A standardized system implemented for land division and property description, it involves creating a grid-like pattern across the landscape. This method relies on principal meridians and base lines as reference points. From these, townships, measuring six miles by six miles, are established. Each township is further divided into 36 sections, each one square mile (640 acres). This system provides a precise and easily understood way to locate and identify specific parcels of land, as exemplified by its extensive use in the American Midwest and West.
Its significance lies in its contribution to organized settlement and efficient land management. It facilitated westward expansion in the United States by providing a clear and equitable method for distributing land to settlers. Its consistent structure simplified land surveys, property ownership documentation, and resource allocation. Furthermore, this method reduced potential boundary disputes and contributed to a more stable real estate market, benefiting both individuals and the overall economy.
