So, you can refer to the south (S) 1/2 of the northwest (NW) 1/4 of a section in a township, for example. The Metes and bounds system dates back centuries to the original 13 colonies, while the rectangular survey method was established in 1785 and used in all 36 states formed after that point. The Rectangular Survey System is a grid system of townships and sections that is used to divide the land into manageable units. There are several advantages of the rectangular land survey system. Metes & Bounds System in Real Estate | Metes & Bounds Survey Examples & Legal Description. All rights reserved. The following is a list of helpful terms: Correction lines and guide meridians were established to correct this problem in the government survey system. The second row down continues being numbered west to east or left to right. (This description refers to a 10-acre parcel of land. Correction lines occur at every fourth township line or every 24 miles north and south of the baseline. These divisions mean just that. The Rectangular Survey System can be thought of as a grid that covers the U.S. The strips of land they form are known as township tiers. The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is the surveying method developed and used in the United States to plat, or divide, real property for sale and settling.Also known as the Rectangular Survey System, it was created by the Land Ordinance of 1785.. Running east to west every six miles between the baselines are the township lines. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. We know that there are 640 acres in one section, and we are taking a 1/4 of a 1/2 section. When identifying property locations, you will always reference which principal meridian it is located near. Guide meridians run north to south, parallel with principal meridians. Livable, Rentable & Usable Area: Definition & Examples. The area includes sections (1 mile on each side), townships (6 miles on each side), and quadrangles (24 miles on each side). The largest grid comprises of two types of lines, principal meridians, and baselines. Easement Appurtenant Features & Examples | What is an Easement in Real Estate? The principal meridians are not located in equal distances from one another. Ian is a 3D printing and digital design entrepreneur with over five years of professional experience. According to historian Matthew Dennis, this rectangular survey system allowed the leaders of the young government to apply their "nationalistic, scientific, and engineering mentality in transforming the continental landscape of North America, reconceptualizing its space, subduing and organizing it, and distributing it to white yeoman farmers in The boundary of each township is 6 miles long, so a township contains 36 square miles and is described as being 6 miles square. Since townships are six miles north to south and six miles east to west, each township is 36 square miles. An area bounded on two sides by guide meridians and on the other two sides by correction lines is called a government check, check, or quadrangle, which is 24 miles square, meaning each of its boundaries is 24 miles long. You may have math questions on your real estate licensing exam related to this concept. Dummies has always stood for taking on complex concepts and making them easy to understand. The township is the basic unit of measurement in the rectangular survey system. Join over 10,000 subscribers and pass your exam today! Section 1 within any township is always located at the upper right or northeast corner of the township. Base lines Principal meridians, baselines, and where they intersect (cross each other) are used as the basis for formulating property descriptions in this system. The fifth township south of the baseline and fourth to the west of the principal meridian would be identified as Missouri, Fifth Principal Meridian, Township 5 South, Range 4 West, or Missouri, Fifth Principal Meridian, T5S, R4W. Township lines, which run east and west, parallel to baselines, are horizontal parallel lines that form township tiers.\r\n\r\nThink about two lines running from left to right across this page about an inch apart. Jeff Davis with American Realty Academy, covering the infamous Government Rectangular Survey. Principal meridians run perpendicular to the earths equator, north to south. Originally proposed by Thomas Jefferson, the PLSS began shortly after the Revolutionary War, when the Federal government became responsible for large areas west of the thirteen original colonies. 6 b/c each township is divided in 36 sections, each section is 1 sq mile; 36/6 = 6 in each row. The Rectangular Survey System is a means of dividing and measuring large areas of land. Simply multiply 640 by or 0.25, which equals 160, then multiply 160 by 1/2 or 0.5, which equals 80. The numbering changes directions in the third tier from right to left. [/caption]\r\n\r\nA full rectangular survey system property description might read:\r\n
The SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 6, Township 4 South, Range 5, East of the Third Principal Meridian. Using principal meridians and baselines as points of reference, land areas are divided by two kinds of lines, township lines and range lines. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Sign up for the newsletter to get exclusive real estate exam tips that I don't share anywhere else. ","description":"The rectangular survey system, often referred to as the government survey system, is based on a system of lines that form rectangles and squares throughout the United States. Whenever properties have irregular boundaries, the land may be further described using one of the two other systems described in this section. Were not done yet. This indicates that the property is between the baseline and the first township line to the north and between the first and second range lines to the east of the fifth principal meridian. Land is designated as either a base line (East-West) or principal meridian line (North-South). There may also be questions about how much land is in a specific plot or section. Using the Fifth Principal Meridian in Missouri, the description would look like this: The W 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Section 14, Township 2 South, Range 3 West of the Fifth Principal Meridian, Missouri. Standard parallels run east to west along with the baseline. Every fourth township line is called a correction line, and every fourth range line is called a guide meridian. The rectangular survey system is based on principal meridians and base lines determined by precise scientific measurements. as starting points. For example, you would say, it is in township 3 north, range 5 east, to identify a property. Baselines run parallel to the earths equator, from east to west. The Rectangular Survey System is a method of surveying designed to divide the real property into specified plots. You need to know what these lines are called and how they intersect for your real estate license exam. How Do You Use the Rectangular Survey System? The second set of lines are called baselines and run east and west. (The figure below shows a variety of divisions in a quarter section.). Halves are 320 acres, and quarters are each 160 acres. Only about half of the state in the U.S. use the rectangular survey system. Just imagine you are to layout an area of land based on the geography, the meets, and bound system will show you the visible marks of the land. There may also be questions about how much land is in a specific plot or section. The Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Government Survey System or Public Land Survey System, is a method of plotting land boundaries in the United States using a large grid made up of rectangles. Range lines are equally located six miles apart, and the columns of land they create are known as ranges. Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Different Types of Estates in Real Estate, Legal Description of Property: Definition, Importance & Example, What is a Land Survey? Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. The area created by the intersection of a township line and a range line is a township. Additionally, the terms used in the Rectangular Survey System can have different meanings under other systems of measurement and governmental designations. The following table indicates some distance and area conversions in the PLSS: The states that use the rectangular survey system are:Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, and Florida. In reality, because of this earth curvature issue, many sections and townships vary from their exact area measurements. The rectangular survey system, often referred to as the government survey system, is based on a system of lines that form rectangles and squares throughout the. The range lines run north and south parallel to the principal meridians. It made sense since it was centrally located. | 16 by six miles square (for a total area of 36 square miles or 23,040 acres). Actual Notice in Real Estate: Types & Examples | What is Actual Notice? Attachments & Severance in Real Estate: Definitions, Examples & Laws. The range lines run north and south parallel to the principal meridians. Section 16 is located directly in the center of the section and historically was always designated as the school section. Because the rectangular or government survey system was instituted when the United States was a new country, it was used to describe most of the land west of the original 13 colonies, so most of you are likely to see some questions about this system.\r\n\r\nLongitude and latitude are imaginary lines that divide the earth through the north and south poles (longitude) and run parallel with the equator (latitude). The grid is divided into smaller sections known as quadrangles, townships, sections, half-sections, and quarter-sections used to describe property boundaries in most of the United States. The survey system essentially functions the same way. He is also a real estate investor, board gamer and homebrewer. You may even see a question or two about the numbering system used for sections. It is primarily used throughout the United States with the exception of the thirteen colonies, which was surveyed by the metes and bound method . In the survey method, there has to be the creation of an initial point. In other words, after section number 6, it drops down to 7 on the next tier then goes left to right to number 12. The range lines run north and south parallel to the principal meridians. Guide meridians run north to south, parallel with principal meridians. A system established in 1785 by the federal government, providing for surveying and describing land by reference to principal meridians. The rectangular survey system is the method of forming specific plots, used commonly in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) in America. The township is the basic unit of measurement in the rectangular survey system. ( the major vertical line) -37 in the U.S. Base Line The horizontal line ( the major one) Ranges There are two separate and distinct systems of land surveys in the United States: System of metes and bounds in which each parcel of land is . 276 lessons Definition of "Government rectangular survey". He decided to install sewer and underground electric for the entire subdivision, because he thinks that he will easily recoup his initial infrastructure investment. It will serve as the basis for surveys of government in a specified area under its jurisdiction. The numbering then moves from right to left across that first upper tier. Furthermore, how well individual surveying parties actually met the requirements or recommendations at the time, also varied. We know that there are 640 acres in one section, and we are taking a 1/4 of a 1/2 section. For instance, a quarter section always contains 160 acres, or a fourth of the total 640 acres in a section. Where a baseline meets a principal meridian is called a point of origin. 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The area created by the intersection of a township line and a range line is a township. The first is the Metes and Bounds surveythe second is the Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Government Survey System or Public Lands Survey System. are further subdivided into 36 one-mile-square, (each section is one square mile or 640 acres), then into quarter sections, quarter-quarter sections, or irregular, Beginning at an initial point, townships are surveyed in all directions. That could be further divided into quarters, such as the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 18 of a township would be 40 acres. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 Principal meridians, baselines, and where they intersect (cross each other) are used as the basis for formulating property descriptions in this system. A government check represents an area that measures 576 square miles. Types of Tenancy in Real Estate | Overview, Leases & Examples, Lien Theory State vs. The lines are spaced 24 miles apart, creating squares that are around 576 square miles. The Rectangular Survey System is the basis for the PLSS and is used to survey all public lands in the United States. School University of Minnesota, Duluth; Course Title MARKETING MISC; Uploaded By MajorTarsierMaster692. Sections can be further subdivided into quarter sections, quarter-quarter sections, or irregular government lots. Dummies helps everyone be more knowledgeable and confident in applying what they know. Then the numbering drops down to 13 and goes right to left again and so forth:

\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_274749\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"532\"]\"townships\" Townships are divided into 36 sections numbered consecutively. This is not merely the address of the property but is a legal description. Townships have an area of 36 square miles, more or less, and are each further divided into 36 sections.\r\n \t
  • Sections: The divisions of a township, sections, are one mile square and have an area of one square mile, or 640 acres. All lands in the public domain are subject to subdivision by this rectangular system of surveys. As the United States grew from its original 13 colonies, a system was needed to identify who owned what land. The numbering continues directly beneath the sixth section, except that it progresses from left to right on the second tier. To learn more about these land descriptions, view our Real Estate Principles course, which provides information on ethics of practice, titles to and conveyance of real estate, deeds encumbrances and liens, distinctions between personal and real property, appraisal, finance and regulations, and more. The boundary of each township is 6 miles long, so a township contains 36 square miles and is described as being 6 miles square. The implementation of the system begins with the identification of the reference lines: the east-west line called the Base Line and the north-south line is also known for the name principal meridian. What Is Chattel in Real Estate and Property? For example, a piece of land could be identified as the southeast quarter of section 18 of a township, which would be 160 acres. Sections can be further divided into halves and quarters. Each township is further divided into 36 sections of one square mile each, or 640 acres, by horizontal and vertical section lines. It is sometimes referred to as the recorded plat survey system, or the recorded map survey system. Youre likely to see at least a few questions on the real estate license exams on calculating the area of part of a section, and youll also see questions about terminology and some of the measurements that the rectangular survey system uses. (This description refers to a 10-acre parcel of land. This point will be the basis for all government surveys in the area it controls, and its latitude and longitude are fixed by astronomical observations. The Rectangular Survey Method established a standard measurement and origin point for all properties to follow using a grid system. However, rivers can be moved, and trees can die, so as you can see, this method is wildly inaccurate over time. He teaches pre-licensing and continuing education courses for salespeople, brokers, and appraisers. In other words, after section number 6, it drops down to 7 on the next tier then goes left to right to number 12. Dont Miss: American Government A Brief Introduction. The three legal real estate land descriptions are important information that all real estate agents and brokers must understand to pass their real estate exam and receive their license. Way in which the U.S. government uses to subdivide public land. It is also known as the rectangular survey system and geodetic survey system. Using principal meridians and baselines as points of reference, land areas are divided by two kinds of lines, township lines and range lines. The coordinates are then used to create a legal description for the property. . There is more than one type of legal description you must know for your exam. Land Description Government Rectangular Survey For 2019 | Real Estate Exam Prep. For example, a piece of property that is located one township north of a baseline and two townships east of the fifth principal meridian in the state of Missouri would be identified as Missouri, Fifth Principal Meridian, Township 1 North, Range 2 East. A system of fractional sections and government lots are parts of standard practice to account for these discrepancies. These divisions mean just that. Sections are numbered from the northeast (top right) corner, running first horizontally to the west and then down and back to the east in a serpentine pattern. The lot and block survey system is a method used in the United States and Canada to locate and identify land, particularly for lots in densely populated metropolitan areas, suburban areas, and exurbs. You can think of this system as a gigantic checkerboard, as it has a bunch of intersecting lines that form squares into a grid. Previous to the Public Land Survey System, land was surveyed using a confusing landmark-based system called metes and bounds. Dont Miss: Can The Government Help Me With Rent. For example, how many acres are there if you take the North East of the South 1/2 of section 3 in township 8 North and range 5 west? Township lines, which run east and west, parallel to baselines, are horizontal parallel lines that form township tiers. Doing the math, its 1/2 1/4 640 = 80 acres. The rectangular survey system was enacted by the Land Ordinance Act of 1785. Principal meridians, baselines, and where they intersect (cross each other) are used as the basis for formulating property descriptions in this system. I feel like its a lifeline. We have Quarter sections, Half sections, township sections, townships, quadrangles, and principal meridians with baselines. The Surveyor General was later merged with the General Land Office, which later became a part of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management . 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However, the system calculations also have to be adjusted somewhat to account for the curvature of the earth, which required the addition of Guide Meridians and Standard Parallels. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The grid is further divided by lines that run parallel to and between the principal meridian lines, called range lines, and lines that run parallel to and between the baselines, called township lines. That means it is 3 townships north of the baseline and 5 townships east of the principal meridian. They are the starting points for describing a propertys boundaries. The townships are consecutively numbered by their location within the intersection of multiple range lines and township lines. What Is the Rectangular Survey System Used For? )

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    Figuring out the size of a piece of property, which sometimes is called a parcel, is simple, if you keep in mind that youre always dealing with a section of 640 acres. It can be a quick and relatively straightforward way of dividing large areas of land into manageable, legally identifiable sections from the very large to the fairly small. The grid is divided into smaller sections known as quadrangles, townships, sections, half-sections, and quarter-sections, used to describe property boundaries in most of the United States. Because the rectangular or government survey system was instituted when the United States was a new country, it was used to describe most of the land west of the original 13 colonies, so most of you are likely to see some questions about this system.\r\n\r\nLongitude and latitude are imaginary lines that divide the earth through the north and south poles (longitude) and run parallel with the equator (latitude). Tenancy at Will Laws & Examples | What is an Estate at Will? Quadrangles have an area of 576 square miles, more or less, and are divided into 16 townships.

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  • Townships: The divisions of a quadrangle, townships, are six miles square (six miles on each side) and are delineated by township lines.
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