NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

What is the size of a regular township in the PLSS system?

1. 4 miles square

2. 6 miles square

3. 8 miles square

4. 10 miles square

The correct answer is: 6 miles square

In the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), a regular township is defined as a square area measuring 6 miles on each side. This results in a total area of 36 square miles. Townships are established to provide a standardized method for surveying and partitioning land in the United States, particularly in areas that were formerly public lands. The use of a 6-mile square dimensions allows for consistency in land distribution and the establishment of sections within a township, where each township is further subdivided into 36 sections, each measuring 1 mile square. This systematic layout facilitates accurate mapping and navigation, making the 6-mile square township a critical component of land survey practices.