Principal Meridian and Base Line

Surveying begins with a main reference point located near the center of the area being surveyed. This point is where two important lines intersect:A principal meridian, which runs north and southA base line, which runs east and westThese two lines form the starting point for all measurements in that area. Across the United States, 36 principal meridians and base lines were created and named.In Florida, surveys are based on the Tallahassee Principal Meridian and Base Line, which serve as the official reference lines for land descriptions in the state.