How did the systematic measurement and division of the American landscape define the nation's identity and expansion? Andro Linklater examines the historical process of the Public Land Survey System, which transformed the vast, undefined wilderness of the United States into a grid of property. By tracing the work of early surveyors and the political motivations behind the Ordinance of 1785, the author argues that the act of measuring land was a foundational exercise in establishing American democracy and private ownership. The narrative utilizes historical records and biographical sketches to illustrate the physical and social impact of this monumental surveying project.

The subject matter points to a detailed, scholarly investigation of cartographic history and its role in nation-building. The framing suggests a rigorous, research-oriented text suitable for readers interested in the intersection of geography, politics, and American history.