What is the length of a standard GLO chain?

The length of a standard Government Land Office (GLO) chain is 66 feet. This measurement is significant in land surveying as it was widely used for measuring distances in surveying practice, particularly in the context of the Public Land Survey System developed in the United States.

The GLO chain, commonly known as a survey chain, is divided into 100 links, each link being 0.66 feet long. Surveyors utilized this tool historically to create the rectangular survey system, which organized land into townships and sections, facilitating the systematic division of public land. The reliance on the 66-foot chain allowed for easy calculation and consistency in the measurement process.

Understanding the specific measurement of GLO chains is crucial for surveyors practicing in Oklahoma and other states that adopted similar methods, as it affects the spatial accuracy and legal aspects of land surveying. Knowledge of this measurement is essential for interpreting historical documents and conducting surveys that adhere to established standards.