Township and Range: A GIS Guide to AP Human Geography
Ever wondered about the grid-like pattern you might have noticed when studying a map of rural North America? This systematic division of land isTile coined the 'township and range' system, and it's a fundamental concept in U.S. human geography. Let's delve into the history, structure, and impact of this intriguing spatial organization.
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The township and range system was introduced in the United States in the late 18th century. As westward expansion increased, the need for an organized approach to surveying and dividing land arose. This system was subsequently written into the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, significantly influencing the geography of the nation. But what exactly does it entail?
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The Basics: Townships and Ranges Explained
At the core of this system lies the six-mile by six-mile square, known as a township. Each township is further divided into 36 rectangles, each one mile square. These rectangles are the ranges, or the range lines, and they run north-south. Thus, each range is precisely one-sixth the width of a township, making it six miles in length.
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The east-west lines that divide these ranges are known as 'section lines'. The areas between them are half-mile by half-mile squares, known as sections. These sections serve as the basic unit of land measurement in the system.
Towns and Sections: The Local Scale
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The term 'township' can be a bit misleading, as it doesn’t necessarily refer to a populated area. Instead, it's a term of convenience for the six-mile square. However, some townships do contain towns or villages, particularly in the Northeast, where many townships predate the establishment of the system.
At the section level, you'll find the most visible manifestations of the town and range system. Many rural roads, for instance, follow these section lines. This has significant implications for local geography and transportation networks. Moreover, it's at this scale that the system's impact on land ownership and distribution becomes apparent.
Principles of Distribution and Numbers
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The array of numbers prefixed to town and range designations refers to their location within the overall public lands survey system. Each township is part of a larger, 24-mile square matrix called a 'principal meridian - base line'. This matrix, originating at the baseline, is divided into a grid of townships, numbered both north and south of the baseline, and east and west of the principal meridian.
For instance, if you own property in 'Township 29 North, Range 14 West' (T29N, R14W), you're referring to a location 29 townships north of the baseline and 14 ranges west of the principal meridian. This arrangement facilitates a systematic, structured approach to land division and surveying.
The Broader Impact: From Local to Continental
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Beyond its effects on local geography and land division, the township and range system has had profound, wide-ranging impacts. It has influenced urban planning and development, as well as the layout of transportation corridors. The regular, grid-like pattern has facilitated the establishment of railroad lines, highways, and other infrastructure networks.
Moreover, the system has helped to standardize land measurements and transactions, providing a common frame of reference and easing data collection. This has been instrumental in various areas, from agriculture to land management to real estate. Yet, there's more to the story...
Challenges: Where the System Meets Reality
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While the township and range system has been quite successful, it's not without its challenges. The system's arbitrariness has led to discrepancies, especially in areas with complex terrain or where older, non-system-based surveys were conducted. In such cases, disputes over boundaries and property lines can arise.
Furthermore, the system's rigid grid has sometimes failed to accommodate natural features or human communities that don't align with its straight lines and right angles. This can result in inefficient land use or disruption of ecological processes. Nevertheless, the system has been remarkably enduring and continues to shape the American landscape.
So, the next time you consult a map of the United States, take a moment to appreciate the subtle patterns that reveal the township and range system's enduring influence. It's a testament to the human ability to organize and make sense of complex, vast spaces, and it has literally reshaped our continent.
