What is the term for the original survey, resurvey, or retracement of public lands?

The term that refers to the original survey, resurvey, or retracement of public lands is known as a cadastral survey. This type of survey is specifically focused on the boundaries and subdivision of land parcels, particularly for legal purposes and land ownership verification. Cadastral surveys are essential for establishing property lines, which helps in resolving disputes and ensuring that property rights are respected and enforced.

In the context of public lands, a cadastral survey ensures that the federal or state government accurately records and manages land ownership and its boundaries. This is crucial for both governmental administration and for individuals who depend on accurate land descriptions for their own land transactions and development. This importance is what distinguishes cadastral surveys from other types, such as land assessments, boundary surveys, and topographic surveys, which serve different purposes related to physical characteristics and evaluation rather than legal delineation of ownership.