How are townships and sections located in a rectangular government survey?

Townships and sections in a rectangular government survey are located based on the principal meridian and baseline. This system divides land into a grid, where the principal meridian is a north-south line and the baseline is an east-west line. The intersection of these lines establishes a starting point from which townships and sections are numbered. Each township is typically six miles square and is further divided into 36 sections, each one mile square.

The importance of the principal meridian and baseline lies in their standardization, allowing for consistent and accurate identification and mapping of land across the country. This method provides clarity in land transactions and helps in setting property boundaries, essential for effective governance and land management.