What is the maximum allowable error of closure for the perimeter of a regular or irregular Township?

The maximum allowable error of closure for the perimeter of a regular or irregular Township is established to maintain the accuracy required in surveying, especially for large tracts of land. A value of 1/4000 is adopted as a standard to ensure that the boundaries are not only defined but also reliable for legal and construction purposes.

This level of accuracy accounts for the cumulative errors that can occur during the survey process, including instrumental errors, human errors, and other environmental considerations. A closure error that is too large could lead to significant discrepancies in the measurement of land, affecting property lines, taxation, and land development.

For larger survey projects, such as Townships, which can encompass a significant area, the more stringent error limits are essential to preserve the integrity of the survey. The 1/4000 error of closure is a balance between practicality and precision, making it an appropriate standard for the surveying industry.