What is Rectangular Survey System?
The Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is a method used to describe and divide land in the United States. Introduced by the Land Ordinance of 1785, it established a standardized grid for mapping and selling land, particularly in the Midwest and western states. This system is known for its simplicity, efficiency, and ability to clearly define property boundaries.
How the Rectangular Survey System Works
The Rectangular Survey System divides land into a series of square or rectangular parcels using a grid system based on two key reference lines:
- Principal Meridians: North-south lines used as primary reference points.
- Base Lines: East-west lines intersecting the principal meridians.
From these lines, land is further divided into smaller units:
- Ranges: Strips of land running north-south, numbered based on their distance from the principal meridian.
- Townships: Strips of land running east-west, numbered based on their distance from the base line.
Each township is a square that measures 6 miles by 6 miles (36 square miles) and is divided into 36 sections, each measuring 1 square mile (640 acres). Sections can be further subdivided into halves, quarters, or smaller fractions.
Example of a Rectangular Survey System Description
“The Northwest ¼ of Section 14, Township 3 North, Range 2 East of the Principal Meridian.”
This description translates as:
- A 160-acre parcel (a quarter section).
- Located in Section 14 of a township.
- Situated in the 3rd row (Township 3 North) above the base line.
- In the 2nd column (Range 2 East) east of the principal meridian.
Advantages of the Rectangular Survey System
- Standardization: Provides a uniform approach for describing and dividing land.
- Clarity: Eliminates ambiguity in property boundaries, making it easy to locate and measure parcels.
- Scalability: Allows land to be subdivided into smaller units for precise ownership and development.
Challenges with the Rectangular Survey System
- Irregularities: Land near natural features, state borders, or due to the Earth’s curvature often results in fractional sections.
- Limited Use: The system primarily applies to areas west of the Appalachian Mountains. The older metes and bounds system is still common in eastern states.
Why Metes and Bounds May Be Necessary
While the Rectangular Survey System provides a standardized method for land division, many properties, especially in older states or those with irregular shapes, are best described using the metes and bounds system. This method defines land with measurements (metes) and physical landmarks (bounds), allowing for flexibility when dealing with complex parcels or unique boundaries.
For properties with non-standard shapes or irregular boundaries, BoundaryLogic Trace is an ideal tool for interpreting and visualizing textual legal descriptions. It specializes in converting metes and bounds descriptions into precise digital plots, helping users avoid the challenges of manually mapping complex parcels.
How Trace Enhances Metes and Bounds
Trace focuses on textual legal descriptions that fall outside the capabilities of grid-based systems like PLSS. With its innovative features, Trace:
- Plots Irregular Parcels: Built for metes and bounds, where non-grid parcels dominate.
- Eliminates Manual Errors: Reduces the complexity of plotting boundaries by automating the process.
- Saves Time: Delivers CAD-ready boundary plots in minutes.
Conclusion
While the Rectangular Survey System has standardized land division in many parts of the United States, it does not address every land type or boundary. For irregularly shaped parcels or areas relying on metes and bounds, tools like Trace are invaluable for interpreting complex legal descriptions and supporting accurate plotting.