What does the rectangular survey system primarily rely on for mapping land?

The rectangular survey system, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), primarily relies on a grid-based framework determined by latitude and longitude to map land. This system divides lands into a series of squares and rectangles through a set of principal meridians and base lines, which are established based on the Earth’s coordinate system. The use of latitude and longitude ensures that the survey system can provide a consistent and universal basis for defining property boundaries, especially across large geographic areas.

This method allows for comprehensive mapping, ensuring that every parcel of land can be located and referenced accurately using a coordinate system. The approach contrasts with other methods that rely more on physical features or landmarks, which can be less reliable over time or subject to change, thereby making the rectangular survey system a standardized way to track land ownership and usage in the United States.