Basically distance and bearing from a starting point around the perimeter of a property were defined. Starting in 1785 this systematic method with variations became the U.S. Public Land Survey system. System uses a series of 34 principle meridians and baselines from which, at 6 mile intervals, square zones extend north south and east and west. Within each square defined by a combination of a township and range are 36 sections of one square mile in area. All lot lines are orthogonal and aligned to north.
Discrepancies are minor as are job opportunities for surveyors and real estate lawyers.
The original 13 colonies, Tennessee, Kentucky, Maine. All of Texas. and small parts of Louisiana, Florida, Ohio, New Mexico and California. Blame the Mexicans and preoccupation of early Texas Government with other issues. Only in Panhandle and West Texas is a rational section based orthogonal grid system in place. Geodesy Geodesy is the study of the shape of the earth.