How is Gunter's Chain significant in land measurement?

Gunter's Chain is significant in land measurement primarily because it provides a standardized method for computing land area. This tool, developed by Edmund Gunter in the early 17th century, is precisely 66 feet long and consists of 100 links, each measuring 7.92 inches. The chain is commonly used in surveying to measure distances on the ground, enabling surveyors to calculate areas of land accurately.

When surveying a plot, the length and width measurements taken with Gunter's Chain can directly be used to compute the area, typically in acres or square feet. This practical application is fundamental in various land-related tasks, such as determining property boundaries, assessing land for development, and more.

Other options, while related to surveying practices, do not align with the primary function of Gunter's Chain. For instance, measuring volume, assisting with angle calculations, and measuring depth are conducted using different tools and methods specific to those tasks. Therefore, the chain's key contribution lies in its ability to facilitate area calculations in land measurement.