Public Land Survey System

The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is a method used in the United States to divide and describe land parcels. It divides land into a grid of squares called townships and sections, based on a principal meridian and baseline. Townships are 6 miles square, divided into 36 sections of 1 mile each. This system allows for precise location and ownership records. It was established in the early 19th century to organize land sales and settlement efficiently across the western territories, creating a standardized way to identify and manage land parcels.