What is a Section in Real Estate Land Measurement?
Land measurement might seem complex at first, but I'll break down one of its most basic units - the section. This standardized approach to measuring land has shaped American real estate since the early days of our nation, making property boundaries clear and organized.
Section: A section is a square parcel of land measuring one mile on each side, containing 640 acres, as established by the government's rectangular survey system. It serves as a fundamental unit for dividing and identifying land in the United States, with 36 sections making up one township.
Understanding Land Measurement in Real Estate
Before the United States created standardized land measurements, property boundaries were often unclear, leading to disputes and confusion. The need for a systematic way to divide and sell land became apparent as the nation expanded westward. This led to the creation of the rectangular survey system, which introduced sections as a standard unit of measurement.
The Public Land Survey System (PLSS)
The PLSS started with the Land Ordinance of 1785, creating a structured way to survey and map public lands. This system uses principal meridians and base lines as reference points, forming a grid of townships. Each township contains 36 sections, numbered in a specific pattern starting from the northeast corner.
Breaking Down a Section
A section forms a perfect square, measuring:
5,280 feet on each side
One square mile in total area
640 acres of land
Sections can be divided into smaller parcels:
Half sections = 320 acres
Quarter sections = 160 acres
Quarter-quarter sections = 40 acres
Practical Applications
Sections make property descriptions simple and precise. For example, you might see a legal description reading "NW 1/4 of Section 12, Township 3 North, Range 4 East." This tells us exactly where the property sits within the larger survey grid.
Common Challenges
Not all sections are perfect squares. The Earth's curvature affects survey lines, and natural features like rivers or mountains can create irregular sections. Survey markers, or monuments, help identify section corners, though these can be damaged or lost over time.
Modern Technology and Sections
Modern GPS and GIS systems still use section-based measurements. These tools make it easier to locate property boundaries and create accurate maps, though the basic principle of sections remains unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do sections appear in property descriptions? A: Property descriptions use fractions of sections along with township and range numbers to pinpoint locations.
Q: Why aren't all sections exactly 640 acres? A: Earth's curvature and natural boundaries can create variations in section size.
Q: How can I find my property's section number? A: Check your property deed or contact your county assessor's office for this information.
Related Concepts
While sections are fundamental to land measurement, they work alongside other systems:
Metes and bounds descriptions
Lot and block systems in urban areas
Property surveys
Legal property descriptions
Next Steps
Finding your property's section number helps you understand its exact location and boundaries. Bellhaven Real Estate's team can guide you through property locations and boundaries during your next real estate transaction. Our expertise in land measurement systems helps make your property purchase or sale smooth and accurate.