What was established by Decree 128 on April 1, 1830?

Decree 128, issued on April 1, 1830, plays a significant role in the history of land surveying in Texas. This decree established the requirement for conducting surveys on the ground prior to the issuance of land titles. The intention behind this requirement was to ensure that claims to land were accurately defined and that ownership could be clearly established, promoting order and legal clarity in land transactions.

Conducting ground surveys helped determine the precise boundaries of a property, which is crucial for preventing disputes over land ownership and usage. By mandating that surveys be carried out, the decree aimed to formalize land ownership processes and provide a framework for land administration in the region, which was particularly important during a time of settlement and land distribution.

In contrast, the other choices do not capture the essence of Decree 128. While there were indeed requirements regarding land ownership transfers and guidelines for property taxation established in other laws, the specific focus of Decree 128 was on the necessity of ground surveys before legal titles could be granted. This makes the requirement for such surveys the most relevant outcome of the decree.