PLSS (Public Land Survey System)

The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is a method used in the United States to divide and describe land. Established in the late 18th century, it organizes land into townships and sections, helping to identify specific parcels. Each township is typically six miles square and is further divided into 36 sections of one square mile each. This system allows for consistent land descriptions for legal purposes, property ownership, and land management, facilitating transactions and planning. The PLSS is particularly important in states west of the Mississippi River, where it helps structure land use and development.