Final answer:
In the Public Land Survey System, the baseline and principal meridians are the two imaginary lines used to measure distances, functioning similarly to the equator and prime meridian in geographic coordinate systems, but tailored for the specific use in land surveying.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a survey is done using the Public Land Survey System, the two imaginary lines that are used for measuring distances are the baseline and the meridians (also known as principal meridians). The baseline is a parallel line, while principal meridians are the true north-south lines that serve as references. These are similar to, but should not be confused with, the geographical terms latitude and longitude, which are also imaginary lines used to define locations on the Earth. The baseline in land surveying is akin to the role of the equator in geographic coordinate systems while principal meridians relate to the global importance of the prime meridian.
In determining local property maps and land divisions within the Public Land Survey System, these baselines and meridians create a grid-like structure that establishes a systematic way to divide and describe land, providing better clarity and organization compared to the metes and bounds system which relied on natural landmarks to demarcate boundaries. The Public Land Survey System helps to avoid the issues of irregularity and the ambiguity of moveable markers such as rocks, trees, and streams that were common in earlier systems.