What defines a principal meridian in the government survey system?

A principal meridian in the government survey system is defined as a reference line that runs north-south. This is a crucial aspect of the rectangular survey system, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), which is used to delineate land in the United States. Principal meridians serve as the starting points for surveying and mapping land, governing how townships and ranges are organized and identified.

In the context of land surveying, the use of a north-south reference line helps create a grid system that allows for the systematic division of land into sections, enabling easier identification and description of parcels. By establishing a clear vertical axis from which measurements can be taken, the principal meridian plays a vital role in the accuracy and consistency of property demarcation. This aligns with how land is measured and sold in the regions where this survey system is employed, especially in western states.

The other options do not correctly define a principal meridian. The line that runs east-west refers to base lines, which are separate and distinct from principal meridians. Monuments marking property boundaries are physical markers rather than references used within the surveying system. Zoning classifications pertain to land use regulation and do not have a direct connection to the principles of land