base and Meridian system is notably used for surveying lands in California.
### How is the rectangular survey system beneficial for land descriptions?
- [x] It provides consistent and precise land measurements
- [ ] It always results in perfect land parcels
- [ ] It reduces the value of the land
- [ ] It simplifies the use of ambiguous landmarks
> **Explanation:** The system's standardized grid allows for consistent and precise descriptions, reducing disputes over land boundaries.
### What is a `Township` in the context of the Government Rectangular Survey System?
- [ ] A small community or town
- [x] An area of land generally six miles square
- [ ] A building used for government meetings
- [ ] A large farmstead
> **Explanation:** A Township is typically a six-mile square parcel of land containing 36 sections in the rectangular survey system.
### What size is a `section` within a township?
- [ ] 100 acres
- [ ] 360 acres
- [x] 640 acres
- [ ] 1,200 acres
> **Explanation:** A section is a one-square-mile block of land containing 640 acres.
### What is marked by a principal meridian in the Rectangular Survey System?
- [ ] The division of residential lots
- [x] The key north-south line as a base reference
- [ ] The separation of farms and industrial areas
- [ ] The local governmental boundaries
> **Explanation:** A principal meridian is the key north-south reference line used in land surveying as a base.
### What physical structure is often used to mark significant points along base and meridian lines?
- [x] Monuments
- [ ] Wooden stakes
- [ ] Boundary fences
- [ ] Surveillance cameras
> **Explanation:** Surveyors, often mark significant points along base and meridian lines with physical monuments to indicate accurate reference locations.
### Why is the initial point important in the Government Rectangular Survey System?
- [x] It establishes the origin for measuring all land parcels
- [ ] It serves as a point to divide city blocks
- [ ] It sets the limit for state boundaries
- [ ] It identifies the rival land claim areas
> **Explanation:** The initial point establishes the origin for measuring land parcels, forming the basis of the rectangular survey system.
