3.11 U.S. PUBLIC LAND SURVEY SYSTEM--MAJOR CODE 300

The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) and other special surveys within, and exclusions from, public domain lands, are shown on USGS quadrangle maps. Survey corners, lines, and areas within public domain States are mapped and are collected as DLG-3 data. All States, except the following, are public domain States: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia.

The public domain includes the land ceded to the Federal Government by the Thirteen Original States and acquired from native Indians and foreign powers. The surveys of the public domain can be classified into the following general types:

Land Grants - Land grants were conferred on individuals by a predecessor government and were never part of the public domain.

PLSS Area - The rectangular system of surveys was developed to divide the public lands for disposal by the government. This survey system typically divides the land into 6-mile square townships, which are further subdivided into 1-mile square sections, although there are departures from this regular system.

Private Surveys - The government is responsible for conducting these surveys, but some land has been surveyed by private surveyors who have extended the PLSS using the rectangular system of surveys.

Special Survey Areas - Some land was disposed of by special surveys that were usually the result of acts of Congress. These include U.S. surveys, homestead entry surveys, Indian allotments, and donation land claims. Special survey areas are not subdivided by rectangular surveys.

Waterbodies - Navigable water ways and water bodies over 50 acres were not subject to disposal and were not subdivided by surveys.

Reservations - Other land was "reserved" by the Federal Government and not subject to disposal, such as national parks, forests, and Indian reservations. These lands may contain subdivision lines if the reservations were established after the area had been surveyed.

For additional background information on the PLSS and its associated types of survey areas, lines, and corners, see Appendix 3.11.A.

3.11.1 General Principles

Because the PLSS depicted on the graphic cannot be revised from photographs, there is no photorevised feature code in this category.

3.11.1.1 Node Attribute Codes

Node attribute codes are collected only when a monumented survey corner or point has been recovered in the field and is identified on the graphic. All other nodes are unattributed. Do not make any assumptions about survey corners, even if boundary monuments or control stations are shown. Only one code from the list of node attribute codes is assigned to any given node.

Changes in azimuth along a survey line, which are not represented by a recovered corner or point, are collected simply as inflection points on the line.

3.11.1.2 Area Attribute Codes

All areas are attributed. Only one code from the list of area attribute codes is assigned to each polygon, except in the case of a land grant that is also a private extension of the public land survey.

Each area code description contains information on which parameter codes are used in conjunction with that area code. Several coding descriptions say "Used in conjunction with parameter codes 301-305, as appropriate." This means that the township number, the range number, and the section number are collected, if they can be determined from the graphic. If a section number is collected, township and range numbers must be collected.

Areas that make up a section, or unsectionalized areas that cannot be assigned any other code from the list of area attribute codes, are considered PLSS areas (300 0110). There are a number of departures from the rectangular survey system. Areas were surveyed, generally by acts of Congress, for such things as wagon roads, coal leases, railroad grants, and small holding claims. Only a few of these survey areas are uniquely identified on USGS maps and in the DLGs (see below). Other non-rectangular surveys that interrupt the regular rectangular grid are attributed as PLSS area (300 0110). These areas generally do not have a section number.

Special surveys (homestead entry surveys, donation land claims, tracts, U.S. surveys, and Indian allotments), land grants, private surveys, water areas, and area outside of the public domain are not considered as PLSS area.

Evaluation of the limiting survey lines or the label within the area or along the survey line, or both, is required to determine the correct area attribute and the extent of the area to be collected.

PLSS areas that have section numbers and are not completely closed off by mapped survey lines are closed off with a closure line or unattributed survey line (see section 3.11.1.3).

Areas of old reservations, such as Indian, military, and lighthouse, have been identified on the map. Where their extent defines the limiting lines of a subdivision, the limiting lines are collected as survey lines, and the areas are assigned the appropriate code from the list of area attribute codes, but the reservation type is not identified.

Other surveys that do not conform to the rectangular system of surveys, such as tracts, donation land claims, and Indian allotments are collected as shown on the map.

In a number of States special survey areas that do not meet the collection criteria for homestead entry surveys, donation land claims, tracts, U.S. surveys, Indian allotments, or land grants have been shown on the map. They are collected as PLSS areas, and assigned no additional codes, even though they may be numbered or lettered.

Survey areas in Ohio are unique in that various reference systems and subdivision schemes were used and a mix of public and private surveys exist. See Appendix 3.11.A for more detailed information on these surveys.

3.11.1.3 Line Attribute Codes

Subdivision lines shown by symbols 502, 504, 508, 509 (A), 123.1, 123.2 (B), 523.1, 523.2, 523.12, 523.13 (C), or 2502.03, 2502.05, 2503.01, 2503.02 (D) are collected as unattributed lines. (On maps published before about 1940, subdivision lines were shown by black dotted lines; on those published between about 1940 and 1948, black solid lines were used.)

In addition to depicted land lines, other lines that limit the land net must be digitized to complete closure of all polygons. Where survey lines have been dropped on the map because of coincidence with another linear feature, such as a road or boundary, an unattributed line is collected unless the overall pattern of the surrounding portrayed lines indicate the line is approximate. If a land line is dropped for a boundary that is labeled approximate or symbolized as indefinite, code the land line as approximate. Survey lines that have been dropped because of coincidence with other features are generally collected as straight lines connecting section corners, even if the feature they have been dropped for deviates from that straight line.

Where survey lines are not shown on the map for reasons other than coincidence with another feature (most commonly in areas where there was insufficient evidence to map the survey lines, or in the vicinity of water bodies), the area is required to be closed off with a line when a section number is shown. A closure line (300 0203) is collected.

The extent of old reservations, such as Indian, military, and lighthouse, shown on maps with the land grant or section line symbol and labeled, are collected as section lines where they form the limit of subdivisions of the rectangular system of surveys. Where these lines do not form the limit of a subdivision of a rectangular survey, they are not collected in any category. (Previously these lines were collected in the Boundaries category and coded as "Historical Line.")

3.11.1.4 Single-Point Attribute Codes

There are no general principles that apply to the single-point attribute codes.

3.11.1.5 General Purpose Attribute Codes

There are no general purpose attribute codes.

3.11.1.6 Descriptive Attribute Codes

The names of public land and private surveys in Ohio have been shown within the interior of the map and in margin notes. For areas where names cannot be derived from the origin of survey code, an additional descriptor code must be collected to identify the survey name.

3.11.1.7 Parameter Attribute Codes

There are no general principles that apply to the parameter attribute codes.

3.11.1.8 List of PLSS Attribute Codes

3.11.2 Node Attribute Codes

This code identifies a section corner shown by a double weight cross or "T" as in symbols 506(A), 523.5(C), 523.6(C), or 2502.07(D). Indicated corners, shown by a single-weight cross or "T" are not collected.

Section corners are found at the extremity of a township section and are not labeled.

This feature is no longer collected.

This code is no longer used. See code 300 0001.

This code identifies a corner shown by symbols 523(A), 523.7(C) or 2502.10(D). Must be labeled "MC."

This feature is no longer collected.

This feature is no longer collected.

This code identifies a corner shown by symbols 523(A), 523.7(C), or 2502.09(D). Must be labeled "WC."

This code identifies a point shown by symbols 506, 507 (A); 523.5, 523.6 (C); or 2502.07, 2502.08 (D). Must be labeled "WP."

This code identifies a point shown by symbols 506, 507 (A); 523.5, 523.6 (C); or 2502.07, 2502.08 (D). Must be labeled "AP."

This code identifies a monument shown by symbols 506, 507 (A); 523.5, 523.6 (C); or 2502.07, 2502.08 (D). Must be labeled "AM."

This feature is no longer collected.

This code identifies a quarter-section corner shown by a double-weight cross or "T" as in symbols 506(A), 523.5(C), or 2502.07(D). Indicated corners, shown by a single-weight cross or "T" are not collected.

Quarter-section corners are found at the extremity of a quarter-section, theoretically located halfway (40 chains) between section corners. They are not labeled.

This code is no longer used. See code 300 0014.

This code identifies a corner shown by symbols 501(A), 523.11(C), or 2502.02(D).

Used in conjunction with parameter code 308 to identify a land grant corner number, and descriptive code 300 0625 if the number contains the fraction one-half.

This feature is no longer collected.

This code is no longer used, since only "found" corners are collected.

This code is no longer used.

This code is no longer used.

3.11.3 Area Attribute Codes

This code is described in section 3.0.6.1.

This code is no longer used. If the area is an active Indian reservation, it is collected in the boundaries category. If the area is a historical reservation, the area is collected using the appropriate area code.

This code identifies an area delineated by symbols 500(A), 123.5(B), 523.10(C), or 2502.01(D). Must be labeled "HES." Area will also contain an area survey number.

Must be used in conjunction with parameter code 307 to identify the area survey number.

This code identifies an area delineated by symbols 500(A), 123.5(B), 523.10(C), or 2502.01(D) in Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, Oregon, or Washington. Donation land claims are not labeled, but contain an area survey number. They may be wholly contained within a section or lie in more than one section.

Must be used in conjunction with parameter codes 302-307 to identify the area township number, range number, origin of survey, and the area survey number.

This code identifies an area delineated by symbols 500(A), 123.5(B), 523.10(C), or 2502.01(D). Names are shown in black and centered within the grant. The word "grant" is omitted unless the entire quadrangle falls within the grant. Must be named and have a code that appears in Appendices 3.11.C and 3.11.D.

Must be used in conjunction with parameter code 307 to identify land grant names. If land grants overlap, do not use this code. See area code 300 0106 to identify overlapping land grants.

If a land grant is also a private extension of the public land survey, code 300 0104 is also assigned.

This code identifies an area delineated by symbols 508, 509 (A); 523.12, 523.13 (C); or 2503.01, 2503.02 (D), except those private surveys in Ohio identified by the code 300 0108.

Must be used in conjunction with parameter code 306. Used in conjunction with parameter codes 301-305, as appropriate. Used in conjunction with one of descriptive codes 300 0606 through 300 0610, if appropriate.

If a private extension of the public land survey falls within a land grant, codes 300 0103 and parameter code 307 are also applied.

This code identifies an area where private surveys (300 0104) overlap the public land surveys (300 0110).

Must be used in conjunction with parameter code 306. Used in conjunction with parameter codes 301-305, as appropriate. If the designations of the public and private surveys do not agree, use two sets of parameter codes in the following order: area code, 301-306, 301-306. Used in conjunction with one of descriptive codes 300 0606 through 300 0610, if appropriate.

This code identifies an area where land grants overlap because of survey error or disputed claims. The land grant code (300 0103) is not used.

Each of the land grant names is collected using parameter code 307.

This code is no longer used. Reservations are collected in the Boundaries category.

This code identifies the following private surveys in Ohio: the Connecticut Western Reserve, Virginia Military District, Ohio Company Purchase, Symmes Purchase, French Grants, and Donation Tract.

Must be used in conjunction with parameter code 306. Used in conjunction with parameter codes 301-305, as appropriate. Must be used in conjunction with one of the descriptive codes 300 0600 through 300 0605.

This code is no longer used. Reservations are collected in the boundaries category.

This code identifies an area delineated by symbols 502, 503, 504, 505 (A), 123.1, 123.2 (B), 523.1, 523.2, 523.3, 523.4 (C), or 2502.03, 2502.04, 2502.05, 2503.06 (D). This code also identifies arpent sections in Louisiana, delineated by symbols 500(A), 123.5(B), 523.10(C), or 2502.01(D). An area that does not contain land lines and to which no other area code applies, (either because the area has not been surveyed or because there was not enough information to locate the lines) is also identified with this code.

Except when used as described in the following paragraph, this code must be used in conjunction with parameter code 306. Used in conjunction with parameter codes 301-305, as appropriate.

This code is also applied to any area delineated by symbols 500(A), 123.5(B), 523.10(C), or 2502.01(D), which does not meet the collection criteria for codes 300 0101 through 300 0103 or 300 0111 through 300 0113 (homestead entry survey, donation land claim, land grant, tract, U.S. survey, or Indian allotment). In these areas, this code is used alone, without any additional parameter codes, even though the area may be identified by a number or letter on the map.

This code identifies an area delineated by symbols 500(A), 523.10(C), or 2502.01(D). Tracts are not labeled, but contain an area survey number. They lie in more than one section and are never wholly contained within a section.

Must be used in conjunction with parameter codes 302-307 to identify the area township number, range number, origin of survey, and the area survey number.

This code identifies an area delineated by symbols 500(A), 523.10(C), or 2502.01(D). Must be labeled "U.S. Survey." Area will also contain an area survey number.

Must be used in conjunction with parameter code 307 to identify the area survey number.

This code identifies an area shown by symbols 500(A), 523.10(C), or 2502.01(D). Must be labeled "Indian Allotment." Area will also contain an area survey number.

Must be used in conjunction with parameter code 307 to identify the area survey number.

This code identifies an area outside of the public domain. It is used wherever a portion of Canada, Mexico, or any State which is not part of the public domain is shown on a map of a public domain State.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any parameter codes.

This code identifies an area of water (which may include some adjacent land areas) across which the land net cannot be extended with closure lines. The area is generally bounded by closure lines that close off the sections on either side of the water body.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any parameter codes.

This code is no longer used. See code 300 0110 for unsurveyed PLSS areas. See code 300 0114 for areas outside of the public domain.

3.11.4 Line Attribute Codes

This code identifies a line shown by symbols 503, 505 (A); 523.3, 523.4 (C); or 2502.04, 2503.06 (D). Land grant lines that are labeled "Approximate" are also assigned this code. When only a portion of a land grant line is labeled approximate, the entire segment between the nearest found grant monument on either side of the labeled portion of the line is assigned this code.

This code identifies a line shown by symbols 123.3(B), 123.4(B), 523.16(C), or 523.17(C). Currently, on 1:24,000-scale maps, protracted lines are shown only in Alaska. On 1:100,000-scale maps, protracted lines may be show in any public land State.

This code identifies an arbitrary line digitized to separate two or more areas that must be assigned different sets of attribute codes. Closure lines are needed only if areas are still not closed off from one another after all the survey lines that have been dropped on the map because of coincidence with linear features have been collected, as described in section 3.11.1.3.

Survey lines may be missing on the map because there was insufficient evidence on the ground to complete the grid, because the survey lines were interrupted by a waterbody that was segregated from the public domain, or because the area was not surveyed.

Only those areas on the map that have a section number or areas with different township and range numbers, that are not completely enclosed by survey lines need to be closed off. On 1:100,000-scale maps, usually only sections 1, 6, 31, and 36 are labeled, so other sections may need to be closed off, even when no section number is shown.

In closing off areas, the preferred approach is to assume a regular grid and to use closure lines to add any lines needed to approximate that regular grid. As noted above, it is not necessary to complete the entire grid; only those areas that must be assigned different sets of attribute codes must be closed off from one another. An area that has not been surveyed is collected as a single PLSS area (300 0110), with no code for section numbers. A large water body, or portion of a water body, with no section lines or section numbers is collected as Water (300 0198).

If it is not possible to assume a regular grid, either because the map contains areas with different surveys that do not line up, or because there are not enough corners or portions of section lines to determine if the grid is regular, then the areas must be closed off. Generally the closure line is collected as a straight line connecting the end points of the depicted survey lines. In some cases, though, it may be desirable to add a few points to roughly approximate the extent of the section, as indicated by the position of the section number, or the shoreline, or both.

Keep in mind that range lines may be offset when they cross township lines. Although it may at first glance appear as though the survey lines to the north and south of the interruption cannot be matched up with one another, often the regular grid can be assumed if this offset is taken into consideration.

The rectangular system called for sections to be 1 mile by 1 mile. Obviously, depending on the skill of the surveyor, the terrain, and other conditions, this may not have been achieved. However, by looking at the sections that are completed on the map, the location of the section numbers, isolated pieces of survey lines, and survey corners, the general grid can usually be determined. If you see an apparent section (a section number is present but not all of the surrounding survey lines are) complete the section by using the available information to create a square that is approximately 1 mile by 1 mile.

It is not necessary to be exact when digitizing closure lines to approximate the grid. On USGS maps, the PLSS is shown as a reference grid, not to show ownership or parcel boundaries.

This code is no longer used. The base line can be determined from the associated areas.

This code is no longer used.

This code is described in section 3.0.6.3.

3.11.5 Single-Point Attribute Codes

This code identifies a monument shown by symbols 227(A), 512.106(C), or 2102.12(D).

Used in conjunction with parameter code 308 to identify a monument number, and descriptive code 300 0625 if the number contains the fraction one-half.

This code identifies a corner shown by symbols 506(A), 523.5(C), or 2502.07(D). Must be located in an area where subdivision lines are omitted because of insufficient data.

This code is no longer used. Witness corners both on and off survey lines are collected using code 300 0007.

3.11.6 General Purpose Attribute Codes

There are no general purpose attribute codes.

3.11.7 Descriptive Attribute Codes

This code identifies the Connecticut Western Reserve in Ohio. Must be used in conjunction with area code 300 0108.

This code identifies the Virginia Military District in Ohio. Must be used in conjunction with area code 300 0108.

This code identifies the Ohio Company Purchase in Ohio. Must be used in conjunction with area code 300 0108.

This code identifies the Symmes Purchase in Ohio. Must be used in conjunction with area code 300 0108.

This code identifies the French Grants in Ohio. Must be used in conjunction with area code 300 0108.

This code identifies the Donation Tract in Ohio. Must be used in conjunction with area code 300 0108.

This code identifies the Old Seven Ranges in Ohio. Must be used in conjunction with area code 300 0104, 300 0105, or 300 0110. Must use parameter code 306 0035.

This code identifies the Congress Lands North of Old Seven Ranges in Ohio. Must be used in conjunction with area code 300 0104, 300 0105, or 300 0110. Must use parameter code 306 0035.

This code identifies the Congress Lands East of Scioto River in Ohio. Must be used in conjunction with area code 300 0104, 300 0105, or 300 0110. In Range 22W and Range 23W, must use parameter code 306 0039; otherwise must use parameter code 306 0035.

Lands falling within the Congress Lands East of Scioto River and the Refugee Lands are further identified with descriptive code 300 0612.

This code identifies the Between the Miamis, North of Symmes Purchase in Ohio. Must be used in conjunction with area code 300 0104, 300 0105, or 300 0110. Must use parameter code 306 0036.

This code identifies the West of the Great Miami in Ohio. Must be used in conjunction with area code 300 0104, 300 0105, or 300 0110. Must use parameter code 306 0036.

This code identifies the Refugee Lands within the Congress Lands East of the Scioto River in Ohio. Must be used in conjunction with descriptive code 300 0608. Must be used in conjunction with area code 300 0104, 300 0105, or 300 0110. In Township 5N, Range 22 W, must use parameter code 306 0039; otherwise must use parameter code 306 0035.

This code represents that portion of a land grant corner, monument number, section number, or nonsection identifier that is the fraction one-half.

For a fractional land grant corner, location monument, or mineral monument, must be used in conjunction with code 300 0014 or 300 0300, and parameter code 308.

For a fractional section number or nonsection identifier, must be used in conjunction with parameter code 301 or 307.

This code is not used to identify fractional township or range numbers. (See parameter codes 302-305.)

3.11.8 Parameter Attribute Codes

x = 0 for numeric section identifier
1 for numeric part of alphanumeric section identifier
2 for alphabetic part of alphanumeric section identifier

This code represents the number of a township section collected for a PLSS Area, private extension of public land survey, or area of public and private survey overlap. If a section number is omitted from the published map because of insufficient space, the proper identifier can be derived from those of adjoining sections or by consulting the adjacent map.

This code is also used to capture the identifiers of irregular subdivisions of PLSS areas. These identifiers are typically numbers over 36.

Also use code 300 0625 to identify that portion of a section number that is the fraction one-half.

x = 0 for full township
2 for 1/4 township
4 for 1/2 township
6 for 3/4 township

Examples: Township 101 South - 301 0101
Township 23 1/2 North - 302 4023

This code represents the designation for a row of a townships. Township numbers follow the label "T" and are normally placed in pairs straddling the exterior line of the township. They are found in the east and west margins or in the interior of the map if the township line does not extend to the neatline. Partial townships are labeled on the map as, for example, "T23 1/2N."

In Symmes Purchase and Between the Miamis, North of Symmes Purchase, rows of townships are labeled "R." Use parameter code 302 to capture these range numbers as township numbers.

x = 0 for full range
2 for 1/4 range
4 for 1/2 range
6 for 3/4 range
8 for duplicate to north or east of the original township
9 for triplicate to north or east of a duplicate township

Examples: Range 5 East - 304 0005
Range 47 West, duplicate to north or east of the original township - 305 8047

This code represents the designation for a column of townships. Range numbers follow the label "R" and are normally placed in pairs straddling the exterior line of the township. They are found in the north and south margins or in the interior of the map if the range line does not extend to the neatline. Partial ranges are labeled on the map as, for example, "R79 1/2E."

In Symmes Purchase and Between the Miamis, North of Symmes Purchase, columns of townships are labeled "T." Use parameter code 304 to capture these township numbers as range numbers.

The range number code can contain an identifier used to distinguish among identical sets of meridian, township, and range numbers, occurring most commonly at State boundaries. Table 3.11-1 contains a partial list of meridian, township, and range number duplicates ordered by State and meridian. In Table 3.11-1, the letter A is used to designate a duplicate, and the letter B a triplicate township identifier.

xx = two-digit code from Appendix 3.11.B

Examples: Boise Meridian - 306 0008
Ohio River - 306 0035

This code represents the reference for a set of townships. The BLM map entitled "Principal Meridians and Base Lines" is used to locate the survey area and identify the name of the origin. Appendix 3.11.B is then used to identify the appropriate code for that origin.

This parameter code value is no longer used. See code 306 0035.

This parameter code value is no longer used. See code 306 0039.

This parameter code value is no longer used. See code 306 0039.

This parameter code value is no longer used. See code 300 0610.

This parameter code value is no longer used. See code 300 0600.

This parameter code value is no longer used. See code 300 0601.

This parameter code value is no longer used. See code 300 0602.

This parameter code value is no longer used. See code 300 0603.

x = 0 for numeric identifier
1 for numeric part of alphanumeric section identifier
2 for alphabetic part of alphanumeric section identifier
3 for alphabetic identifier
4 for identifier of named grant in Arizona
5 for identifier of named grant in California
6 for identifier of named grant in Colorado
7 for identifier of named grant in New Mexico
8 for identifier of named grant in Florida
For x = 0-3:

yyy = number, flush right, or numeric code for alphabetic character, flush right:

For x = 4-8

yyy = three-digit code of the named grant as designated in Appendices 3.11.C and 3.11.D.

Examples: Grant number 51 - 307 0051
Grant W - 307 2023
San Ignacio de la Canoa grant in Arizona - 307 4009
Pueblo of Santa Ana grant in New Mexico -307 7302

This code represents the area survey number for a homestead entry survey, donation land claim, tract, U.S. survey, or Indian allotment and the area survey name of a land grant. Also use code 300 0625 to identify that portion of an identifier that is the fraction one-half.

xxxx = number of the monument

This code represents the monument number on a land grant corner, location monument or mineral monument. Used only in conjunction with code 300 0014 or 300 0300. Also use code 300 0625 to identify that portion of a monument number that is the fraction one-half.

This code is no longer used.

This code is no longer used.