In Arizona, what is one common type of public land survey?

The Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is commonly used for public land surveying in Arizona. This system was established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 and divides land into a series of rectangular parcels based on a grid system. It utilizes principal meridians and base lines to establish a framework for surveying land, making it easier to reference and describe parcels of land.

This system is particularly suited for areas with large tracts of land, and it simplifies the process of land ownership transfer as it provides a uniform method for describing real estate. In Arizona, much of the land is government-owned or managed, making the Rectangular Survey System a vital tool in land administration and surveying.

The other options, while they may have their own uses and applications within certain contexts, do not represent the common framework used for the most significant portion of public land in Arizona. The Metes and Bounds survey, for example, is more commonly used in eastern states for irregular parcels. Geological and urban surveys cater to more specific needs or settings but are not the standard approach for general public land ownership in Arizona.