What are North-South lines in the Public Land Survey System known as?

In the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), the North-South lines are referred to as meridians. Meridians are the reference lines used for measuring longitude and define the framework for subdividing land. They run vertically on a map and are crucial for establishing the location of properties and land divisions within the PLSS.

Understanding the context of meridians is essential for navigating and interpreting land surveys and property lines. Each principal meridian serves as a starting point for land surveys, and from these lines, many townships and sections are established. This helps create a standardized system for describing large areas of land in the United States.

In contrast, parallels refer to East-West lines that measure latitude, while townships and sections are subdivisions within the PLSS framework created based on the intersection of meridians and parallels. Therefore, recognizing that the North-South lines specifically designate meridians is fundamental to understanding the land surveying system.