How is the US rectangular grid measured?

The US rectangular grid system, commonly referred to as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is indeed measured by the guidance of meridians and parallels established at specific intervals. This systematic method divides land into one-mile square sections, allowing for efficient property surveys and land distribution. The meridians, which run north-south, and the parallels, running east-west, are set at designated distances, such as 39 kilometers or 24 miles apart. This structured approach provides a clear way of referencing locations and has standardized land measurements across much of the United States.

Other options do not accurately represent the method of measurement for the US rectangular grid. Longitude and latitude are used for geographic coordinates but do not specifically align with the established grid system. State-based coordinates may vary and are not a standard measurement across the entire country. Square miles denote area but do not indicate the specific grid measurement method used in the PLSS design.