What is a government rectangular system used for?

The government rectangular system, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is primarily used for describing land locations. This system divides land into a grid of townships and sections, which allows for a standardized method of identifying and conveying property boundaries.

In Louisiana, as in many other states, this method facilitates land transactions, enables accurate property descriptions on deeds and surveys, and aids in the overall administration of land ownership. By providing a clear framework for delineating parcels of land, the rectangular system helps ensure that legal descriptions are precise and universally understood, promoting clarity in real estate activities.

In contrast, while zoning regulations, property tax rates, and building measurements are important aspects of land use and property management, they are not directly related to the specific function of the government rectangular system. Zoning deals with land use policies, property tax rates are usually determined through local assessments, and measuring flooring area is a construction or architectural concern, rather than a means of land description.