Meridian

Definition of Meridian

A meridian is a longitudinal reference line that extends from the North Pole to the South Pole, intersecting the equator. All meridians run in a north-south direction and are integral components of global geographic coordinates used to locate positions on the Earth’s surface. In the context of real estate, meridians are crucial for surveyors, particularly when describing and mapping land parcels under the Government Rectangular Survey Method, commonly known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) in the United States.

Examples of Meridians in Real Estate

1. Principal Meridians: In the United States, there are multiple principal meridians used in land surveys. For example, the Fourth Principal Meridian is predominantly used for land descriptions in the states of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
2. Greenwich Meridian: Also known as the Prime Meridian, this is the baseline meridian from which all other longitudinal lines are measured. While it is not typically used directly in property descriptions, it’s vital in global navigation and geospatial technology.
3. Mount Diablo Meridian: Used as a primary reference in land surveys in Northern California and Western Nevada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Purpose of a Meridian in Real Estate?

Meridians provide a standardized reference for accurately describing and surveying land parcels. They help to legally define property boundaries.

How Does a Meridian Differ from a Parallel?

A meridian runs north-south along the earth’s surface, while a parallel, also known as a line of latitude, runs east-west.

Can the Position of a Meridian Change?

No, meridians are fixed geographic lines established based on longitudinal coordinates, and their positions do not change.

What Are Principal Meridians?

Principal meridians are the primary north-south lines used as a reference in the PLSS to create subdivisions of land. Each principal meridian has an associated baseline that runs east-west.

How Are Meridians Used in the Government Rectangular Survey Method?

The PLSS uses meridians and baselines to create a grid of townships and ranges, which aids in the orderly and consistent description of land.

Related Terms with Definitions

• Baseline: An east-west line used as a reference point in the PLSS.
• Township: A 6-mile by 6-mile square area of land defined by meridians and baselines in the PLSS.
• Range: A vertical column of townships in the PLSS grid system.
• Public Land Survey System (PLSS): A method used to subdivide and describe land in the United States based on meridians and baselines.
• Longitude: The geographic coordinate measuring distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Online Resources

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Information on geographic coordinates and mapping.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Resources on the Public Land Survey System and land records.
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): Tools and data for geographic information and land surveys.

References

• “Geographic Information Systems and Science” by Paul A. Longley, Michael F. Goodchild, David J. Maguire, and David W. Rhind.
• “Elements of a Successful Land Survey” by Frank C. Colson.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – Manuals and Guides on The Public Land Survey System.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

• “Surveying and Land Information Systems” by Paul Gay.
• “Introduction to Geospatial Technologies” by Bradley A. Shellito.
• “Land Surveying Simplified” by Hrogate Land Surveyors.
• “Professional Surveyors and Real Property Descriptions: Composition, Construction, and Comprehension” by Stephen V. Estopinal.

Real Estate Basics: Meridian Fundamentals Quiz