What Geometric Pattern is the Township and Range System?

The township and range system is a geometric pattern used in the United States to describe land locations. It is based on a grid system, where townships ( rectangular blocks of land) are divided into sections, ranges, and corners. In this article, we will explore how this system works and how it helps us locate specific areas.

The township and range system starts with the largest unit, which is the state or county, and then breaks down into smaller units until you reach the smallest unit, which is a section. The sections are numbered from the top right, or northeast section, then to the left, and down in an 'S' formation. A township can be divided into 36 sections.

Within each section, there are four corners: northwest, southeast, northeast, and southwest. These corners help provide more specific location information by describing the area within a section. The legal description of land begins with the smallest unit (the corner) and ends with the largest unit (the township).

The range is a column of townships set side by side, with squares gridded and numbered according to their position north or south of the base line. The base and meridian lines are similar to latitude and longitude lines, providing a framework for locating specific points.

For example, let's look at the section location T.2S., R.2E., M.D.M., which describes Township 2 South, Range 2 East, and Meridian District of Minnesota. This location would be described as being in the northwest corner of the northwest corner of section 22.

When giving a dispatch report, it's essential to provide exact location information using corners. For instance, if there is a lightning strike labeled 'X' in the figure below, you would tell the dispatcher that the exact location is in the northwest corner of the northwest corner of section 22 of T.2S., R.2E.

In conclusion, the township and range system is a complex geometric pattern used to describe land locations in the United States. By understanding how it works, we can provide accurate and specific location information, which is crucial for various purposes such as emergency response, property ownership, and navigation.

What geometric pattern is the township and range system?