American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of the Public Land Survey System?

1. To create zoning regulations for urban areas

2. To systematically survey land into townships

3. To establish ownership of private properties

4. To manage federal lands for recreational purposes

The correct answer is: To systematically survey land into townships

The primary purpose of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is to systematically survey land into townships. Established in the late 18th century, this system was developed to facilitate the surveying and division of land in the United States, particularly in areas that were acquired through treaties, purchases, or other means. The PLSS divides land into a grid of rectangular parcels, known as townships, which makes it easier for government and land authorities to manage land distribution, ownership, and use. This systematic approach has been essential for the organization of rural and undeveloped areas, as it provides a consistent framework for identifying and describing land parcels. By utilizing a uniform measurement method, the PLSS ensures clarity and consistency in land transactions and helps prevent disputes regarding property boundaries. Other options relate to responsibilities that may overlap with some aspects of land use and management but do not capture the primary focus of the PLSS. For instance, zoning regulations pertain to local land use policies rather than the broad surveying tasks of the PLSS. Establishing ownership of private properties is more about title and deed information rather than the survey itself and managing federal lands for recreational purposes is a more specific function that doesn’t encompass the fundamental surveying intent of the PLSS.