Rectangular Survey System

The Rectangular Survey System

In lecture we talk about the rectangular survey system set up by the Land Ordinance of 1785. This page leads you to some graphics (PDF files) that will illustrate the rectangular survey for you. These are the patterns you see on the landscape when you fly over the plains. They reflect the system of numerical designations by which, if you have the legal description and a good map, you can find any piece of property across North America.

The Township

A township is a square parcel of land 6 miles on each side; it thus comprises 36 square miles, or sections.

The location of a township is given by two numbers. The "Township" number indicates how far north of a surveyed parallel the township is located. (Here at NDSU we are in Township 140 North, or T140N.) The "Range" number indicates how far west of a surveyed meridian the township is located. (Here at NDSU we are in Range 49 West, or R49W.)

Now here's a map of a township under the rectangular survey system.

The Section

A section is a square mile, 1 mile on each side, and so of course there are 36 sections in a township.

The sections in a township are numbered 1 through 36 beginning with "1" in the northeast corner and wending down until reaching "36" in the southeast corner. See the township map above to illustrate this numbering sequence.

A section comprises 640 acres. Within a section you can designate halves (320 acres), quarters (160 acres), 80s, and 40s.

Now here's a map of a section under the rectangular survey system.

Where Are We?

So where are we now? If you are on the NDSU campus, then you are in Section 35, Range 49 West, Township 140 North, or

S35 R49W T140N

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