Government Survey System

Definition: The government survey system, also called the rectangular survey system or Public Land Survey System, identifies land using principal meridians, base lines, townships, ranges, and sections.

Example

A description identifies a quarter-section within a numbered section, township, and range.

Keep the distinction clear

The grid is a useful study model, but actual surveys include corrections, fractional sections, and exceptions. Not every parcel is described this way.

Related terms

Principal Meridian · Township (Government Survey) · Section (Government Survey)

Keep studying

Government Survey: Township, Range, Sections, and Acreage

References: BLM: surveying and mapping glossary

Pronunciation (US): GUV-ern-muhnt SUR-vay SIS-tuhm (capitals show stress)

Pronunciation reference: Merriam-Webster