Which term refers to an imaginary line of latitude used to identify townships in land description?

The term that refers to an imaginary line of latitude used to identify townships in land descriptions is the baseline. In the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), a baseline is a principal line that runs east-west and serves as a reference point for land division and description. It is essential for determining the boundaries of townships, which are typically six miles by six miles squares. The baseline helps to create a systematic approach to land surveying by providing a consistent way to reference land locations horizontally.

Other terms, such as meridian, range line, and township line, refer to different aspects of land survey systems. A meridian is an imaginary line that runs north-south, while a range line is a vertical line that helps define the east and west boundaries of a township, and township lines are horizontal lines that define the north and south boundaries. Each of these terms operates within the framework of land description, but the baseline specifically pertains to the reference for latitude in the identification of townships.