

The township numbers east or west of the Principal Meridians are designated as ranges whereas, the numbers north and south of the Base Line are tiers. The base lines running north and south are known as “Principal Meridians”, while the east and west base lines are called simply “Base Lines”.

Under this system the lands are divided into “townships,” 6 miles square, which are related to base lines established by the federal government. You can also find guidance for preparing a plan of a staged subdivision in accordance with section 37 of the Subdivision Act 1988 on our plans of subdivision and consolidation page.The system of rectangular surveys was inaugurated in 1785 and the laws governing its establishment have, with various modifications, been applied to all of the United States with the exception of the states listed above.

About preparation of plans of subdivision and consolidationĪ plan of subdivision allows an applicant to divide land into two or more new parcels of land that can be dealt with separately.Ī plan of consolidation allows an applicant to consolidate two or more parcels of land into one parcel.
