What is the primary purpose of township and range lines in property descriptions?

The primary purpose of township and range lines in property descriptions is to identify the boundaries of sections. This system, utilized in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), divides land into a grid layout. Townships are established as six-mile squares, which are further divided into sections typically measuring one square mile each. By using this organized method, surveyors can clearly delineate property boundaries, making it easier to describe and reference specific parcels of land. This grid system is essential for land registration, ownership transfer, and resolving property disputes, as it provides a standardized way to document and convey land measurements and locations across large areas.

The other options, while related to property measurements, do not encapsulate the primary role of township and range lines. Elevation levels, measuring distances, and defining ownership rights are important concepts in land management and property law but are not directly tied to the primary function of township and range lines as boundary identifiers.