U.S. Government Survey System

Definition

The U.S. Government Survey System, more formally known as the Government Rectangular Survey System, is a method initiated by the Land Ordinance of 1785 to systematically survey and divide land in the United States. The system is predominantly used in 30 states, primarily located in the central and western parts of the country. It employs a grid-like layout to create square townships and sections that provide a precise method for legal land descriptions and simplification of land transaction processes.

Examples

Township and Range: A township is a square parcel of land with 6-mile sides and is numbered relative to a principal meridian and a base line. Each township is divided into 36 sections, each one-mile square.
Legal Descriptions: Typical legal descriptions using this system might include notations such as “Section 5, Township 2 North, Range 3 East.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What were the main purposes behind the creation of the Government Rectangular Survey System? A: The main purposes were to provide a systematic method for land division, facilitate clear and organized surveying procedures, and aid in the sale and distribution of public lands.

Q: How are townships further subdivided? A: Each township is divided into 36 sections, each one-mile square and containing 640 acres.

Q: How does the system differ from the Metes and Bounds system? A: The Metes and Bounds system uses natural landmarks for land description, whereas the Government Survey System uses a regular grid of townships and sections.

Q: Are all U.S. states using the Government Rectangular Survey System? A: No, it is predominantly used in the central and western states. The original thirteen colonies and Texas, for example, generally do not use this system.

Principal Meridian: A primary north-south line used for survey control in a large region.
Base Line: An east-west line from which townships are surveyed north and south.
Township Lines: The lines running north to south that are used to define tiers of townships.
Range Lines: The lines running east to west that are used to define tiers of ranges.
Section: A one-mile by one-mile square parcel of land containing 640 acres within a township.

Online Resources

References

Bureau of Land Management. “Public Land Survey System.” BLM.gov.
McEntyre, John G. “Land Surveys: History of the United States Land Survey System.” University Press, 1991.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

Brown, Curtis M. Boundary Control and Legal Principles. Wiley, 2015.
Robillard, Walter G., and Lane J. Bouman. Evidence and Procedures for Boundary Location. John Wiley & Sons, 2013.
Droege, John A. The Public Land Survey System of the United States. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2011.

Real Estate Basics: U.S. Government Survey System Fundamentals Quiz

### What is a principal meridian? - [ ] The primary east-west line used for surveying. - [x] The primary north-south line used for surveying. - [ ] A specific type of land enclosure. - [ ] A standard unit of measure in the survey system. > **Explanation:** A principal meridian is the primary north-south line used as the starting point for land surveys. ### How large is a standard section within the U.S. Government Survey System? - [ ] 5 acres - [ ] 100 acres - [ ] 320 acres - [x] 640 acres > **Explanation:** A standard section in the U.S. Government Survey System is 640 acres, which is a one-mile square. ### Which of these lines run east to west? - [x] Base Line - [ ] Principal Meridian - [ ] Range Line - [ ] Meridian Line > **Explanation:** A base line runs east to west and serves as the starting point for the survey system. ### How many sections make up a township? - [ ] 24 sections - [x] 36 sections - [ ] 50 sections - [ ] 12 sections > **Explanation:** Each township within the Government Rectangular Survey System is divided into 36 sections. ### Which state does not utilize the Government Rectangular Survey System? - [ ] Nevada - [ ] Indiana - [ ] Colorado - [x] Texas > **Explanation:** Texas does not utilize the Government Rectangular Survey System. ### Each township is surveyed in reference to which two controlling lines? - [ ] City limits and a river - [ ] Longitude and Latitude - [x] A principal meridian and a base line - [ ] County limits and major highways > **Explanation:** Each township is surveyed in reference to a principal meridian (north-south) and a base line (east-west). ### What method did the Government Survey System replace that often used natural landmarks for land description? - [ ] Zoning Commission Surveys - [ ] Geodetic Survey Method - [x] Metes and Bounds - [ ] County Surveys > **Explanation:** The Government Survey System replaced the Metes and Bounds method, which used natural landmarks for land description. ### What size tract of land does one township typically cover? - [ ] 6 square miles - [x] 36 square miles - [ ] 12 square miles - [ ] 48 square miles > **Explanation:** One township typically covers 36 square miles. ### What was the Land Ordinance of 1785 primarily established to achieve? - [x] Systematically survey and divide land - [ ] Create local governments - [ ] Cap land prices - [ ] Control immigration > **Explanation:** The Land Ordinance of 1785 was established to systematically survey and divide public land in the United States. ### Range lines in the Government Rectangular Survey System are oriented in which direction? - [x] North to south - [ ] East to west - [ ] Diagonally - [ ] According to boundary features > **Explanation:** Range lines in the Government Rectangular Survey System run north to south.