THE PUBLIC LAND SURVEY SYSTEM

The public land survey system (PLSS) is a nationwide, rectangular grid surveying method established by Congress in 1785 to manage, divide and sell U.S. public lands. It structures land into 6×6 mile townships, broken into 1-mile sections (640 acres), primarily covering states west of the Ohio RIver and south to Florida.

The system uses Principal Meridians (running North-South) and Baselines (running East-West) to create a starting point for surveying.

Land is broken down into townships, which are divided into 36 sections (each 1 square mile, or 640 acres).

Sections are further divided into half-sections (320 acres), quarter-sections (160 acres), and smaller parcels (quarter-quarter sections).

Locations are identified by Township/Range numbers (e.g. Township 2 South, Range 2 West) and section number.

It is used in most states west of Pennsylvania, with major exception including the original Thirteen Colonies and parts of the South.

The System was designed by Thomas Jefferson to facilitate the systematic sale and development of land to settlers.