In the rectangular survey system, what defines a tier?

In the rectangular survey system, a tier is defined by consecutive parallels. This terminology is rooted in the grid system used in land surveying, where land is divided into townships and sections. The parallels refer to lines of latitude that run east to west and are used to designate specific horizontal divisions of land.

Each tier is made up of a series of townships that line up with these parallels, and as you move north or south from a baseline, each tier is numbered sequentially. The proper identification of these tiers is essential for land description and helps in creating a systematic approach for land division and ownership.

Understanding this concept is critical for anyone involved in real estate transactions or land management, as it informs how land is organized and described in legal documents.