Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

What is the designation of an east-west line in the Land Ordinance of 1785?

1. Principal Meridian

2. Base Line

3. Longitude Line

4. Latitude Line

The correct answer is: Base Line

The designation of an east-west line in the Land Ordinance of 1785 is known as a Base Line. In this system, Base Lines are crucial for establishing a grid for land surveys across the United States. They are used in conjunction with Principal Meridians, which run north-south. The Base Line serves as a reference point from which townships and sections are measured, facilitating the systematic division of land for sale and settlement. The Land Ordinance of 1785 aimed to promote orderly settlement and land distribution, leading to the organization of land into townships that measure six miles square. Each township is further divided into sections, with the Base Line being a foundational part of this grid system. This is essential for understanding property boundaries and the spatial organization of land in many states. Other designations such as Principal Meridian relate to north-south lines, while longitude and latitude lines are terms from navigation and geography, not specific to the land surveying context of the Ordinance. Understanding the role of Base Lines helps in grasping the fundamentals of land surveying and property appraisal methodologies.