In the rectangular survey system, what is the area of a standard township?
Correct Answer
A) 36 square miles
Why this is correct: A standard township in the rectangular (government) survey system is defined as a square measuring 6 miles on each side. The area is calculated as 6 miles * 6 miles = 36 square miles. Why the other choices are wrong: "160 acres" is the area of a quarter-quarter section. "1 square mile" is the area of a single section. "640 acres" is the area of a single section (1 square mile). Exam tip: Visualize a township as a 6x6 grid of one-square-mile sections.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option A is correct because a standard township in the rectangular survey system measures exactly 6 miles by 6 miles, which mathematically equals 36 square miles. This is a fundamental measurement established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 and remains consistent throughout the PLSS. Each township contains exactly 36 sections, with each section being 1 square mile, confirming the 36 square mile total. This standardization allows for consistent property descriptions and surveying across the United States.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 160 acres
Option B (160 acres) represents a quarter-section, which is a subdivision within a section. This is much smaller than a township and represents only 1/144th of a township's total area.
Option C: 1 square mile
Option C (1 square mile) describes the area of a single section within a township, not the township itself. A township is composed of 36 such sections, making it 36 times larger than this measurement.
Option D: 640 acres
Option D (640 acres) represents the area of one section, not a township. While 640 acres equals 1 square mile, a township contains 36 sections, making the total area 23,040 acres (640 × 36), not 640 acres.
Six-by-Six Township Trick
Remember 'Six Squared for Township' - a township is 6 miles × 6 miles = 36 square miles. Think of a township as a perfect square made of 36 smaller squares (sections), arranged in a 6×6 grid pattern.
How to use: When you see any question about township area, immediately think '6×6=36' and look for 36 square miles as the answer. Visualize a tic-tac-toe board, but instead of 3×3, picture 6×6 squares.
Exam Tip
Always distinguish between the different units in the rectangular survey system: township (36 sq mi), section (1 sq mi = 640 acres), and quarter-section (160 acres). If you see these numbers as answer choices, identify which unit the question is asking about.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Confusing township area (36 sq mi) with section area (1 sq mi)
- -Mixing up acres and square miles in calculations
- -Forgetting that townships are always 6×6 miles regardless of location
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests knowledge of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), also known as the rectangular survey system, which is the primary method used to survey and describe land in much of the United States. The system creates a grid pattern starting from principal meridians and base lines, dividing land into townships and ranges. Understanding the hierarchical structure of this system is crucial for real estate professionals, as it forms the basis for legal property descriptions in 30 states. The township is a key unit in this system, serving as a major subdivision that contains multiple sections.
Background Knowledge
The rectangular survey system was established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 to create an organized method for surveying and selling western territories. The system creates a grid pattern using principal meridians (north-south lines) and base lines (east-west lines) as reference points, from which townships and ranges are measured.
Real-World Application
When appraising rural properties or large tracts of land, appraisers must understand township boundaries to properly identify comparable sales and analyze market areas. Township and range descriptions are essential for legal property descriptions and determining exact locations for appraisal purposes.
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