NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

A section within a township is defined as a unit of land that measures one mile square, which is equivalent to 640 acres. This division is part of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) used in the United States to systematically survey and describe land. Each township is typically divided into 36 sections arranged in a six-by-six grid, facilitating easy reference and management of land parcels.

In this context, it is important to recognize that the dimensions of a section are fixed, providing a standard for legal descriptions and land ownership. Understanding this definition is essential for surveyors and anyone involved in land management, as it forms the basis for creating accurate maps and legal descriptions of property boundaries. This knowledge is crucial for effective planning, development, and real estate transactions.