CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

The United States Public Land Survey System was established under whose guidance?

1. Abraham Lincoln

2. Thomas Jefferson

3. George Washington

4. Benjamin Franklin

The correct answer is: Thomas Jefferson

The United States Public Land Survey System (PLSS) was established under the guidance of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson, who was a geographer and surveyor, played a pivotal role in the development of the system in the late 18th century. His vision for an organized method to survey and divide land was crucial for the westward expansion of the United States. By implementing a grid system to divide land into townships and sections, Jefferson aimed to facilitate the distribution and sale of land, which was essential for promoting agriculture and settling the frontier. Thomas Jefferson's background in surveying also provided him with the insights necessary to create a systematic approach for land measurement. The PLSS became the foundation for property transactions in many states, significantly affecting land ownership and federal land management policies. This established framework improved the efficiency and accuracy in land surveys and set a precedent for future land management practices in the U.S. In contrast, the other individuals listed had various influences on early American history and governance, but did not contribute directly to the creation of the PLSS in the way Jefferson did.