Mastering the U.S. Government Rectangular Survey System

The U.S. Government Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is a method used to divide and describe land in the United States. This system was implemented to achieve a standardized method for subdividing and selling land acquired through the Louisiana Purchase and other land acquisitions.

The Basics of PLSS

The system divides land into townships, which are typically six miles by six miles square. Each township is further subdivided into 36 sections, each one mile square (640 acres). Understanding the basic layout of a township is crucial for interpreting land descriptions within this system.

Key Components

• Meridians and Baselines: The PLSS grid starts from established reference lines: a principal meridian running north-south and a baseline running east-west. From these lines, land is surveyed into townships and ranges.

• Township and Range: Townships are identified by their position relative to a principal meridian and a baseline. They are designated by their Township (T) numbers (north or south of the baseline) and Range (R) numbers (east or west of the meridian).

Example: Understanding a Township and Range

Consider a land description of T2N, R3W: This indicates the land is in the second township north of the baseline and the third range west of the principal meridian.

Further Subdivisions

Each of the 36 sections within a township may be further divided into smaller parcels. For precise identification, these sections can be split into halves and quarters, referenced as:

• 1/2 sections: 320 acres
• 1/4 sections: 160 acres
• 1/4 quarters: 40 acres

Importance of the Government Survey System

This standardized system provides a consistent and understandable method for land description, simplifying transactions involving land ownership, development, and management.

Concluding Thoughts

By mastering the U.S. Government Rectangular Survey System, stakeholders such as landowners, developers, and surveyors can navigate the intricacies of land parcels effectively. Preserving the accuracy of these descriptions plays a significant role in legal and commercial activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Public Land Survey System (PLSS)?

The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is a method established by the U.S. government to subdivide and describe land systematically. It is utilized primarily in the rectangular plotting of land for sale and ownership.

How does the PLSS differ from the metes and bounds system?

While the PLSS uses a rectilinear grid for land division and description, the metes and bounds system uses physical features and measured distances and angles to outline property boundaries. PLSS is generally easier to understand and map uniformly.

What is a principal meridian?

A principal meridian is the reference line running north-south from which townships and ranges are defined in the PLSS. Examples include the Fifth Principal Meridian and the Sixth Principal Meridian.

How do I read a township and range description?

A typical township and range description, such as T2N R3W, indicates the property is located in the second township north of the baseline and the third range west of the principal meridian.

Related Terms: Township, Range, Section, Meridian, Land Parcel.