Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

The north-south line designated to facilitate surveying in the Land Ordinance of 1785 is known as:

1. Principal Meridian

2. Base Line

3. Surveying Line

4. Reference Meridian

The correct answer is: Principal Meridian

The Principal Meridian is a key component in the framework of land surveying established by the Land Ordinance of 1785. This ordinance was enacted to promote the orderly surveying and distribution of land in the newly acquired territories of the United States. The Principal Meridian serves as a reference line for establishing land measurements and dividing land into parcels for sale and settlement. Specifically, it runs north-south and is used alongside a Base Line, which runs east-west. Together, these lines create a grid pattern that helps surveyors systematically locate and describe parcels of land. By establishing north-south lines as Principal Meridians and east-west lines as Base Lines, the Land Ordinance ensured consistency and clarity in land surveys, which was crucial for future development and land management. This system remains in use today, exemplifying its importance in real estate and appraisal practices.