In surveying, what does the term "range line" refer to?

The term "range line" refers specifically to a vertical line that plays a crucial role in land surveying, particularly in the United States Public Land Survey System (PLSS). This system divides land into townships and sections, with range lines helping to establish a grid for land measurement.

Range lines run north-south and are spaced typically six miles apart, extending vertically from the baseline (the main east-west line). These lines help surveyors delineate property boundaries and organize land parcels into ranges, which are integral for legal descriptions and land ownership records.

This understanding is fundamental for assessors, as it impacts property assessments, zoning, and governmental planning, making knowledge of range lines essential in these contexts.