Understanding Base and Meridian in Land Surveying
Base and meridian lines are essential imaginary lines used by surveyors during the land survey process. These lines are pivotal in the Government Rectangular Survey System, which helps in methodically mapping out land.
The Significance of Base and Meridian Lines
Base Line
The baseline runs east-west and provides a fundamental reference for surveying land into smaller sections.
Meridian Line
The meridian line runs north-south and intersects the baseline to establish coordinates that can describe the land’s exact location.
Primary Use in Surveying Systems
Surveyors typically employ these lines at principal base and meridian points in a region. Here’s an illustrative example for proper understanding:
Government Rectangular Survey System
The Government Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), uses base and meridian lines to subdivide and describe the land. The base and meridian lines become the starting points to drawing lateral and longitudinal lines to create a checkerboard of townships, sections, parallel divisions, and ranges.
Detailing Land Parcels
Every piece of land within a grid can then be described based on its relative position to the baseline and meridian lines. This system thus brings precision to legal land descriptions, especially in real estate and property division matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are base and meridian lines? A: Base and meridian lines are the reference lines surveyors use to map out land. Base lines run east-west, while meridian lines run north-south.
Q2: How are principal base and meridian lines used? A: These lines intersect at key points to create a grid used in land surveying to establish townships and sections accurately.
Q3: What is the Government Rectangular Survey System? A: It is a method of dividing and identifying land using a grid formed from base and meridian lines, making it easier to describe land parcels precisely.
Q4: Why are these lines crucial in land surveying? A: They provide a standardized method for legally describing and accurately mapping land, essential for real estate transactions, property divisions, and governmental records.
Related Terms: Baseline, Meridian, Rectangular Survey System, Land Mapping, Township.
