What is defined as a one-square-mile square in the rectangular government survey system?

In the rectangular government survey system, a one-square-mile square is specifically called a "section." Each section is part of a larger township, which is organized into a grid of 36 sections, each measuring one mile by one mile. This system is utilized for land description in the United States, particularly in rural areas, to provide an organized method for identifying and referencing parcels of land.

The terminology used in this context is quite precise, as a section refers directly to the size and shape of the land being described. This understanding is essential for real estate appraisal, as it enables appraisers to accurately describe properties and understand their location and dimensions within the larger framework of land management and real estate transactions.

The other options are not directly related to the one-square-mile definition. A permanent reference point refers to a fixed geodetic point used for surveying purposes, while the point of beginning is a specific point used to start measuring property boundaries in certain surveying methods. Neither indicates a one-square-mile square, making the identification of a section the clearest and most accurate response.