On a Standard Parallel, which corners are established first and hold their position?

In land surveying, a standard parallel is a line of latitude used in the Public Land Survey System to establish townships. When a survey begins in a new area, certain corners need to be established to create a reference for the grid of land divisions.

Standard corners, which refer to the corners established at specific intervals along a standard parallel, hold a crucial position in the survey framework. These corners are marked first because they provide the foundational reference points from which townships and sections are later defined and measured. They are tied closely to the rectangular grid system and ensure consistency in the layout of the land.

Establishing standard corners initially allows surveyors to maintain accuracy as they extend their measurements across the territory. Once these corners are set and their position confirmed, other corners, such as township corners and section corners, can be derived from them, ensuring that the overall land division remains geometrically sound and aligned with the established mapping framework.

The emphasis on standard corners is key in surveying operations, as they serve as the reliable reference that governs subsequent land measurements and layout.