Final answer:
The lot and block survey system is a type of cadastral system used for determining property lines in land deeds. It contrasts with other historical systems like metes and bounds, used by English settlers, and the Long Lots system, introduced by French colonists. Later, the Rectangular Survey System proposed by Thomas Jefferson emerged to create uniform land divisions, while topographical maps played a crucial role in land analysis before the rise of GIS software.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'lot and block survey system' refers to a type of legal land description used in property deeds. It is part of the broader category of cadastral systems, which are concerned with the laws of land ownership and the division of land into units for management and taxation purposes. In the United States, a variety of such systems have been used historically, and they differ significantly across regions.
The metes and bounds system was an early approach that relied on natural landmarks like trees and rocks to demarcate property lines. This created complex, irregular parcels, reminiscent of a jigsaw puzzle, as settlers claimed unoccupied land. However, given the impermanence of the natural markers, disputes over land boundaries were common with this system.
The Long Lots system, introduced by French colonists, produced long, narrow tracts of land. This system was particularly prevalent in areas with a strong French influence, such as Louisiana. On the other hand, the metes and bounds system was more commonly adopted by English settlers.
Later, Thomas Jefferson proposed the Rectangular Survey System, aiming to create a uniform grid of land division that would foster a cohesive, egalitarian agrarian society. This system is reflected in the characteristic square and rectangular land divisions seen from above in much of the United States, particularly in the central and western regions.
Topographic maps, once the primary tool for analyzing place-based information before the advent of computers and Geographic Information System (GIS) software, offered a way to integrate various data about the land's surface. Their lasting value can be seen in their use by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) as a critical tool for viewing the nation's diverse landscape.