NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

What is the purpose of Guide Meridians?

1. To mark the boundaries of private property

2. Lines running north-south at 24-mile intervals

3. To delineate sections within a county

4. To guide surveyors in urban planning

The correct answer is: Lines running north-south at 24-mile intervals

Guide meridians serve a specific function in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS). These are lines that run north-south and are established at intervals, typically every 24 miles, to help maintain the organization and layout of land surveys, particularly as one moves away from a principal meridian. The primary purpose of these lines is to minimize the distortion that occurs because of the curvature of the Earth when conducting surveys over large distances. The 24-mile interval is essential in creating a systematic grid across the surveyed territory, ensuring that each area can be accurately referenced and described. This systematic approach aids surveyors in delineating parcels of land and maintaining uniformity within the surveying process. Thus, their role is fundamental in the subdivision of land and in assuring accurate plotting of property boundaries throughout larger and less densely populated areas.