What is a meridian in land surveying terms?

In land surveying, a meridian specifically refers to an imaginary line of longitude. These lines run from the North Pole to the South Pole and are used as reference points for determining the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface. Understanding meridians is fundamental in mapping and land surveying, as they help define the geographic coordinates that are essential for identifying locations accurately.

Latitude and longitude work together in a coordinate system to pinpoint specific areas on the globe, with latitude lines running parallel to the equator and meridians serving as the vertical reference lines. This concept is vital for surveyors and geographers when mapping and describing land parcels, ensuring accuracy in property descriptions and legal land surveys.