each section in the township and range system is

Townships are boundaries that are established at 6-mile intervals North-to-South andU East-to-West. This survey systems uses Sections, Townships, and Ranges to locate parcels of land. The PLSS is the basis for land descriptions and conveyance for most of the U.S (with the exception of the 13 “original” colonies and a few other states). It was established in 1785 and was originally proposed by Thomas Jefferson. The Public Land Survey System or PLSS is also known as the Rectangular Survey System. Public land survey system (PLSS)ĭefinition List of Common Terms in the Public Land Survey System The PLSS is the basis for land descriptions and conveyance for most of the U.S (with the exception of the states I mentioned earlier). The second system is the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) (a.k.a. the Rectangular Survey System). So, what is the second system I need to know?

This allows for an accurate description of irregular shaped lots. From there, the next property line is described in the same manner until you return to the original Point of Beginning. From the Point of Beginning, it specifies a compass direction and a distance to the next property corner. A Metes and Bounds legal description identifies a known landmark as the starting point, or Point of Beginning.

It uses precise angles, directions, and distances to describe the boundaries of the property in question. Metes and Bounds is method that is used by surveyors to describe a parcel of land. The second is the Public Land Survey System, also known as the Rectangular Survey System. The first is the Metes and Bounds system used in the 13 original colonies as well as parts of Hawaii, and Texas. Generally speaking, there are two Survey Systems that govern how tracts of land are described. In order to understand the legal description, you first must know what Survey System is used. That is, it must allow for the property in question to be identified on the ground with reasonable certainty. The property description must be “sufficient” in order to identify the correct parcel of land. Getting it right is the most important part of any mineral or other land transaction. A Legal Description is a written description with the purpose of delineating a specific piece of real property, including Minerals.

Each section in the township and range system is