What are the vertical columns on a land survey called?

The vertical columns on a land survey are referred to as "ranges." In the context of the rectangular survey system, the land is divided into a grid pattern. Each range is a column of townships that is measured east or west of a principal meridian. This system is utilized primarily in the United States for land description and organization, providing a standardized method of identifying tracts of land.

To clarify the context of the other terms: "tiers" refer to the horizontal rows of townships in the survey system, "sections" are smaller subdivisions of townships, typically containing 640 acres or one square mile, and "lots" refer to individual parcels or plots of land. The precise terminology is essential for understanding property descriptions, especially in legal and real estate contexts.