RPLS Public Land Survey System (PLSS)

Question 1

What is the basic area unit of land division in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS)?

Accepted Answer

Section (640 acres)

Answer

The section, nominally 640 acres (one square mile), is the basic unit of land division in the PLSS.

Question 2

In a standard PLSS township, where is Section 1 located?

Accepted Answer

Northeast corner

Answer

Section 1 is always located in the northeast corner of the township, with numbering proceeding westward and then snaking southward in a boustrophedon pattern.

Question 3

What is the standard area of a PLSS township?

Accepted Answer

36 square miles

Answer

A standard township measures 6 miles by 6 miles, giving it an area of 36 square miles.

Question 4

From which reference line are PLSS townships measured north and south?

Accepted Answer

Baseline

Answer

Townships are measured north and south from the baseline, an east-west line that intersects the principal meridian.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of standard parallels (correction lines) in the PLSS?

Accepted Answer

To compensate for meridian convergence and Earth's curvature

Answer

Standard parallels are established at intervals (typically every 24 miles) to correct for the convergence of meridians caused by Earth's curvature, keeping township widths consistent.

(RPLS) Registered Professional Land Surveyor Practice Test

(RPLS) Registered Professional Land Surveyor Practice Test

RPLS Public Land Survey System (PLSS)