What measurement system uses a grid from the intersection of a baseline and a principal meridian?

The rectangular survey system, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), utilizes a grid based on the intersection of a baseline, which runs east-west, and a principal meridian, which runs north-south. This method divides land into squares, forming townships and sections that provide a clear and organized way to describe and allocate land. The systemic organization of the rectangular survey allows for efficient mapping and land division, facilitating land sales and ownership documentation across vast areas, especially in the western United States.

In contrast, other systems such as the lot and block method is primarily based on recorded plats and is typically used in urban planning. The metes and bounds method relies on physical features and angles to define the boundaries of parcels of land, which can vary widely in description and does not follow a grid pattern. The surveyor's grid is not an officially recognized measurement system but rather a general concept that may refer to various surveying methods. Therefore, the rectangular survey stands out for its structured grid system based on established baselines and meridians.