What survey system uses perpendicular meridians and baselines to describe real estate?

The rectangular survey system, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), employs a method that involves a grid layout using perpendicular meridians and baselines. This system was developed to aid in the organization of land in the United States, particularly in areas that were surveyed and sold by the government.

In this system, the baseline serves as a reference line running east-west, while meridians run north-south. The intersections of these meridians and baselines create a framework of townships and ranges, facilitating a systematic approach to land division. Each township is typically six miles square and is further divided into sections, which makes it easier for land identification and legal description.

Understanding this method is essential for real estate transactions, as it helps in accurately referencing specific parcels of land, thereby removing ambiguities that may arise in property descriptions. This structured approach to land survey provides clarity and efficiency in managing land ownership and boundaries.