Public Land Survey System (PLSS)

Public Land Survey System (PLSS) of Alaska, USA.

PLSS is a mapping process used in the United States , which allows the land to be subdivided and described for government and public use. Any public land can be surveyed and mapped within the system. The PLSS uses a rectangular grid system during this survey process.

PLSS divides the land into six-square mile townships. The townships are then further divided as surveyed. In the original days of the PLSS the surveyors would mark the important lots with markers, permanent or semi permanent.  Today, these important lots are marked with permanent markers and are usually inscribed.

Reference URL: http://www.ak.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/plss.html