What separates townships in a rectangular survey system running north to south?

In the rectangular survey system, which is utilized primarily for land description in the United States, the principal meridians serve as the primary north-south reference lines. These meridians originate from a defined point and extend vertically across the landscape, establishing a framework for the mapping of townships. Each principal meridian is paired with a baseline, which runs east to west, intersecting at right angles to the meridian.

Townships are created by the intersection of these lines, with each township representing a square unit of land. They are further divided into sections. The use of principal meridians is crucial in the organization and identification of land parcels, enabling clarity and uniformity in land transactions and ownership records.

In contrast, range lines, while also part of the grid that helps define land parcels, primarily run parallel to the principal meridians and are used to create vertical divisions of land, which is not what directly separates townships in the context of this question. Understanding this system is fundamental for anyone involved in real estate, land management, or land surveying, as it helps navigate legal descriptions and property boundaries effectively.