Where are standard parallel lines located?

Standard parallel lines are specifically positioned north and south of a baseline in the context of surveying and mapping. These lines are critical components in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) used in the United States, which helps to organize and delineate land areas.

The baseline is an east-west line that serves as a reference point for measuring land in the north-south direction. Standard parallels are established at regular intervals and help to create a grid system for land parcels. This means that for every standard parallel north of the baseline, there is a corresponding one south of it, maintaining consistent spacing for clarity in land description and legal documentation.

In contrast, the other options reference concepts that relate to geographical or coordinate systems but do not accurately describe the function or location of standard parallels. For example, while east and west of the prime meridian involves longitudinal lines, and lines parallel to the equator deal with latitudinal measurements, these do not correspond directly to the specific use and placement of standard parallels in the context of land surveying.