In the U.S. Government Survey method of land description, what are the rows of townships that run north and south called?

In the U.S. Government Survey method of land description, the rows of townships that run north and south are called Ranges. This terminology is part of the rectangular survey system, which divides land into a grid. Ranges are defined by their distance east or west of a principal meridian, which serves as a reference line from which measurements are taken.

The layout consists of townships, which are six miles by six miles, and they are organized into rows called tiers running east and west, while the ranges run north and south. Each range is numbered consecutively from the principal meridian. Understanding this system is crucial for real estate transactions and land management, as it provides a clear and organized way to identify parcels of land.