Government Survey System
The Government Survey System, also called the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is a method of land description used in much of the United States that divides land into a grid of townships, ranges, and sections based on principal meridians and base lines. Each section contains 640 acres and can be further subdivided into smaller parcels.
Example
“The property description used the Government Survey System, stating the land was located in 'Section 12, Township 3 North, Range 4 East of the Third Principal Meridian.'”
Memory Tip
Picture a 'Government Grid System' - imagine Uncle Sam drawing a giant tic-tac-toe board across America to organize land into neat squares.
Why It Matters
This system provides a standardized way to legally describe property locations in deeds and surveys, ensuring accurate identification of property boundaries for ownership and transfer purposes.
Common Misconception
People assume this system is used nationwide, but it's primarily used in western and midwestern states, while eastern states often use metes and bounds descriptions.
In Practice
A property deed might describe land as 'the Northwest Quarter of Section 15, Township 2 North, Range 3 East,' giving surveyors and title companies precise location information for the 160-acre parcel.
Etymology
Named after the U.S. government's systematic approach to surveying and dividing public lands, established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 to create order from territorial chaos.
Common Misspellings
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