In relation to the US Survey System, what is the importance of base lines?

Base lines are critical in the US Survey System as they provide a horizontal reference line used in conjunction with meridians to create a coordinate grid for the systematic surveying of land. This framework is essential for plotting land locations accurately, allowing for consistency and precision in defining property boundaries across large areas.

The latitude established by base lines aids in the organization and division of land into townships and sections, which are fundamental units in land surveying and public land management. Without this structured method, it would be challenging to maintain order and clarity in land ownership and development.

The other options relate to various aspects of land management and urban planning but do not directly pertain to the function of base lines in the US Survey System. For example, identifying property owners or defining local building codes relies on different methods and regulatory frameworks; thus, these do not capture the primary purpose of base lines in the context of surveying.