At what distance does the first correction line occur north of the Canada-United States border?

The first correction line occurs 24 miles north of the Canada-United States border. This principle is rooted in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) used in North America, which was designed to facilitate land distribution and ensure accurate mapping and boundary establishment in regions particularly challenged by the curvature of the Earth and the vastness of the land.

To understand this better, it's essential to recognize that correction lines are established to adjust for the convergence of meridians away from the equator. The first correction line after the border accommodates the northward tilt of the earth's meridians, helping maintain square miles in land surveys. Hence, the distance of 24 miles is significant for ensuring consistency in the land survey system and creating manageable sections for farmers and landowners in rural areas.

In the context of this question, the other options provide distances that do not align with the established practices of land surveying adjacent to the Canada-United States border. This systematic approach is crucial in rural land management and contributes to the orderly development of land resources.