in the united states, the creation of a subdivision was often the first step toward the creation of a new incorporated township or city. contemporary notions of subdivisions rely on the lot and block survey system, which became widely used in the 19th century as a means of addressing the expansion of cities into surrounding farmland. while this method of property identification was useful for purposes of conveyancing, it did not address the overall impacts of expansion and the need for a comprehensive approach to planning communities.