Township and Range: The Key to Unlocking AP Human Geography

In the vast expanse of the United States, every acre of land is precisely plotted on a grid system known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS). This system, established in the early 19th century, divides land into townships and ranges, creating a standardized framework for land management and location. Understanding the intricacies of townships and ranges is essential for any AP Human Geography student.

Townships and Ranges: An Overview

A township is a square, six-mile-by-six-mile (36 square miles) unit of land. It is typically designated by a number from 1 to 36, running north to south. Townships are further subdivided into 36 one-mile-square sections, each containing 640 acres.

Ranges, on the other hand, are vertical strips of land running east to west, parallel to the Prime Meridian. They are numbered consecutively from a base meridian, which is usually a major river or national boundary.

Designating Land Locations

The combination of a township and range number uniquely identifies the location of each parcel of land. For example, Township 6 North, Range 3 East would refer to a specific six-mile-square area.

Within a township, sections are numbered from 1 to 36, starting in the northeast corner and progressing in a northwest-to-southeast order. Thus, Section 16 in the aforementioned township would be located in the geographic center of the grid.

Applications in Human Geography

The township and range system has wide-ranging applications in human geography, including:

• Land Use Planning: Townships and ranges provide a common reference framework for zoning, land use planning, and real estate development.

• Natural Resource Management: The system facilitates the management of forests, grasslands, and other natural resources, ensuring sustainable use and conservation.

  

• Transportation: Major highways and railroads often follow township lines, making it easier to navigate and plan transportation networks.

• Land Surveying: The grid system simplifies land surveying by providing a standardized and accurate base for mapping and boundary determination.

Creative Applications

Beyond its traditional uses, the township and range system can inspire creative applications in human geography:

Chronogeography: By examining the sequence of township and range numbers, researchers can analyze the historical development and migration patterns of human populations.

Geospatial Analysis: The grid system can be used as a geospatial tool to overlay data on land use, population density, or economic activity, creating detailed maps and visualizations.

Land-Based Education: Using the township and range system, educators can engage students in hands-on activities to teach concepts such as spatial reasoning and map interpretation.

Tips and Tricks

• Memorize the Basic System: Understand the six-mile-square nature of townships and the north-south/east-west orientation of ranges.

• Practice Identifying Locations: Use maps and online resources to locate and designate specific sections and townships.

  

• Consider the Historical Context: Remember that the PLSS was established at a specific time in history and may not correspond exactly to current boundaries.

• Use Online Tools: Utilize online mapping services (e.g., Google Earth, ArcGIS) to visualize township and range grids and explore real-world applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the size of a township? A township is six-mile-by-six-mile, or 36 square miles.

2. How many sections are in a township? There are 36 one-mile-square sections in a township.

3. What is the purpose of the PLSS? The PLSS is a standardized system for dividing and locating land in the United States.

4. How are townships and ranges numbered? Townships are numbered north and south of a baseline, while ranges are numbered east and west of a base meridian.

5. What is the significance of Section 16? Section 16 in each township was typically reserved for educational purposes.

6. How can I use townships and ranges in my studies? Townships and ranges can be used for land use planning, natural resource management, transportation planning, and land surveying.

7. Are there any other ways to identify land locations? In addition to townships and ranges, land can also be located using latitude and longitude, metes and bounds, or landmarks.

8. What is the difference between a township and a range? A township is a six-mile-square unit of land that runs north to south, while a range is a vertical strip of land that runs east to west.

Tables

Table 1: Township and Range Identification

Table 2: Land Use Designations in a Township

Table 3: Natural Resource Management in a Range

Table 4: Transportation Network Planning