What system was developed by the federal government to standardize property descriptions?

The Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), was developed by the federal government to create a consistent and standardized way to describe land in the United States. This system uses a grid format, dividing land into townships and sections based on meridians and baselines, which provides a clear and organized method for identifying and selling parcels of land.

The use of townships, which are typically six miles square, and further dividing them into sections of one square mile each, helps ensure that land descriptions are uniform across different regions. This system simplifies land transactions and enhances clarity in legal descriptions, making it easier for surveyors, real estate professionals, and potential buyers to understand the exact location and boundaries of a property.

In contrast, other methods such as the Lot and Block System, often used in urban environments, and Metes and Bounds, which is based on physical landmarks and measurements, do not provide the same level of standardization nationwide that the Rectangular Survey System does. The Parcel Measurement System is not an established term in real estate, further highlighting why the Rectangular Survey System is the most appropriate choice here.