Which type of survey system uses a grid based on principal meridians and baselines?

The Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is characterized by its use of a grid that is defined by principal meridians and baselines. This system divides land into townships and ranges, creating a structured, easily referenced format for land surveying and description. The principal meridians are north-south lines that serve as the reference points for the survey, while the baselines are east-west lines. By overlaying these lines, surveyors can establish a precise system for identifying parcels of land across large areas, which is essential for land sales, ownership, and development.

In contrast, the Metes and Bounds system relies on natural features and landmarks to define property boundaries rather than an organized grid system. Lot and Block systems are typically used in urban areas for subdividing land into smaller plots, and they work off a recorded map rather than a grid of meridians and baselines. Topographic Surveys focus primarily on the detailed features of the land's surface, such as hills, valleys, and contours, rather than establishing a land grid for surveying. The use of a grid based on principal meridians and baselines is specifically distinctive to the Rectangular Survey System, making it the correct choice for