NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

What is the significance of the Land Ordinance Act?

1. It established local zoning laws

2. It was the first public land survey conducted under it

3. It provided funding for land acquisition

4. It regulated the sale of timber lands

The correct answer is: It was the first public land survey conducted under it

The Land Ordinance Act of 1785 is significant primarily because it established a systematic method for surveying and dividing the land in the United States, especially in the areas west of the Appalachian Mountains. This Act laid the groundwork for future expansion and development, as it outlined a process for the sale and distribution of public lands. The Act introduced a rectangular survey system, which divided land into townships and sections, making it easier for individuals and the government to buy, sell, and manage parcels of land. This organized approach to land surveying was crucial for the orderly settlement of the western territories and played a vital role in American westward expansion. While the other options touch on aspects of land management and regulation, they do not capture the primary essence of the Land Ordinance Act. Establishing a structured public land survey was a foundational step in the management of land in the United States, directly influencing land ownership and settlement patterns.