Public Land Survey System (PLSS)
The rectangular survey system used across 30 US states -- townships, ranges, sections, corners, retracement, and meander lines.
6 articles
Overview & History
Origins of the Public Land Survey System, the Land Ordinance of 1785, principal meridians and baselines, the 30 PLSS states, and the Manual of Surveying Instructions.
Township & Range
The PLSS grid system -- principal meridians, baselines, standard parallels, guide meridians, township numbering, range numbering, and correction lines.
Section Subdivision
The 36-section township layout, serpentine numbering, aliquot parts, fractional sections, lots, and rules for subdividing sections under the PLSS.
Corner Types & Monuments
Standard corners, closing corners, meander corners, witness corners, reference monuments, monument specifications, marking requirements, and accessories in the PLSS.
Retracement & Restoration
The surveyor's duty in retracement, existent/obliterated/lost corners, proportionate measurement, collateral evidence, and the order of procedure for PLSS retracement.
Meander Lines
Definition, purpose, and legal effect of meander lines -- navigable waters, lakes, riparian rights, when meander lines become boundaries, and BLM Manual rules.