Understanding Base Lines, Principal Meridians, and Townships: A Key to Navigating PLSS Surveys

When it comes to understanding Public Land Survey System (PLSS) surveys, one crucial aspect is grasping the concept of base lines, principal meridians, and townships. These fundamental elements serve as a foundation for surveying land in the United States.

According to the Bureau of Land Management's resource on Principal Meridians and Base Lines, most PLSS surveys begin at an initial point. From this starting point, townships are surveyed northward. This means that each township is positioned directly above or below its adjacent neighbor, with the base line serving as a reference point for determining their northern boundaries.

The principal meridian plays a vital role in surveying east-west lines. As stated by the Bureau of Land Management, this crucial element controls the orientation of survey lines running parallel to it from east to west. In other words, all townships surveyed east or west of the principal meridian will have corresponding lines that align with its direction.

The base line serves as a north-south reference point for PLSS surveys. As mentioned earlier, each township is surveyed northward from this starting point, providing an organized and systematic approach to dividing land into manageable sections.

To better illustrate how these elements work together, consider the following example: The first township north of the Base Line and east of the Principal Meridian would have a specific set of coordinates that define its boundaries. This township's northern boundary is directly above or below another township, with both being referenced back to their respective base lines.

In conclusion, understanding base lines, principal meridians, and townships is essential for navigating PLSS surveys effectively. By grasping the fundamental principles outlined in this article, you'll be better equipped to comprehend how these elements work together to create a precise system of surveying land in the United States.

Base lines, principal meridians and townships