What is a Quadrangle?
A quadrangle in real estate refers to a square area of land that measures 24 miles on each side and is used within the framework of the Government Rectangular Survey method of land description. This comprehensive surveying system was created to simplify the division and sale of land in the United States. Each quadrangle is subdivided into 16 townships, each of which is 6 miles by 6 miles.
Examples of Quadrangles
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Example 1: If you are buying or selling real estate in the western United States, you might come across a property description like “The SW Quarter of Section 12, Township 3 South, Range 4 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian”, which falls within a larger quadrangle surveyed and mapped out based on the Government Rectangular Survey system.
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Example 2: When working on land development or rural real estate transactions, professionals often refer to quadrangle maps to determine the geographical boundaries and legal descriptions of parcels within each defined township.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Government Rectangular Survey method?
Answer: It is a system initiated by the U.S. government to survey and distribute public land into easily manageable and legally describable units, using baseline and meridian lines to create a grid of quadrangles, townships, and sections.
Q2: How many townships are in a quadrangle?
Answer: A quadrangle contains 16 townships, with each township being 6 miles by 6 miles.
Q3: What are quadrangle maps used for?
Answer: Quadrangle maps are used for a variety of purposes including land ownership records, rural planning, assessment of natural resources, and development of geographical information systems (GIS).
Q4: Is a quadrangle the same as a township?
Answer: No, a quadrangle is a much larger area consisting of 16 townships, while a single township measures 6 miles on each side within a quadrangle.
Q5: Are quadrangles used everywhere?
Answer: The use of quadrangles is specific to regions where the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is applied, primarily in the central and western United States.
Related Terms
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Government Rectangular Survey System (GRSS): A method for surveying and mapping land in the United States, primarily used in the central, southern, and western states.
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Township: A square unit of land consisting of 36 sections (each one mile by one mile), measuring 6 miles on each side.
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Section: A one-square-mile area of land within a township, traditionally containing 640 acres.
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Principal Meridian: A north-south line used as a reference point in the Government Rectangular Survey System from which east-west distances are measured.
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Baseline: An east-west line used as a reference point in the Government Rectangular Survey System from which north-south distances are measured.
Online Resources
- US Geological Survey (USGS): Offers detailed information and mapping tools related to the US governmental land descriptions and quadrangle maps.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Provides resources and historical context about land surveys and the Public Land Survey System.
References
- “Principles of Real Estate Management” by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), ISBN: 9781977400495.
- “The Law of Property Description” by Bernard E. Linderman, ISBN: 9780872152560.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
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“Real Estate Law” by Marian C. Rice and Stephen P. Wilbert ISBN: 978-0324786249. This book provides comprehensive coverage of real estate law, including detailed information on the Public Land Survey System.
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“Modern Real Estate Practice” by Fillmore W. Galaty, Wellington J. Allaway, Robert C. Kyle ISBN: 9781419588413. A fundamental textbook that covers various aspects of real estate, perfect for aspiring professionals.
