What is the purpose of correction lines in land surveying?

The purpose of correction lines in land surveying is to regularize township sizes on a flat map. In land surveying, especially in the United States, the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) utilizes correction lines to account for the curvature of the Earth and to maintain the intended rectangular shape of townships. As surveying progresses from the initial baseline and meridian, the curvature of the Earth causes distortions, which correction lines help to offset. These lines are drawn periodically to adjust for discrepancies and ensure that each township remains consistent in size across large areas.

Other options relate to different aspects of land management or surveying, but they do not pertain to the specific function of correction lines. For instance, while dividing land into equal subdivisions is a different surveying purpose, it is accomplished through various methods and not specifically through correction lines.