Principal Meridian in Real Estate
Definition
The Principal Meridian is a key reference line used in the Government Rectangular Survey system, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS). This surveying method involves locating range lines that run north-south and establishing baselines that run east-west to create a grid system for describing land.
The Principal Meridian is a north-south line from which all other range lines in a specific survey originate. These range lines are critical for determining the exact location of a piece of land within a township or range.
Examples
- The Sixth Principal Meridian: Used for surveying lands in parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
- The First Principal Meridian: Serves as a reference for lands in Ohio and Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many Principal Meridians are there in the United States?
A: There are 37 principal meridians in the United States.
Q2: Are Principal Meridians the same everywhere?
A: No, each Principal Meridian is unique to its respective area and provides a distinct grid system for land surveying in that region.
Q3: Why is the Principal Meridian important in land description?
A: The Principal Meridian is essential because it ensures consistency and accuracy in land description, making it easier to identify and manage property boundaries.
Baseline: A line running east-west, used in conjunction with the Principal Meridian to create a grid for land surveying.
Range Lines: North-south lines that are spaced six miles apart and used to define the east and west boundaries of a township.
Township: A unit of land measurement in the PLSS, which is six miles on each side, containing 36 square miles.
Section: A one-square-mile block within a township, used for detailed land description.
Online Resources
References
- “Public Land Survey System,” U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
- “History and Characteristics of the Public Land Survey System,” U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
-
Introduction to the Public Land Survey System (PLSS)
- Author: C.B. Latimer
- Description: An in-depth guide to the history, methodology, and implementation of the PLSS.
-
Manual of Instructions for the Survey of the Public Lands of the United States
- Author: U.S. Department of the Interior
- Description: The definitive manual used by government surveyors.
-
Surveying Fundamentals and Practices
- Author: Jerry Nathanson, Michael Lanzafama, Philip Kissam
- Description: Covers the basics of surveying practices, including the principles behind Principal Meridian.
Real Estate Basics: Principal Meridian Fundamentals Quiz
### What is a Principal Meridian used for in land surveying?
- [x] It is a key reference line for the Government Rectangular Survey system.
- [ ] It divides properties into equal halves.
- [ ] It marks the geographical center of a region.
- [ ] It separates land based on soil type.
> **Explanation:** The Principal Meridian is a fundamental north-south reference line used within the Government Rectangular Survey system to establish range lines and aid in land description.
### How are Principal Meridians related to Baselines in the PLSS?
- [ ] They run parallel to each other.
- [x] Principal Meridians run north-south and Baselines run east-west.
- [ ] They both run east-west.
- [ ] They intersect at multiple points.
> **Explanation:** Principal Meridians run north-south while Baselines run east-west; together, they create a grid system for land surveying.
### What unit of land measurement is directly affected by the establishment of a Principal Meridian and Baseline?
- [ ] Plot
- [ ] Acre
- [x] Township
- [ ] Parcel
> **Explanation:** Townships, which are six miles on each side, are established based on the grid system developed using Principal Meridians and Baselines.
### How many miles apart are Range Lines typically spaced in the PLSS?
- [ ] One mile
- [ ] Three miles
- [x] Six miles
- [ ] Twelve miles
> **Explanation:** Range lines are typically spaced six miles apart in the Public Land Survey System.
### Which Principal Meridian is used for lands in parts of Nebraska and Colorado?
- [ ] First Principal Meridian
- [x] Sixth Principal Meridian
- [ ] Fifth Principal Meridian
- [ ] Tenth Principal Meridian
> **Explanation:** The Sixth Principal Meridian is used for surveying lands in parts of Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
### Why is understanding the Principal Meridian important for land management?
- [x] It ensures the accuracy of property boundaries.
- [ ] It helps in soil testing.
- [ ] It tracks the history of the land.
- [ ] It determines crop suitability.
> **Explanation:** Understanding the Principal Meridian is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of property boundaries and effective land management.
### How many Principal Meridians are present in the United States?
- [ ] 10
- [ ] 25
- [x] 37
- [ ] 50
> **Explanation:** There are 37 principal meridians used for land surveying across the United States.
### What is the east-west line used with the Principal Meridian in the PLSS known as?
- [x] Baseline
- [ ] Equator
- [ ] Latitude
- [ ] Parallel
> **Explanation:** The east-west line used with the Principal Meridian in the Public Land Survey System is known as the Baseline.
### Range lines created based on Principal Meridians help define which type of boundaries?
- [ ] International boundaries
- [ ] State boundaries
- [x] Township boundaries
- [ ] Property tax zones
> **Explanation:** Range lines created based on Principal Meridians are used to define township boundaries in the PLSS.
### What system utilizes Principal Meridians for land description in the United States?
- [x] Public Land Survey System (PLSS)
- [ ] Metes and Bounds System
- [ ] Torrens System
- [ ] Rectangular Planning System (RPS)
> **Explanation:** The Principal Meridians are an integral part of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) used for land description in the U.S.
