Specifications for 

Descriptions of Land:

For Use in Land Orders, Executive Orders, Proclamations,

Federal Register Documents, and Land Description Databases

United States Department of the Interior • Bureau of Land Management • Cadastral Survey

Revised 2017

Specifications for Descriptions of Land:

For Use in Land Orders, Executive Orders, Proclamations,

Federal Register Documents, and Land Description Databases

Produced in coordination with the

Office of Management and Budget,

United States Federal Geographic Data Committee,

Cadastral Subcommittee

Washington, DC: 2015; Revised 2017

U.S. Department of the Interior

Suggested citation for general reference:

U.S. Department of the Interior. 2017. Specifications for Descriptions of Land: For Use in Land 

Orders, Executive Orders, Proclamations, Federal Register Documents, and Land Description 

Databases. Bureau of Land Management. Washington, DC.

Suggested citation for technical reference:

Specifications for Descriptions of Land (2017)

Find these Specifications and other information at www.blm.gov.

Printed copies are available from:

Printed Materials Distribution Services

Fax: 303-236-0845

Email: BLM_OC_PMDS@blm.gov

Stock Number: P-474

BLM/WO/GI-17/007+1813
U.S. Department of the Interior

The mission of the Department of the Interior (Department) is to protect and provide access to 

our Nation’s natural and cultural heritage and honor our trust responsibilities to Indian tribes 

and our commitments to island communities.

The Department works to assure the wisest choices are made in managing all of the Nation’s 

resources so each will make its full contribution to a better United States—now and in the future.

The Department manages about 500 million acres, or one-fifth, of the land in the United States. 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an agency within the Department, manages more than 

245 million of these surface acres and also administers more than 700 million acres of subsurface 

mineral estate.

The BLM is the Nation’s surveyor and maintains extensive current and historical information 

about land ownership in the United States. Most titles to land, public or private, begin with a 

land description established by an original cadastral survey. Security of legal title to land is the 

fundamental object of the cadastral surveyor’s work.

Persons preparing land descriptions must be knowledgeable of the requirements for the various 

types of land descriptions. They must use the proper format, terms, and phrases and clearly state 

the intent, with qualification, to ensure the content of the land description is free of ambiguity. 

The ambiguous descriptions of the past are the boundary disputes of the future.
Contents

 Introduction and Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

 Data Content Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

 Land Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

I. Land Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

 Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

 Descriptions of Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

 Types of Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

 Reference to Official Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

II. The Public Land Survey System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

 Rectangular Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

 Preferred Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

 Preferred Method for Writing Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

 Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

 Conventional Symbols and Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

 Examples of Descriptions of Lands Based upon the

 Rectangular Surveys of the Public Land Survey System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

III.Metes-and-Bounds Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

 Natural and Artificial Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

 Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

 The Parts of Metes-and-Bounds Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

 Strip Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

 Ambulatory Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

IV. Lot and Block Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

V. Illustrations (Maps) and Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

 Maps to be Published . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

 Survey Plats, Maps, or Diagrams Forming Official Supplements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

 Description by Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

 Geographic Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

 Examples of Geographic Coordinate Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

VI. Form and Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

 Executive Order No. 11030, as Amended—Preparation, Presentation,

 Filing, and Publication of Executive Orders and Proclamations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

 1 CFR 18.10—Illustrations, Tabular Material, and Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

 1 CFR 19.1—Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

 43 CFR 2300—Land Withdrawals, Reservations, and Classifications of Land . . . . . . . . . . . 36

 Department of the Interior Secretary’s Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

 Public Land Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

 Executive Order No. 13327—Federal Real Property Asset Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

 Marine Managed Areas: Best Practices for Boundary Making . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

 Appendix: Introductions to Previous Editions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Page

1

Introduction and Purpose

The Federal Board of Surveys and Maps (Board) 

was established by Executive order in 1919 to 

coordinate and promote improved surveying 

and mapping activities by Federal agencies. In 

1930, the Department of State requested that the 

Board prepare rules and specifications for 

descriptions of tracts of land appropriate for use 

in Executive orders and proclamations. The 

original edition, Specifications for Descriptions of 

Tracts of Land for Use in Executive Orders and 

Proclamations (Specifications), was completed 

and published in 1931, with subsequent editions 

issued in 1941, 1942, 1960, and 1979 (see 

appendix). Since 1931, the Specifications have 

been used by those who must write and interpret 

land descriptions, including experts in the legal, 

survey, public administration, and geospatial data 

analyst professions.

Since the publication of the 1979 edition of the 

Specifications, the reorganization and transfer of 

functions of various Federal agencies1

 have 

rendered certain procedures inapplicable, 

1 The policies and procedures for publication in the Federal Register are 

established by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register. The 

functions connected with the presentation of public land orders, Executive 

orders, and proclamations are carried on by the Office of the Federal Register, 

National Archives and Records Administration, under the provisions of the 

Federal Register Act, as amended, and the Administrative Procedure Act. The 

pertinent regulations are published in Title 1 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

prompting a revision to the Specifications. New 

survey and digital applications and methods also 

mandate this revision. Further experience in using 

the Specifications and improvements to survey 

and digital data collection since 1979 indicate the 

need for additional and updated explanations 

and examples. These revised Specifications 

supersede all previous Specifications on the 

technical subjects contained therein.

The Specifications provide guidance for writing 

accurate boundary descriptions and locations by 

survey, the form and arrangement to be followed 

for Executive and public land orders and 

proclamations, and examples of boundary 

descriptions. A boundary is the fixing of a limit or 

extent of property and, in this publication, is 

associated with uplands and inland waters and 

tidelands with application to marine boundaries. 

The Specifications also provide a standardized 

process for review of descriptions to assure that 

only the best available descriptions are published. 

When an executive department or any agency or 

establishment of the Federal Government describes 

or specifies any parcel of land or marine area by 

boundary or subdivisional unit, the description 

should be a model of precision, to the extent the 

available record data permit. A law, regulation, or 

order cannot fulfill its intent if the boundary 

description is inaccurate, vague, or ambiguous.

Data Content Standard

Many land descriptions are used to develop 

products for Federal administrative purposes. 

Accurate and precise geographic (or geospatial) 

information is critical to promote economic 

development, improve stewardship of natural 

resources, and protect the environment. 

Standardized land descriptions avoid wasteful 

duplication of effort and promote effective 

and economical management of land and 

resources by Federal agencies. The information 

in the Specifications for Descriptions of Land

assures consistency with the Cadastral Data 

Content Standard for the National Spatial Data 

Specifications for Descriptions of Land
Introduction and Purpose Specifications for Descriptions of Land

2

Infrastructure2 (NSDI) developed by the Federal 

Geographic Data Committee’s Subcommittee for 

Cadastral Data in support of the requirements 

of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 

Circular No. A-16, revised.3

The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) 

was established by OMB’s revised Circular No. 

A-16 to coordinate the Federal Government’s 

development, use, sharing, and dissemination of 

geographic data. The FGDC Subcommittee for 

Cadastral Data developed the Cadastral Data 

Content Standard and the CadNSDI Publication 

Standard4

 covering the development, maintenance, 

and dissemination of the core set of digital 

geospatial cadastral information (see section 2(b)

(1), A-16), including descriptions of tracts of land. 

Core data is the minimal set of information needed 

for sharing data among agencies for initial search 

and discovery by the user community and use in 

basic business operations.

To facilitate the sharing of land description 

information in an electronic database format, all 

datasets should be accompanied with essential 

cadastral metadata that conforms to the FGDC 

geospatial metadata as refined for cadastral data.5

The Cadastral Data Content Standard provides 

the logical design definitions and relationship 

of land description elements. Physical 

implementations should be consistent and 

compliant with the Cadastral Data Content 

Standard definitions and intent.

Executive Order No. 12906, as amended, requires 

each agency to document all new geospatial 

data it collects or produces, using the standard 

developed by the FGDC.6

 It also defines geospatial 

data as “information that identifies the geographic 

location and characteristics of natural or 

2 http://nationalcad.org/projects/cadastral-data-standards-and-guidelines/.

3 The revised Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-16, entitled 

Coordination of Geographic Information and Related Spatial Data Activities, was 

issued August 19, 2002.

4 http://nationalcad.org/projects/cadastral-data-standards-and-guidelines/. 5 Ibid.

6 E.O. 13286 (02/28/03) 68 FR 10619 transferred certain functions to the 

Secretary of Homeland Security.

constructed features and boundaries on the earth.” 

The geospatial information necessary to describe 

the geographic extent of and the rights and 

interests in a tract of land includes surveys, legal 

description reference systems, parcel-by-parcel 

surveys, and descriptions.7

Land Orders

The term “land order,” by common usage, has 

come to mean “Executive order” and “public land 

order.” In the past, the terms “legal description” 

and “land description” were commonly used 

interchangeably. In reality, the “legal description” 

contains the “land description” within the legal 

document or order. The “legal description” also 

defines the use, purpose, encumbrances, and 

timeframe (four-dimensional) of the tract(s) being 

described. The actual “land description” defines 

the delimitation8 of an area of the subsurface, 

submerged lands, water column, water surface, 

land surface, or air column, and two-dimensional 

or three-dimensional limits.

7 Federal Geographic Data Committee, 1997, Framework Introduction and 

Guide, p. 21.

8 Delimitation/delimited/delimiting means the determination of a boundary; 

it includes all phases of boundary development.
3

Chapter I—Land Descriptions

Purpose

Public land orders, Executive orders, and 

proclamations containing land descriptions are 

usually designed to reserve and set apart certain 

tracts9 or areas owned or controlled by the Federal 

Government for specific uses or purposes or 

for Indian trust responsibilities. These tracts or 

areas could be reserved or set apart for military 

and naval requirements; national forests, parks, 

and monuments; game and bird refuges; Indian 

or Alaska Native lands; minerals development; 

various administrative uses; or classification in 

aid of proposed legislation. An initial action is 

ordinarily taken by the bureau or agency 

exercising administrative control or jurisdiction 

over the land.10

A proclamation is normally an announcement 

by the President of the United States issued to 

9 The term “tract” by common usage is applied to an expanse of land of no 

particular size. In modern Federal land surveys, the term is used specifically to 

mean (a) in a rectangular survey, an expanse of land that lies in more than one 

section or that cannot be identified in whole as part of a particular section and 

is described by principal meridian, State, township, range, and tract number 

and (b) in a metes-and-bounds survey, an expanse of land that for identification 

purposes is labeled tract and is often described by tract number or letter.

10 By Public Law 94-579, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, 

as amended (90 Stat. 2743; 43 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq.), the Secretary of the Interior 

is authorized to sign all orders withdrawing or reserving public lands of the 

United States and all orders revoking or modifying such orders.

carry out the provisions of an Act of Congress. 

Proclamations are usually of wider public 

distribution than public land orders and Executive 

orders, which normally apply to affairs of the 

Federal Government, have a more limited and 

particular purpose, and may be of a temporary 

nature or duration. An example of a Proclamation 

would be the establishment of a new national 

monument. It is the practice of the Federal 

Government to withdraw land by Executive 

order or public land order to survey, examine, 

and permanently establish the monument. 

Subsequent modification of the boundaries of 

such a reservation may become necessary, and the 

general practice is to accomplish these purposes 

by Executive order or public land order. In some 

cases the authorizing legislation specifies the 

manner in which the action should be taken.

All proclamations are published in the United 

States Statutes at Large. Proclamations, Executive 

orders, and public land orders are published in the 

Federal Register under the provisions of the Acts of 

July 26, 1935 (49 Stat. 500) and October 22, 1968 

(82 Stat. 1274; 44 U.S.C. § 1505).

Authority

The President has the power to reserve or 

withdraw lands owned or controlled by the United 

States for public purposes. As stated in 6 Pub. 

Lands Dec. 317: “The President is vested with 

general authority in the matter of reserving lands 

for public uses and land so set apart is not subject 

to disposal under the public land laws during the 

existence of such reservation.” Section 2 of the 

Act of June 8, 1906, (34 Stat. 225; 16 U.S.C. § 431 

et seq.) authorizes the President of the United 

States, in his discretion, “to declare by public 

proclamation historic landmarks, historic and 

prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic 

or scientific interest that are situated upon the 

lands owned or controlled by the Government of 

the United States as national monuments.”

Section 204 of the Federal Land Policy and 

Management Act of 1976, Public Law 94-579, 

Specifications for Descriptions of Land
Chapter I—Land Descriptions Specifications for Descriptions of Land

4

90 Stat. 2743; 43 U.S.C. § 1714, authorizes the 

Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to make, 

modify, extend, or revoke withdrawals in 

accordance with the provisions and limitations 

of the section. The Secretary may delegate this 

withdrawal authority only to individuals in the 

Office of the Secretary who have been appointed by 

the President of the United States, by and with the 

advice and consent of the U.S. Senate.

Descriptions of Land

The land description portion of a land order, 

proclamation, or any document delimiting limits 

of land or space must be susceptible to one, 

and only one, interpretation. Simplicity and 

clarity are paramount and are to be achieved 

through established proper usage of terminology, 

phraseology, punctuation, arrangement, and 

paragraphing. The land description should furnish 

sufficient information for the identification of the 

spatial limits or area by a land surveyor. It should 

contain clear “intent” and proper “qualification” of 

the lands being described for the present and the 

future without ambiguity.

The definition of a legally sufficient real property 

description is one that can be located on the 

ground by a land surveyor. R. H. Skelton wrote 

in The Legal Elements of Boundaries and Adjacent 

Boundaries: “The only rule that can be definitely 

given for the writing of deed descriptions is—

The scrivener should place himself as nearly as 

possible in the seats which will be occupied by 

those who, twenty years hence, attempt to lay 

down the grant—describe the land conveyed with 

such clarity and certainty that the intention as 

effectively expressed will be as significant to the 

next generation as it is to the writer.”

Executive orders have prescribed certain 

requirements in connection with the preparation 

of land descriptions. These requirements state 

that each document will have a suitable title; 

the citation under which it is issued; proper 

punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and style; 

and the correct spelling of geographic names. The 

land descriptions of tracts or areas must conform 

to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cadastral 

survey standards, when applicable.

The drafting of public land orders, Executive orders 

and proclamations is subject to review by a legal 

expert regarding the correctness of the legal subject 

matter, as to the citation of the appropriate statutes 

and previous land orders and proclamations 

and reference to Federal court decisions. In like 

manner, equal care should be taken to formulate 

the land description of a tract or area in plain 

technical terms and using the nomenclature and 

scheme of corner identification in accordance with 

chapter IV of the Manual of Surveying Instructions

(Survey Manual). Each land description should 

be written, or at a minimum scrutinized, by a 

boundary survey expert. This review will consider 

not only the technical sufficiency and form of 

the land description but also the feasibility and 

practicability of the boundary from the viewpoint 

of proper administration.

The originating bureau or agency is responsible 

for the authenticity and accuracy of the data upon 

which the land descriptions are based. Field notes 

and plats of the basic surveys or copies of deed 

records or comparable documents, together with 

maps or diagrams showing the tract, spatial limits, 

or area to which the description refers should be 

available for review and reference.

Types of Descriptions

Descriptions of land in land orders and 

proclamations are of three general types, with 

many land descriptions combining two or more of 

these types:

1. Those cases where the lands are described 

by reference to designated Public Land 

Survey System (PLSS) subdivisions based 

upon surveys of official character and 

shown upon plats filed in the United 

States survey records (figure 1). The most 

common of these are aliquot parts of the 

rectangular system of surveys.
Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter I—Land Descriptions

5

2. Those cases where the location and limits 

of land are described in specific terms 

by recital of its boundaries and/or 

adjoiners, generally termed a metes-andbounds description.

3. Those cases where the lands are described 

by reference to designated subdivisions 

based upon surveys and shown upon plats 

or maps filed in a public office, generally 

termed a lot and block survey or residential 

subdivision survey.

Reference to Official Records

The first type of land description referred to in 

the preceding paragraph was considered by the 

United States Supreme Court in the case of Cragin

v. Powell, 128 U.S. 691, 696 (1888), from which the 

following is quoted:

It is a well-settled principle that when lands 

are granted according to an official plat of 

the survey of such lands, the plat itself, with 

all its notes, lines, descriptions, and landmarks, becomes as much a part of the grant 

or deed by which they are conveyed, and 

controls, so far as limits are concerned, as if 

such descriptive features were written out 

upon the face of the deed or the grant itself.

Figure 1. Example of an official plat.
Chapter I—Land Descriptions Specifications for Descriptions of Land

6

This fundamental principle finds wide application 

in the description of tracts and areas located both 

within and outside of the original public domain. 

Because of the large volume of land orders and 

proclamations involving lands in the 30 public land 

states, chapter II is devoted to land descriptions 

based on the official plats of that system.

However, the principle of reference to a record 

of survey is generally applicable to all kinds of 

land descriptions. For example, parcels may 

be described by lot and block numbers of a city 

or townsite subdivision based upon a properly 

identified plat duly recorded in a public office 

of record.

Descriptions based on recorded plats and maps 

of the character just referred to by designation of 

subdivision shown thereon should identify the 

particular plat or map by title and date, giving the 

name and location of the place of record as well 

as the approving or certifying authority. Such 

methods will have the advantage of a plat or map 

being incorporated as part of the description and 

will show intent. Below is an example of a land 

description referring to a survey:

It is hereby certified That, the application 

1234, filed pursuant to the Act of May 17, 

1906, as amended, has been approved 

pursuant to the act, as amended, for the 

following described land:

U.S. Survey No. 14188, Alaska.

Containing 80.00 acres, as shown on 

the plat of survey officially filed on 

September 30, 2011.
7

Chapter II—The Public Land 

Survey System

Rectangular Surveys

On May 20, 1785, the Congress of the 

Confederation passed “an ordinance for 

ascertaining the mode of locating and disposing 

of lands in the western territory and for other 

purposes therein mentioned.” Shortly thereafter, 

the part of the Northwest Territory that became 

the State of Ohio was used to experiment and 

develop the system of rectangular surveys prior to 

disposing of the land. This system became known 

as the Public Land Survey System. Revisions to the 

rules of survey and disposition were made as the 

survey and settlement progressed westward. The 

revisions to the General Plan are codified in the 

editions of the Survey Manual, published by the 

Department of the Interior.11

The rectangular system was used in that part 

of the United States acquired by the Federal 

Government by cession from the states, treaty, and 

purchase, now embraced in the public land states 

of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, 

Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, 

Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, 

Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, 

11 The current edition is the Manual of Surveying Instructions (2009) at 

http://bit.ly/surveymanual2009.

Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, 

Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, 

Wisconsin, and Wyoming, which comprised the 

original public domain. The rectangular system of 

surveys has been extended or is now in progress 

over this area as the basis for the identification, 

administration, and disposal of the remaining 

Federal interest lands and is the basis for the 

identification of the disposed lands.

The land description within the scope of the 

PLSS rectangular surveys should conform to the 

accepted nomenclature of that system, citing the 

name of the proper principal meridian, the state, 

the appropriate township and range numbers, 

and where necessary, the section and sectional 

subdivisions shown upon the official plats of 

survey.12 Each principal meridian has its own 

base line; therefore, the words “and base line” are 

usually omitted from the meridian. The name of 

the principal meridian should be spelled in full. If 

the lands have not been surveyed, the description 

should conform to the subdivisions shown on 

the approved protraction diagram. If the lands 

have not been surveyed and there is no approved 

protraction diagram, the description should 

conform to the legal subdivisions that will, when 

established, include the lands.

A detailed description of the rectangular system of 

survey and its nomenclature is given in the Survey 

Manual. Figure 1-1 in the Survey Manual depicts 

the principal meridians and base lines of the PLSS.

The rectangular survey system is basically 

curvilinear lines based upon true meridian and 

is originated from an “initial point.” 13 Once the 

initial point is established a north and south line 

is configured through the point with reference 

12 Most PLSS land descriptions by law are implicitly descriptions by reference, 

i.e., the area of interest has previously been delimited on an official survey plat. 

When the Federal Government writes the land description, the presumption is 

that the intention is in conformance with the PLSS for establishment of survey 

monuments and the survey record prior to a land description, unless explicitly 

stated otherwise.

13 Lines of constant bearing (rhumb lines), reported as horizontal distance at 

average ground elevation of the end points. True meridian is defined by the axis 

of the earth’s rotation. See chapter II of the Survey Manual for a discussion of 

the Public Land Survey System datum.

Specifications for Descriptions of Land
8

Chapter II—The Public Land Survey System Specifications for Descriptions of Land

to “true north,” not magnetic north. This line 

is referred to as the “principal meridian” and is 

extended as far north or south as necessary for 

the lands to be referenced to this meridian. Next, 

an east and west line is configured through the 

initial point parallel to the equator. This line is 

referred to as the “base line” and is extended east 

and west as far as necessary for the lands to be 

referenced to this base line. “Township lines” are 

then established north and south of the base line 

at 6-mile intervals and numbered north or south 

from the base line as necessary. Then “range 

lines” are established east and west of the principal 

meridian at 6-mile intervals and numbered east or 

west of the principal meridian as necessary. The 

intersection created by the township lines and the 

range lines form a nominal 6-mile square creating 

what is referred to as a “township.”

Two different meanings have been applied to 

the term “township.” The first use of the term 

“township” is to describe a series of nominal 

6-mile-wide horizontal rows north and south 

of the base line. The second use of the term 

“township” is to describe the nominal 6-milesquare area that is situated between two adjacent 

range lines and two adjacent township lines. By 

the General Plan, this 6-mile-square township is 

the unit of survey. Each township is subdivided 

into 36 “sections,” with each section being 

nominally 1 mile square, 640 acres, and numbered 

from 1 to 36, according to the plan shown in 

figure 2. The section lines are normally surveyed 

from south to north and from east to west, with 

any excess or deficiency placed against the north 

and west boundaries of the townships.

Figure 2. Example of township and range lines for the establishment of townships, section lines for the establishment of sections, and subdivision of 

section lines for the establishment of aliquot parts and lots of a section.

TOWNSHIP GRID

NORTH

Initial Point

NORTHEAST QUARTER

WEST

HALF

OF

SOUTH

EAST

QUARTER

E 1/2 SE 1/4

N 1/2 SW 1/4

NW 1/4 NW 1/4

SW 1/4 NW 1/4SE 1/4 NW 1/4

NE 1/4 NW 1/4

LOT 1

Lake

LOT 2

(NE 1/4)

5 4 3 4 5

T 2 S

R 3 W

3

3

2 3

2

2

1 1 2

1

1

SEC

14

14

123456

121110987

15161718 13

19 20 21 2322 24

27282930 26 25

333231 34 3635

SOUTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN

BASE LINE

SECTION 14

Working from a principal meridian and base line,

the surveyor marks off the township lines into

grids of 36 square miles.

Townships are further divided into sections of 1 square mile

(640 acres). Sections are then numbered from 1 to 36.

WEST EAST

TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 3 WEST
9

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter II—The Public Land Survey System

Under the general land laws, the unit of 

administration is the quarter-quarter section of 

nominally 40 acres or the lot, either of which is 

often referred to as the smallest legal subdivision. 

Under mining and reclamation laws, the smallest 

legal subdivision is the quarter-quarter-quarter 

section of 10 acres. Some special statutes specified 

even smaller legal subdivisions.

By the General Plan, the section is subdivided into 

units of administration, called legal subdivisions. 

These are of two types, aliquot parts and lots.14 

The section is subdivided into quarter-sections 

by running straight15 lines from the established 

quarter-section corners to the opposite 

corresponding quarter-section corners. These 

nominal 160-acre units are designated by symbol 

in tabular descriptions as NE1/4, NW1/4, SW1/4, 

and SE1/4.

The quarter-section is subdivided into quarterquarter sections by running straight lines from 

the established quarter-quarter section corners 

to the opposite corresponding quarter-quarter 

section corners. These nominal 40-acre units 

are designated by symbol in tabular descriptions 

as, for example, SW1/4NE1/4. Occasionally the 

quarter-quarter section is further subdivided 

into its aliquot parts by connecting opposite 

corresponding corners. These resulting nominal 

10-acre units are designated by symbol as, for 

example, NW1/4SW1/4NE1/4.

14 For definitions of terms related to describing PLSS aliquot lands and lots, see 

the Glossaries of BLM Surveying and Mapping Terms publication, which includes 

the following:

ALIQUOT – A process of dividing an area such that the results contain an 

exact number of times in another; a part of a measurement that divides the 

measurement without a remainder. Divisions based on the mid-points of linear 

measurement of the opposing lines and the intersection of the lines connecting 

these mid-points.

ALIQUOT PART – An area that is a legal subdivision of a section by division into 

halves or fourths ad infinitum; except lots.

LOT – A legal subdivision of a section that is not described as an aliquot part; 

without aliquot characteristics; the lot is generally designated by a numerical 

value, e.g., lot 2. The term “government lot” is commonly used by persons in the 

non-Federal sector in referring to such a legal subdivision of a section. “Lot” is 

also the name given individual parcels of recorded subdivision of private tracts, 

i.e., lot and block subdivisions.

15 By statute, in the PLSS datum, the term “straight line” is used when 

describing a line of constant bearing.

In theory, aliquot parts can be divided ad 

infinitum. However, the lengthy descriptions 

that result from this practice tend to invite 

error in the preparation and recordation of 

documents. Such lengthy descriptions also further 

complicate the maintenance and interpretation 

of the land records. As a policy (Survey Manual 

sections 3-33 and 9-90), land descriptions 

by aliquot part must not go beyond a four 

component description. For example, a 5-acre 

unit described as the S1/2NE1/4NW1/4SE1/4 

is acceptable, as is a 21⁄2-acre16 unit described as 

the SE1/4NE1/4NE1/4SW1/4. Aliquot parts of 

11⁄4-acre or less described with five components 

or more, e.g., W1/2SE1/4NE1/4SW1/4SE1/4, 

are unacceptable. When subdivision of lands 

into aliquot parts of less than 21⁄2-acres is 

anticipated, an official survey will be conducted 

or a supplemental plat will be prepared and lot 

numbers assigned. Exceptions may be granted in 

cases where the actual on-the-ground location of 

the division line does not and will not govern. If 

the originating bureau or office determines there 

is a need for an exception, requesting a Standards 

for Boundary Evidence Certificate(s) (SBE) from 

a Certified Department of the Interior Land 

Surveyor (CILS)17 is advised.

Preferred Order

If more than one township is included, the 

preferred numerical order of listing is to begin 

with the lowest range number, and within each 

range by the township numbers, also beginning 

with the lowest. Where townships east and west of 

the principal meridian or north and south of the 

base line or both are involved, the preferred order 

of listing is first those north and east of the initial 

point, followed by those north and west, south 

and west, and south and east in the order named. 

All the parts of each township and range will be 

16 Some word processing software may automatically replace certain full-sized 

fractions (1/2) with single-character fraction symbols (1⁄2). These symbols are 

acceptable when describing numerical measurements, e.g., 21⁄2 acre unit, 

but full-sized fractions should be used in land descriptions, e.g., 

SE1/4NE1/4SW1/4SE1/4.

17 See Department of the Interior Departmental Manual “Standards for Federal 

Lands Boundary Evidence” (600 DM 5).
10

Chapter II—The Public Land Survey System Specifications for Descriptions of Land

described before proceeding to the next township 

and range.

The preferred order of listing sections is to 

begin with the lowest-numbered section in each 

township, giving first the lot numbers in order, 

then the subdivisions within each quarter section, 

in the order NE, then NW, SW, and SE; if parts of 

the quarter-sections are to be described, the same 

order is observed, and all the parts of each quartersection will be described before proceeding to 

the next quarter-section and so on. Tracts should 

follow the sections because a tract is part of a 

township, as is a section, and is numbered the 

same as a section, beginning with 37 or the next 

highest unused numerical designation to avoid 

confusion with section numbers. Tracts should be 

listed before nonrectangular surveys, e.g., mineral 

surveys, donation land claims.

Preferred Method for Writing 

Descriptions

A proper aliquot part description should contain 

all of the reference elements within it: principal 

meridian, State, township and range, section, and 

lots or aliquot parts.

Example: Assume it is section 15, township 

4 north, range 20 east,18 Mount Diablo 

Meridian, Nevada. The proper aliquot 

description should contain all of the 

reference elements within it:

Mount Diablo Meridian, Nevada

T. 4 N., R. 20 E.,

sec. 15, NW1/4, NE1/4SE1/4SW1/4,

and NW1/4SE1/4.

The areas described aggregate 210 acres.

The use of a comma is significant in writing the 

descriptions of the subdivisions of a section. A 

comma means “AND THE” and the absence of a

18 Within the rectangular survey system, when used in text, the terms parcel, 

tract, lot, section, township, and range should be lowercase.

comma means “OF THE.” The improper use or 

placement of a comma could drastically change 

an aliquot description and the intended acreage to 

be described. The description NE1/4SW1/4SE1/4 

without a comma describes an aliquot part of 

10 acres. With a comma, as such NE1/4, SW1/4, 

SE1/4 describes three aliquot parts totaling 

480 acres. The proper use of the comma in an 

aliquot description is as follows: The NW1/4, 

NE1/4SE1/4SW1/4, and NW1/4SE1/4, describes 

three aliquot parts containing 210 acres.

In using symbols, the usual punctuation is omitted 

in the aliquot part description. The period is 

omitted after N, NE, S, SE, etc., within the aliquot 

parts description, and that there is no comma 

and no space between symbols indicating a 

quarter-quarter section (NE1/4SE1/4). The usual 

punctuation is included in the portion of the 

land description where township and range are 

abbreviated (T. 4 N., R. 20 E.).

Some contiguous units may be combined. For 

example, if section 10, NW1/4 and section 10, 

SW1/4 are included, the resulting 320-acre unit can 

be designated as “sec. 10, W1/2.” Where section 

22, NE1/4NW1/4 and SE1/4NW1/4 are included, 

the resulting 80-acre unit can be designated as 

“sec. 22, E1/2NW1/4.” And where section 22, 

NE1/4NW1/4, NW1/4NW1/4, and SE1/4NW1/4 

are included, the unit can be designated as “sec. 22, 

N1/2NW1/4 and SE1/4NW1/4.” The combination 

will follow the preferred order of listing. When the 

entire section is included, whether containing lots 

or not, the whole section can be designated (sec. 6).

One half of a regular section consists of two 

quarter-sections having a common boundary, 

and the section is divided by a line between 

opposite quarter-section corners. Half of a half 

description should not be used as it could cause 

ambiguity to the intended location of the division 
11

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter II—The Public Land Survey System

line.19 For example if section 10, W1/2NW1/4 and 

W1/2SW1/4 are included, the symbol “sec. 10, 

W1/2W1/2” is not used. The latter description 

is ambiguous and subject to more than 

one interpretation.

For half of a half description of acquired lands, the 

prevailing rule does vary from State to State as to 

whether the presumption is to describe half by area 

or half by government measurement. Half of half 

descriptions should not be used or used only with 

extreme caution, and if there is doubt as to the 

location of the division line, further explanation of 

the intent is required.20

The sections along the north tier and west range of 

a regular township are typically irregular sections 

and contain lots. These lots are a legal subdivision 

of a section and designated by section and lot 

numbers such as “sec. 3, lot 1.” Lots cannot be 

19 HALF – A part of a section subdivision (section, quarter-section, quarterquarter section, quarter-quarter-quarter section, etc.), by government 

measurement, is determined according to equally divided or at proportionate 

linear measurement of opposing lines without consideration of the areas of 

the halves. This is the rule unless a contrary intent is explicitly shown. See 

Glossaries of BLM Surveying and Mapping Terms.

(1) How to subdivide quarter-sections is defined by Federal statute law;

(A) 43 U.S.C. § 752 (Act of February 11, 1805; 2 Stat. 313):

 “The boundaries and contents of the several sections, half-sections, 

and quarter-sections of the public lands shall be ascertained in conformity with 

the following principles:”

First. “ . . . and the corners of half- and quarter-sections, not marked 

on the surveys, shall be placed as nearly as possible equidistant from two 

corners which stand on the same line.”

 Second. “And the boundary lines which have not been actually run 

and marked shall be ascertained, by running straight lines from the established 

corners to the opposite corresponding corners;”

(B) 43 U.S.C. § 753 (Act of April 24, 1820; 3 Stat. 566, and Act of April 5, 

1832; 4 Stat. 503): Describes that the division and content of a quarter-section 

and of a half quarter-section shall be ascertained in the manner and on the 

principles directed and prescribed by 43 U.S.C. § 752. That is, a quarter-section 

is divided by a straight line connecting the opposite corresponding quarterquarter (1/16) section corners. To subdivide the NE and NW quarter sections 

into halves, the center 1/16 section corner must be established. Running a 

straight line from one exterior 1/16 section corner to the opposite exterior 1/16 

section corner will not intersect the center 1/16 section corner, except in very 

rare cases.

20 In the rare instance where half (1/2) of a half (1/2) is used in a land 

description, a statement at the end of the description, after the area statement, 

similar to “Any area described as a half (1/2) of a half (1/2) is based on the 

proper subdivision of section in accordance with the Manual of Surveying 

Instructions” will be included.

described as aliquot.21 For example, an irregular 

section 3 will normally contain four lots adjoining 

the north boundary of the township. A contiguous 

unit, such as lots 1 and 2, and S1/2NE1/4 should 

not be combined as NE1/4. The latter description 

is ambiguous and subject to more than one 

interpretation. See figure 3 for other situations 

for lots within irregular sections. When a whole 

section containing lots is to be described, just the 

section number should be cited.

Lots have been erroneously patented in halves or 

quarters. Without explicit evidence of the Federal 

Government’s intent, the location of the division 

line is uncertain. For example, is the division line 

to be determined by a straight line between equally 

divided opposing lines, or at proportionate linear 

measurement of opposing lines, or with regard to 

equal areas? If the latter, it is still a question of how 

the equal areas are to be achieved, i.e., whether 

the division line to be determined is parallel 

with the opposing boundary or run to form a 

parallelogram, etc.

Lots and other irregular tracts/parcels do not 

have aliquot characteristics. When they are 

subdivided there is a remainder. The uncertainty 

of the location of the remainder intended by the 

subdivision renders the description ambiguous and 

subject to more than one interpretation. When 

subdividing lots or tracts, an official survey will be 

conducted or a supplemental plat will be prepared 

with lot numbers assigned to each subdivision to 

clearly show the intent.

21 See footnote 14.
12

Chapter II—The Public Land Survey System Specifications for Descriptions of Land

Figure 3. Examples of subdivision of sections by protraction and showing lots.

Meanderable River. Meanderable Lake.

Mineral Claims. E. bdy. defective in alinement.

S. bdy. defective in alinement. E. & S. bdrs. defective in alinement.

123

789

6 5

4

12

9

10

8

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

11

14 13

1

2

3

7

1 1

4

3

2

2

3

4

4321 654
13

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter II—The Public Land Survey System

Area

In some cases, a statement of the total area follows 

the description. If the lands described are entirely 

surveyed, the legal (nominal) acreage as shown 

upon the official plats of survey will be used. 

Where unsurveyed22 land is included, the acreage 

as shown upon the official protraction diagrams 

of the township will be used. Where land is not 

returned on an official survey plat and there is no 

official protraction diagram, an approximate area 

will be given in even acres.

The terms “land” and “area” are used when 

referring to delimited land or area that has 

contiguity.23 The terms “lands” and “areas” are 

used when referring to delimited lands or areas 

that do not have contiguity.

When referencing the acreage for land or area 

having contiguity, the following statement will be 

used: The area described contains ______ acres.

When referencing the acreage for lands or areas 

not having contiguity, the following statement will 

be used: The areas described aggregate ______ 

acres.

Where both Federal and non-Federal interest lands 

are included, the following statement will be used: 

The areas described, including both Federal and 

non-Federal lands, aggregate ________ acres.

Descriptions containing the legal acreage as 

shown upon the official plats of survey will 

carry a statement as follows: The area (or areas) 

described contains (or aggregate) _________ acres, 

according to the official plat (or plats) of the survey 

(or surveys) of the said land (or lands), on file with 

the BLM.

Where a section contains one or more lots, its 

aliquot parts show the usual areas as 40, 80, or 

160 acres; the lots each show the assigned lot 

22 In the Federal survey system, unsurveyed means not returned (described) 

on an official survey plat.

23 Contiguity means where delimited lines of land or area touch. Lands or 

areas that touch only at a corner are not contiguous.

number and are shown to the nearest 0.01 acre. 

Where aliquot parts are according to the official 

plat of survey of the said land, the words “more 

or less” are not used. Delimited areas having a 

rounded acreage of less than 0.01 acre should be 

shown as having 0.01 acre. The square footage of 

a delimited area justified by the accuracy of the 

survey may be shown as an additional exhibit.

When acreage other than the legal acreage 

according to the official plat of survey of the said 

land is used, the source for the acreage and an 

explanation of its derivation should be included 

in the documents to be reviewed. A great deal 

of confusion is needlessly interjected into the 

management of special areas when acreage either 

is derived from unofficial sources or is based upon 

erroneous assumptions.24

It is not expected that every bureau or office will 

have the mathematical necessities to provide 

official or accurate acreage. To determine or 

confirm the status of the acreage it is advisable to 

request a SBE Certificate(s) from a CILS.

24 For a discussion of the Public Land Survey System Datum and associated area 

computations, see chapter II of the Manual of Surveying Instructions.

 Using plane computational techniques within the PLSS will create 

problems due to the orthogonal nature of basic trigonometric functions. 

Geodetic computations or the use of geodetic projections will eliminate many 

problems. To properly use these projections, many factors must be addressed, 

such as proper conversion to and from the true meridian, to and from mean 

bearings, and between ground horizontal distances and grid distances. To 

properly use geodetic computations, the correction between mean, forward and 

back bearings, and the elevation of the lines must be considered.

 The mathematical conversions between field measurements and plane 

coordinate values involve many relationships. Some of the considerations to be 

treated correctly before accurate acreage can be assured are: Sea level factors 

relate ground distances to sea level or geoid equivalents. Elevation factors relate 

ground distances to geodetic equivalents on the ellipsoid. Grid scale factors 

relate ellipsoidal or geodetic distances to an equivalent on the projection or grid 

surface. The mapping angle, or convergence angle, relates geodetic north to 

grid north. Arc to chord, or second-term corrections, relate observed pointings 

to equivalents on the grid and are relevant to both bearings and angles. The 

grid bearing is a true bearing only along the central meridian of a given State 

Plane Coordinate System zone, and a grid distance is not generally a true 

ground distance.

 Many popular commercial computing software applications do not 

compute PLSS areas accurately. For example, when the software is written for 

plane coordinate computations, the acreages computed can be significantly 

different from acreage derived from geodetic coordinate computations based 

upon PLSS constraints. Acreage on the grid surface differs from the sea level 

surface, and both differ from the ground surface used in the PLSS.
14

Chapter II—The Public Land Survey System Specifications for Descriptions of Land

Table 1. Conversions used in PLSS surveying.

Units of Linear Measure

1 chain = 100 links

 = 66 feet (U.S. Survey Foot)

 = 4 poles, perches, rods

1 mile = 80 chains

 = 5,280 feet (U.S. Survey Foot)

Units of Area

1 acre = 10 square chains

 = 43,560 square feet

 (U.S. Survey Foot)

1 square mile = 640 acres

Metric Conversions

U.S. Survey Foot

 1 meter = 39.37 inches (exact)

 1 U.S. Survey Foot = 0.3048006096... 

 meter

 1 link = 0.2011684023... 

 meter

 1 meter = 3.2808333333... 

 U.S. Survey Foot

 1 acre = 0.40468726099... 

 hectare

International Foot (SI)

 1 inch = 25.4 millimeters 

 (exact)

 1 SI foot = 0.3048 meter 

 (exact)

 1 meter = 3.2808398950... 

 SI Foot

Conventional Symbols and Abbreviations

The conventional symbols for degrees (°), minutes 

('), and seconds (") of arc should usually be 

employed in giving the direction of lines.

The abbreviations for the units most 

frequently used are:

Chains(s) .....................ch., chs.

Link(s) ........................lk., lks.

Foot (feet) ....................ft.

Meter(s) ......................m.

The words “township” and “range” and the 

designations “north” or “south” and “east” or “west” 

are sometimes written in full when used in the text, 

but the land description itself should be in tabular 

form, and these terms should be abbreviated and 

capitalized where appropriate. The principal 

abbreviations are as follows:

Township(s) .................T. or Tps.

Range(s) .....................R. or Rs.

Section(s) ....................sec. or secs.

North .........................N.

Northeast .....................NE

Where two or more township units are to be 

grouped in the description, the plural abbreviation 

“Tps.” and/or “Rs.” should always be used, even 

though all the townships have the same number 

east or west of the principal meridian or north or 

south of the base line. The term “township” and 

“range” is abbreviated in the singular or plural as 

the meaning may require, for example:

T. 13 N., R. 11 E.

(1 township)

Tps. 4 and 5 N., R. 14 W.

(2 townships)

Tps. 3 S., Rs. 16 and 17 W. 

(2 townships)

Tps. 1 thru 4 S., Rs. 6 thru 9 E.

(16 townships)
15

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter II—The Public Land Survey System

Examples of Descriptions of Lands Based upon the Rectangular Surveys of the Public 

Land Survey System

Single Section

Example No. 1

Fourth Principal Meridian, Illinois

T. 28 N., R. 8 E.,

sec. 9, SE1/4.

The area described contains 160 acres.

Multiple Sections

Example No. 2

Fifth Principal Meridian, North Dakota

T. 160 N., R. 66 W.,

sec. 6, lots 4 thru 7,25 SE1/4NW1/4, and E1/2SW1/4;

sec. 7, lots 1 thru 4, E1/2NW1/4, and E1/2SW1/4;

sec. 17, W1/2SW1/4;

sec. 18, NE1/4;

sec. 20, W1/2NW1/4 and SW1/4.

The areas described aggregate 1,090.18 acres.

Multiple Sections and Townships

Example No. 3

Black Hills Meridian, South Dakota

T. 3 S., R. 1 E.,

sec. 6;

sec. 8, SE1/4;

sec. 21;

sec. 28, E1/2, N1/2NW1/4, SE1/4NW1/4, and NE1/4SW1/4;

sec. 31, lots 2 and 4, NW1/4NE1/4, NE1/4NW1/4, and SE1/4;

sec. 34, W1/2NE1/4, W1/2, W1/2SE1/4, and W1/2SE1/4SE1/4.

T. 5 S., R. 2 E.,

sec. 17, N1/2, excepting SDM 43307;

sec. 22, N1/2, reserving SDM 43308;

sec. 34, N1/2, subject to SDM 43309.

T. 5 S., R. 3 E.

T. 6 S., R. 3 E.,

sec. 4, lots 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8, SW1/4NE1/4, S1/2NW1/4, and SE1/4;

secs. 15, 17, and 18.

The areas described, including both Federal and non-Federal lands, aggregate 28,184.79 acres.

25 It is stipulated that the word “thru” implies inclusive, i.e., lots 4, 5, 6, and 7. For three items, the word “and” is preferred; however, the word “thru” can be used, i.e., 

lots 4 thru 6. Either word should be used consistently within a land description.
16

Chapter II—The Public Land Survey System Specifications for Descriptions of Land

Example No. 4

Salt Lake Meridian, Utah

T. 39 S., R. 10 W.,

sec. 31, lots 4 thru 14 and lots 19 thru 30.

T. 40 S., R. 101/2 W.,

sec. 1, that portion lying southerly of the southerly right-of-way boundary of UTU 43433;

sec. 2, unsurveyed.

T. 38 S., R. 11 W.,

secs. 31, 32, and 33, those portions lying northerly and easterly of the centerline of U.S. Highway 93.

T. 39 S., R. 11 W.,

secs. 4 thru 9 and secs. 16 thru 21, partly unsurveyed;

sec. 24, NE1/4 and S1/2;

secs. 25 thru 29 and secs. 33 thru 36.

T. 40 S., R. 11 W.,

secs. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 15, 16, 21, 22, 27, 28, 33, and 34.

T. 41 S., R. 11 W.,

sec. 4;

sec. 5, lots 1 and 2, S1/2NE1/4, and SE1/4;

sec. 8, NE1/4;

secs. 9, 16, and 21.

T. 38 S., R. 12 W.,

sec. 10, N1/2 and SW1/4;

sec. 11, W1/2 and SE1/4;

sec. 12, N1/2 and SE1/4;

sec. 13, NE1/4 and S1/2;

sec. 21, E1/2;

secs. 22, 23, and 24;

sec. 29, lot 1 and lots 3 thru 8;

secs. 33 thru 36.

T. 39 S., R. 12 W.,

secs. 1 thru 4 and secs. 9 thru 15, partly unsurveyed;

sec. 16, E1/2;

secs. 22, 23, and 24, partly unsurveyed.

Example No. 5

Mount Diablo Meridian, California

T. 45 N., R. 21 E.,

secs. 1, 2, 4, 6, and secs. 8 thru 17.

T. 46 N., R. 21 E.,

secs. 20 thru 29;

sec. 30, E1/2NE1/4 and E1/2SE1/4;

sec. 31, W1/2NW1/4SE1/4 and W1/2SW1/4SE1/4;

secs. 32 thru 36.

T. 46 N., R. 22 E.,

secs. 4 thru 9, secs. 11 thru 14, and secs. 16 thru 21, partly unsurveyed.
17

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter II—The Public Land Survey System

T. 45 N., R. 23 E.,

sec. 8, W1/2SE1/4;

sec. 10, N1/2NE1/4 and SW1/4NE1/4;

sec. 11, W1/2NW1/4 and SE1/4NW1/4;

sec. 12, N1/2SW1/4 and SE1/4SW1/4;

sec. 13, NE1/4SE1/4 and S1/2SE1/4;

sec. 20, W1/2NE1/4, unsurveyed;

sec. 28, W1/2SW1/4;

secs. 29 thru 32.

Example No. 6

Principal Meridian, Montana

Tps. 1, 2, and 3 N., R. 1 E., unsurveyed.

Tps. 1 thru 4 N., Rs. 2 and 3 W., partly unsurveyed.

T. 1 S., R. 18 W.,

secs. 1 thru 18.

Tps. 1 S., Rs. 19 and 20 W., partly unsurveyed.

T. 1 S., R. 19 E.,

sec. 33, lots 1, 2, and 4, and lots 6 thru 9;

sec. 34, that part lying northwesterly of the medial line, an ambulatory line, of Snake Creek;

tracts 43, 44, 46, and tracts 48 thru 53.

Example No. 7

Sixth Principal Meridian, Wyoming

T. 37 N., R. 67 W.,

secs. 4 thru 9, secs. 16 thru 21, and secs. 28 thru 33.

T. 38 N., R. 67 W.,

secs. 4 thru 9, secs. 16 thru 21, and secs. 28 thru 33.

T. 39 N., R. 67 W.,

secs. 1 thru 24 and secs. 28 thru 33.

Tps. 40, 41, and 42 N., R. 67 W.

Tps. 37 thru 40 N., R. 68 W.

Tps. 38 N., Rs. 69, 70, and 71 W.

Tps. 39 N., Rs. 70 thru 73 W.

T. 44 N., R. 70 W.,

secs. 1, 2, and 3, secs. 10 thru 13, secs. 22 thru 27, and secs. 34, 35, and 36.
18

Chapter II—The Public Land Survey System Specifications for Descriptions of Land

Example No. 8

Gila and Salt River Meridian, Arizona

T. 23 N., R. 32 W.,

sec. 4;

tract 37.

T. 23 N., R. 33 W.,

sec. 9;

tract 46;

M.S. No. 3202.

Tps. 23 N., Rs. 34 and 35 W.,

tract 57;

M.S. No. 246.

The areas described aggregate 3,233.86 acres.
19

Chapter III—Metes-and-Bounds 

Surveys

The land description by this method should be 

prepared from surveyed information (map, plat, or 

notes of the survey) or record information that has 

been verified, is locatable on the ground, and can 

be written without ambiguity.

Metes-and-bounds descriptions are used to 

describe the boundaries of parcels that involve 

unusual applications of or departures from the 

rectangular system of the PLSS. In the PLSS, there 

are many special surveys of nonrectangular parcels, 

including mineral lode claims, forest homestead 

entries, private claims, small holding claims, 

ranchos, U.S. surveys, donation land claims, 

reservations, and congressionally designated areas. 

Almost all will be a description by reference, e.g., 

to U.S. Survey No. 12345. All metes-and-bounds 

land descriptions published in the Federal Register

either should be copied from official records, 

written by a land surveyor, or referred to a land 

surveyor for review of the accuracy and sufficiency 

of the description.

A monument may consist of an object or mark that 

serves to identify the location of a line constituting 

a part of the boundary; it may be either natural, 

such as a river, lake, rock ledge, tree, or ridge, or 

artificial, such as a wall, fence, ditch, road, marked 

stone, or post.

The location and the delimiters of land or 

marine area(s) may be defined by describing 

its boundaries; by naming natural or artificial 

monuments to, from, or along which it runs; by 

stating the lengths and directions of the lines 

connecting successive corners and/or monuments; 

or by giving the boundaries of abutting lands or 

marine areas.

If the lines of adjoining land or marine area(s) 

form a common boundary with the land or area 

in question, the description should note this fact, 

identifying the adjoining land or area by the name 

of the owner, survey designation, description 

designation, or other appropriate means.

Natural and Artificial Boundaries

The controlling elements within a description 

have importance and hierarchy in their use. 

It is important that the scrivener of a land 

description is as familiar with these as the retracing 

land surveyor. If the scrivener understands 

the controlling elements and their order of 

importance, he or she should be able to prepare the 

land description with clear intent and minimal or 

no ambiguity. In law, the hierarchy of calls is often 

called “rules of construction.” Detailed discussion 

of controlling elements, their order of importance, 

and examples of their application are beyond the 

scope of this publication.

Occasionally the boundaries of land are defined 

entirely or in part by natural monuments, such as 

inland waters, divides, or straight lines connecting 

prominent features of topography. In such cases, 

each boundary should be described so definitely 

and specifically that there is no uncertainty as to its 

location by identification of features.

Descriptions referring to an inland stream or river 

can be susceptible to more than one interpretation, 

and it is imperative that the intent be stated with 

particularity. In navigable waters, the ordinary 

high water mark, the deepest navigable channel 

Specifications for Descriptions of Land
20

Chapter III—Metes-and-Bounds Surveys Specifications for Descriptions of Land

(thalweg), or a medial line is usually specified. In 

meandered nonnavigable waters, the ordinary high 

water mark, the medial line, or the deepest channel 

(thread) is specified. And in nonmeandered 

nonnavigable waters, the medial line or the deepest 

channel (thread) is usually specified. In the case 

of tidal waters, the line of mean high tide is 

usually specified.

In referring to a natural monument such as a divide 

or peak, or to such permanent artificial monuments 

as ditches or stone walls, the specific line or point 

intended to be used should be described with 

sufficient particularity as to be capable of definite 

identification and susceptible to only one 

interpretation. Boundaries of this sort are normally 

winding, and they may be technically defined by 

the location of the feature and not by the straight 

lines between angle points. The intent should be 

clear in these cases whether the boundary is 

defined by straight (mean bearing) lines between 

angle points or by the meander of the feature.

Similarly, in referring to such permanent artificial 

monuments such as highways, railroads, or 

utility lines, the specific line must be described 

with sufficient particularity as to be capable of 

definite identification and susceptible to only one 

interpretation. The description should specify 

whether a right-of-way line, center line, or another 

location is intended. Also, over time, roadways 

and utility lines can move via official actions or 

unofficial activity; typically, the location on the 

date of the description will be considered the best 

available evidence of the party’s intent.

In connection with these types of boundaries, 

the agency preparing the land description must 

consider not only the technical sufficiency and 

form of the description but the feasibility and 

practicability of the boundary from the viewpoint 

of proper administration. For example, the 

selection of a boundary described as an elevation 

contour or as paralleling a road at a distance of 

2 miles should be avoided as such lines would be 

difficult to establish, sufficiently ambiguous to 

require evidence aliunde, and impractical from an 

administrative standpoint.

By Executive Order No. 11988 of May 24, 1977, 

entitled Floodplain Management, as amended 

by Executive Order No. 12148 of July 20, 1979, 

special areas, such as floodplain locations, must 

be described. In some cases, it may be feasible 

to describe the lands subject to the restrictive 

covenant by aliquot parts or by metes-and-bounds. 

In other cases, the Department of Housing and 

Urban Development (HUD) floodplain map or 

a more detailed map of an area may be used. If 

neither is available, use of the best available 

information is referenced in the description. 

The agency should subject proposed descriptions 

to review by persons experienced in on-theground determinations.

Area

A statement of the delimited land or area usually 

follows the description and, in most cases, is 

expressed in acres. Where justified by the accuracy 

of the survey, the value may be carried to the 

nearest hundredth of an acre or be expressed by 

square footage. Approximate areas should be 

indicated as such and given to the nearest full acre.

The Parts of Metes-and-Bounds 

Descriptions

There are three primary parts of a metes-andbounds description:

• Caption or preamble

• Body

• Clauses

Caption or Preamble

The caption or preamble provides a general 

location of the lands to be described, such as 

city, county, and state. The description could 

include the section, township, and range; principal 

meridian; county and state; or subdivision or map 

reference with the city, county, and state. It may 

be a combination of any of these. The caption 

or preamble is used to locate the general vicinity 

of the land being described. The details of the 

location of the lands being described are contained 

within the body of the description.
21

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter III—Metes-and-Bounds Surveys

Caption Example

(see figure 4)

A parcel of land situated in the northeast quarter (NE1/4) of the northeast quarter (NE1/4) of section 

21, township 35 north, range 27 west, Fourth Principal Meridian, Sherburne County, Minnesota, being 

a portion of that parcel of land described in Document No. 4311, filed January 1, 1956, in the official 

records of Sherburne County and shown in Exhibit “A” and being more particularly described as follows:

Body

The body of a description contains all the specifics 

for locating the land or space it delineates. The 

body is a combination of all or portions of the 

following elements used to describe the land and to 

reference its location to the surrounding lands:

• Point of commencement

• Point of beginning

• Course (bearing or direction)

• Distance

• Calls by reference

• Calls for monuments and bounds or adjoining

lands with qualifying terms and descriptions

• Closing call to the point of beginning or other

known locatable point or line

• Area of land contained (if applicable)

• Basis of bearings

• Any additional information that can assist with

the accurate location of the land being

described (such as clauses)

Abbreviations should be avoided whenever 

possible.

Body Example

(see figure 4)

COMMENCING at the corner of sections 15, 16, 21, and 22, marked with a 3 inch diameter iron pipe 

with cap marked R.L.S. 910, identical with the southeast corner described in Document No. 1314, 

filed March 01, 1923, the southwest corner described in Document No. 1516, filed April 01, 1920, and 

the northwest corner described in Document No. 1718, filed May 03, 1918, all in the official records 

of Sherburne County, Minnesota;

THENCE, South 00° 16' 00" West, on the line between sections 21 and 22, identical with the west line of 

the aforesaid parcel described in Document No. 1718, a distance of 867.90 feet to the center line of a 

66 foot wide road parcel described in Document No. 652, filed February 01, 1906, marked with a 

1/2 inch diameter iron pipe and the POINT OF BEGINNING of the herein described parcel;

THENCE, South 00° 16' 00" West, continuing on the section line, a distance of 450.78 feet to the north 

1/16 section corner of sections 21 and 22, marked with a 3 inch diameter iron pipe with cap marked 

R.L.S. 1516, identical with the southwest corner described in aforesaid Document No. 1718, the 

northwest corner described in Document No. 1920, filed June 06, 1913, and the northeast corner 

described in Document No. 2122, filed July 04, 1921, all in the official records of Sherburne County, 

Minnesota;

THENCE, South 89° 54' 41" West, on the east and west center line of the northeast 1/4 of section 21, 

identical with the north line described in aforesaid Document No. 2122, a distance of 1325.26 feet to 
22

Chapter III—Metes-and-Bounds Surveys Specifications for Descriptions of Land

Clauses

Clauses are usually at the end of the body of a land 

description and are for the purpose of clarifying, 

encumbering, taking away from, adding to, or 

restricting something with reference to the land 

being described.

A clarifying clause can clearly define the intent of 

the party(s). For example, when a land description 

has been updated by survey:

Meaning and intending to convey a portion 

of the land acquired by the grantor from 

Dom Smith as shown on Lincoln County 

Record of Survey No. 9437.

A qualifying clause can imply an encumbrance 

such as an easement, or a reservation for some 

use, or a restriction of how the land described 

may or may not be used, or a reversionary 

interest. A qualifying clause may also be “subject 

to” any previous recorded encumbrances such as, 

easements, reservations, restrictions, or reversions 

on the land being described.

An augmenting clause can imply the addition of 

some right or privilege with the property being 

described such as an access easement, restrictions 

on adjacent properties for view purposes, or utility 

easements that are attached to the land described.

Except means excluding from the area or cutting 

off a portion of the whole area that has just been 

described, or withdrawals from the description of 

the property conveyed. Reserving means keeping 

a certain right from the area just granted or taking 

back a part of something granted. Subject to refers 

to a reservation already existing; when used in a 

conveyance, it means “subordinate to,” “subservient 

to,” “limited by,” or “charged to.”

When exception and reservation are used together, 

the customary meaning holds that certain 

property is both withdrawn from the description 

of what is conveyed and/or an independent right 

the northeast 1/16 section corner of section 21, marked with a 3 inch diameter iron pipe with cap 

marked R.L.S. 1516, identical with the northwest corner described in aforesaid Document No. 2122, 

the northeast corner described in Document No. 2324, filed September 12, 1930, and the southwest 

corner described in Document No. 2526, filed November 11, 1934, all in the official records of 

Sherburne County, Minnesota;

THENCE, North 00° 12' 00" East, on the north and south center line of the northeast 1/4 of section 21, 

identical with the east line described in said Document No. 2526, a distance of 823.02 feet to the 

center line of the aforesaid 66 foot wide road parcel described in Document No. 652, marked with a 

1/2 inch diameter iron pipe;

THENCE, along the center line of said road parcel and crossing a portion of the aforesaid described 

parcel in Document No. 4311, filed January 1, 1956, the following four (4) courses and distances:

1. South 78° 48' 00" East, a distance of 462.00 feet to a 1/2 inch diameter iron pipe for a point of 

curvature to the right, concave southwesterly,

2. With said curve through a central angle of 42° 57' 00", having a radius of 419.43 feet, an arc 

distance of 314.42 feet to a 1/2 inch diameter iron pipe,

3. South 35° 51' 00" East, a distance of 327.16 feet to a 1/2 inch diameter iron pipe,

4. North 70° 20' 02" East, a distance of 447.26 feet to a 1/2 inch diameter iron pipe being the POINT 

OF BEGINNING, containing 17.64 acres of land.

BASIS OF BEARINGS: South 00° 16' 00" West, being the north 1/2 of the north 1/2 of the line between 

sections 21 and 22, by solar observation, referenced to the true meridian.
23

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter III—Metes-and-Bounds Surveys

to an interest in the land is created and vested 

in the grantor. In the context of split estates, a 

provision excepting and reserving the mineral 

estate retains and creates title to the mineral estate 

in the grantor.

External evidence may prove that the terms 

were not used according to their usual and 

different connotations.

Clauses Examples

Example No. 1 (see figure 4)

Reserving all minerals; except coal.

Subject To a 66 foot wide road parcel, Document No. 652, filed February 01, 1906, in the official records 

of Sherburne County, Minnesota.

Exhibit “A”: Attached hereto and made a part of.
24

Chapter III—Metes-and-Bounds Surveys Specifications for Descriptions of Land

Figure 4. Exhibit “A.”
25

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter III—Metes-and-Bounds Surveys

Example No. 2

A portion of land situated in the northwest quarter (NW1/4) of section 15, township 30 north, range 33 

west, Seward Meridian, Yukon – Koyukuk Borough, Alaska, being the results of a survey of an irregular 

bounded portion of land and being more particularly described as follows:

BEGINNING at a 4 inch square hemlock post protruding 24 inches above the ground on the northerly 

right-of-way line of the Takotna Highway and being 1/4 mile more or less southeasterly from the 

intersection of said highway line and the left bank of the Kuskokwim River at an approximate latitude of 

62°52' N., longitude 155°40' W. Said POINT OF BEGINNING hereinafter referred to as “Corner No. 1” 

for this description. From said POINT OF BEGINNING, Corner No. 2 of U.S. Survey No. 999 bears 

N. 26° 59' W., a distance of 327.6 feet.

THENCE, S. 25° 43' W., a distance of 1900 feet to a found 4 inch square hemlock post protruding 

22 inches above the ground with no markings and accepted as Corner No. 2;

THENCE, S. 57° 30' W., a distance of 3000 feet to a found 4 inch square hemlock post protruding 

18 inches above ground scribed “No. 3”;

THENCE, S. 32° 30' E., a distance of 830 feet to a found 4 inch square hemlock post protruding 

20 inches above ground scribed “No. 4”;

THENCE, N. 57° 30' E., a distance of 4000 feet to a found 4 inch square hemlock post protruding 

24 inches above the ground scribed “No. 5”;

THENCE, N. 25° 43' E., a distance of 1650 feet to a found 4 inch square hemlock post protruding 

20 inches above the ground with no markings and accepted as Corner No. 6;

THENCE, N. 34° 17' W., a distance of 550 feet to a found 4 inch square hemlock post protruding 

22 inches above the ground scribed “No. 7”; and

THENCE, S. 85° 38' W., a distance of 871.6 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING containing 

121.66 acres of land.

BASIS OF BEARINGS – N. 26° 59' W., being the bearing from said Corner No. 2 of U.S. Survey 

No. 999 to the POINT OF BEGINNING of this survey.
26

Chapter III—Metes-and-Bounds Surveys Specifications for Descriptions of Land

Strip Descriptions

A strip description is a modified form of a metesand-bounds description used to describe linear 

features such as a utility corridor or road rightof-way. Strip descriptions are composed with 

reference to a center line with proper citation 

of the location and/or width with respect to the 

described line(s). Since strip descriptions do not 

describe along the perimeter of a closed figure, 

they can be used to avoid lengthy land descriptions 

in certain cases.

The actual composition of a strip description is 

very similar to a metes-and-bounds description, 

with some key differences to the caption and body. 

The caption should contain a citation stating the 

width of the strip and the position of the described 

center line. The body is constructed mostly the 

same, except the end point of the described line 

is referred to as the “point of termination,” and 

no call is made back to the “point of beginning” 

or the “point of commencement.” The described 

center line is assumed, by definition, to be located 

exactly midway between both sidelines, unless 

stated otherwise. The sidelines are assumed to 

be perpendicular and parallel to the described 

line, unless stated otherwise. A qualifying clause 

should be included to state how the beginnings 

and ends of the sidelines should be interpreted. 

For example, property ownership boundaries will 

seldom be perpendicular to the described line, 

which if the description is intended to terminate 

at such property boundaries, will create “gaps” and 

“overlaps” in the described area. The intended 

land interest, whether fee, easement, etc., should be 

stated clearly in a qualifying clause.

Strip Description Example

(see figure 5)

A portion of the east half of the southeast quarter (SE1/4) of section 9, township 45 south, range 11 east, 

Willamette Meridian, County of Klamath, State of Oregon, and shown in Exhibit “A,” being a 100 foot 

wide strip of land, the center line of which is more particularly described as follows:

BEGINNING AT A POINT on the line between sections 9 and 10, 694 feet along the section line from 

the corner of sections 9, 10, 15, and 16. Thence from the POINT OF BEGINNING, the following two 

courses:

1) North 40° 56'West, 1468 feet; and

2) North 65° 06'West, 395 feet, more or less, to the north and south center line of the southeast 1/4 

 of section 9 and the POINT OF TERMINATION.

The sidelines of said strip shall be lengthened or shortened, as necessary, so as to intersect with the east 

and west lines of said E1/2SE1/4.

Containing 4.28 acres of land.

The bearings shown herein are based upon the south 1/2 of the line between sections 9 and 10, bearing 

North 0° 48' East as shown upon the official plat thereof. All distances stated are in U.S. Survey Foot and 

all bearings are referenced to the true meridian.

The interest to be conveyed is an easement for the purposes of installation and maintenance of an 

overhead transmission line.

Exhibit “A”: Attached hereto and made a part of.
27

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter III—Metes-and-Bounds Surveys

Figure 5. Exhibit “A” (strip description example).

Ambulatory Descriptions

Ambulatory descriptions are those that contain 

references to described limits that do not have 

fixed positions or positions that are subject to 

change over time.

An example is describing land to limits on water 

boundaries. These descriptions are generally 

referenced to a specific line along a water body 

such as the ordinary high water mark, medial 

line, thread, line of mean high tide, etc. Water 

boundaries are always subject to change by 
28

Chapter III—Metes-and-Bounds Surveys Specifications for Descriptions of Land

natural forces and may add or take land away 

from an upland owner. Beginning a description 

from a location that is ambulatory is not advised; 

a description should begin from another fixed 

position within the land being described. 

Descriptions of boundaries running parallel with 

an ambulatory line must be very specific whether 

the boundary is ambulatory or fixed. Before a 

description incorporates a body of water as a 

boundary, the effects of subsequent movement 

and whether riparian rights are intended must 

be considered.

Another example of an ambulatory line would 

be one not clearly defined to a vertical reference 

datum or one referenced to natural surface contour 

lines. If the line is referenced to a qualified vertical 

reference and straight lines are referenced between 

physical monuments, the line becomes fixed in 

its location. When reference to a contour line is 

used without the clear delineation of its vertical 

reference or physical monuments and without 

lines run between the monuments, the line can 

become ambulatory over time. Natural forces of 

erosion or accumulation may create an ambulatory 

situation. For example, 0.5 foot of erosion or 

accumulation over a period of time on a 1 percent 

slope could change the horizontal position of the 

original location by 50 feet. Even if the contour 

reference is well defined, it would be located in a 

new position without physical monuments and 

lines run between the locations for a retraceable 

boundary. For these reasons, making reference to 

contour lines of elevation for delimitation of lands 

should be avoided.

Boundaries involving water bodies can fall within 

the category of previously described ambulatory 

descriptions. Describing such boundaries would 

be similar to, if not the same as, writing a metesand-bounds description. The difficulties are 

(a) clearly stating whether the boundary is fixed 

or ambulatory and (b) unambiguously describing 

a boundary that is ambulatory. Descriptions 

written along the meanders of a water body 

probably are not describing a fixed boundary line 

but courses and distances in the near vicinity of the 

water body to be used for the purpose of 

calculating closure and computing acreage of the 

land, with the water body being the boundary. If 

writing to meanders, including a qualifying clause 

at the end of the description is prudent to clarify 

the reason for the meanders and that the boundary 

is to the actual delineating water boundary, e.g., 

ordinary high water mark, line of mean high tide, 

medial line, or thread.

Following are a few excerpt examples of 

describing water boundaries:

1. Thence, with the meanders of the 

navigable Johnson Lake the following 

nine (9) courses and distances:

2. Thence, along the meanders of the 

shoreline of the Pacific Ocean the 

following seven (7) courses and 

distances:

3. Thence, along the center line meanders 

of nonnavigable Otter Creek the 

following three (3) courses and distances:

4. Thence, with the meanders of the 

navigable Truckee River the following six 

(6) courses and distances:

An example of a qualifying clause follows:

The meanders described within this land 

description are for the convenience of 

computing mathematical closure and 

computing acreage for the described parcel. 

Actual ownership is to the ordinary high 

water mark, and the acreage delineated may 

or may not include the area between the 

meanders and the ownership boundary.
29

Chapter IV—Lot and Block 

Descriptions

Lot and block descriptions are primarily created 

within the private sector; however, Federal 

townsites fall into this category also. These types 

of descriptions create land divisions of varying 

acreage sizes commonly referred to as “lots” and 

generally have a “lot” identifier that could be 

numeric or alpha characters or a combination 

thereof. When the map creates these divisions, 

they are commonly referred to as a “simultaneous 

conveyance.” In reality there may not be any 

conveyance performed at all and the process 

simply has created multiple divisions of land at the 

same moment in time, similar to sections returned 

on the same official rectangular survey plat of 

the General Land Office (GLO) or the BLM. Not 

all lot and block descriptions will contain all the 

elements required for a description listed below. 

The scrivener and/or the reviewer should ascertain 

from the subject map or plat the proper elements 

for a description.

The basic elements are:

1. Lot, parcel, or unit identifier.

2. Block identifier, if applicable (some 

land divisions may not contain a 

block identifier).

3. Name or plat/map reference title, 

e.g., “Sunny Acres Subdivision.”

4. Recording information (which 

could be file, book, or volume with 

page number) to include date and 

location of recordation.

5. County and State.

Example descriptions:

1. Lot 2, Block R, Bandy Subdivision 

in Book 99, page 10 of official 

records recorded May 9, 1998, 

Document No. 10225, El Dorado 

County, Missouri.

2. Lot 101, Tidelands Subdivision, 

recorded in File 73, page 23 of 

County Surveyor Records, dated 

August 1, 2001, Document No. 

555555, Lincoln County, State 

of California.

Specifications for Descriptions of Land
30

Chapter V—Illustrations (Maps) 

and Coordinates

Maps to be Published

Under some conditions, incorporating a plat, map 

or diagram as an integral part of a land order or 

proclamation, either in place of or in addition to a 

written description, is essential.

Federal Register regulations (1 CFR 18.10) apply to 

the preparation of documents required to be filed 

in the Office of the Federal Register for publication:

(a) If it is necessary to publish a form or 

illustration, either a clear and legible 

original form or illustration or a clear and 

legible 81⁄2 by 11 inch reproduction shall 

be included in the original document and 

each certified copy.

(b) A document that includes tabular material 

may be assigned to the deferred publication 

schedule. See § 17.7 [1 CFR 17.7].

The Office of the Federal Register encourages 

Federal agencies to submit all notices and any 

accompanying maps and illustrations as electronic 

files together with the original documents and 

certified copies. When submitting maps or 

illustrations, the map or illustration should be 

inserted in the same electronic file that contains 

the notice and in the approximate location where 

the map or illustration is to appear.

Preparation

The following should be observed in preparing the 

plat, map, or diagram (see figure 6 for example):

(a) The title should be identical to that of 

the land order or proclamation insofar as 

practicable.

(b) The date should be the same as that of the 

land order or proclamation.

(c) Two or more parallels and meridians, 

with the latitude and longitude of each, 

should be shown where the size of the 

tract warrants; otherwise the latitude and 

longitude of one point and an orientation 

arrow should be shown.

(d) The plat, map, or diagram should carry an 

appropriate graphic scale.

(e) The lines and lettering should be in 

black only and legible when reduced for 

publication.

(f) The name of the originating bureau or 

agency, list of sources, and a statement 

that the plat, map, or diagram is attached 

to and forms a part of the land order or 

proclamation should be shown.

The text of the land order or proclamation should 

include a clause, reading substantially as follows:

. . . the boundaries (or tract) shown upon 

the (survey plat) (map) (diagram) attached 

hereto and made a part hereof . . .

Specifications for Descriptions of Land
31

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter V—Illustrations (Maps) and Coordinates

Figure 6. Federal Register illustration.
32

Chapter V—Illustrations (Maps) and Coordinates Specifications for Descriptions of Land

Survey Plats, Maps, or Diagrams Forming 

Official Supplements

Where the reduction in scale is so great as to 

impair the legibility of the plat, map, or diagram, 

the publication of the land order or proclamation 

should be avoided. In such cases, it is preferable to 

file a full-scale plat, map, or diagram as an official 

supplement with a duplicate copy filed with the 

Secretary’s copies in the public lands records. The 

principle that an official plat, map, or diagram 

cited in a deed or other document is in fact a part 

of such a document as if incorporated in it has 

already been referred to in chapter I.

This principle (of description by reference) may 

be used under these conditions by the originating 

bureau or agency. A properly identified plat, map, 

or diagram supplement, bearing the certificate of 

an officer of the bureau or agency, may be placed 

on record in the appropriate Federal files.

A file of plats, maps, or diagrams that serve 

as official supplements to land orders or 

proclamations should comply with the following 

requirements:

1. The plats, maps, or diagrams should 

be adequately indexed, classified, and 

described.

2. They should be available for inspection and 

consultation by interested persons.

3. Copies of the plats, maps, or diagrams 

should be available for sale to the public at 

uniform listed prices.

Full-scale copies of these plats, maps, or diagrams 

may be folded and attached to printed copies 

of land orders and proclamations for 

administrative use or for sale at uniform listed 

prices to interested persons.

Where official supplements are used, the text of 

the land order or proclamation should include a 

statement reading substantially as follows:

The boundaries (or tract) described (or 

referred to) are shown upon ____________

__________________________________

____________________ (bureau or 

agency) (survey plat or map or diagram) 

entitled ____________________________, 

dated ________________________, filed 

in ____________________________ 

(place of filing), supplementing this land 

order (or proclamation).

Description by Coordinates

The location of a point on the surface of the 

earth may be accurately described by expressing 

its position on any well-established system 

of coordinates.

Two general classes of coordinates are available for 

such use in the United States: geographic positions 

(latitudes and longitudes) and plane-coordinate (x 

and y) positions which are derived from and are 

dependent upon geographic positions.

A point can be reestablished after its coordinates 

have been determined. Every geographic 

coordinate pair should be defined by the datum, 

date of adjustment or epoch date, and the geoid 

model used. If coordinates are reported in a 

projection, the projection used, as well as the 

previously stated attribute data, will be stated 

(see figure 7 for example). However, great care 

must be exercised to ensure that the original 

coordinate pairs were produced by a process 

that is repeatable within a quantifiable accuracy 

standard. Occasionally, coordinates can be the best 

available evidence for the position of a point if the 

coordinate data is determined and reported with 

an adequate degree of precision.

Geographic Positions

The United States is covered by a network of 

triangulations and traverses, which determines the 

latitudes and longitudes of thousands of marked 

points based on a standard geodetic datum known 

as the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83). 
33

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter V—Illustrations (Maps) and Coordinates

In addition, a network of continuously operating 

reference stations (CORS) provides for global 

positioning system (GPS) code range and carrier 

phase data in support of 3-dimensional positioning 

activities.

The sum is the National Spatial Reference System 

(NSRS), which is the official system of the Federal 

Government that allows users to determine 

geodetic latitude, longitude and height, plus 

orthometric height, geopotential, acceleration of 

gravity, and deflection of the vertical at any point 

within the United States or its territories. The 

responsible agency for this network is the National 

Geodetic Survey (NGS), National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 

Department of Commerce.

As NAD 83 superseded earlier datums, it is 

essential that all computations and recorded values 

on a geodetic datum be accompanied by a legend 

identifying the datum used. There is nothing in 

the form of a geographic position itself to identify 

it as being on a certain geodetic datum or as an 

independent astronomical position.

The earth is dynamic, meaning that every point 

has some movement, called velocity, relative to 

other points. Therefore, all new coordinates of 

defining points of the NSRS will have an epoch tag. 

In particular, an epoch-tagged set of coordinates 

will identify the date and instant corresponding 

to the position of a coordinate system, with all 

subsequent positions being referred to the position 

at that epoch. In this sense, an epoch tag is 

equivalent to a date. Descriptions are created for 

different purposes and providing a significantly 

higher degree of geographic position accuracy than 

is necessary can be a wasted effort.

Awareness of the relative accuracy that is rendered 

by the values displayed for the latitude and 

longitude coordinates is essential. A rough rule of 

thumb is that every second of arc equals 100 feet 

of position change. This rule is consistent with 

latitude values; however, with longitude values, 

this distance decreases due to convergence of the 

meridians as distance progresses north or south 

from the equator to the poles. Providing values to 

the nearest second results in a positional accuracy 

of +/- 100 feet, to the nearest 1/10 of a second 

Figure 7. Protraction diagram.
34

Chapter V—Illustrations (Maps) and Coordinates Specifications for Descriptions of Land

results in a positional accuracy of +/- 10 feet, to 

the nearest 1/100 of a second results in a positional 

accuracy of +/- of 1 foot, and to the nearest 1/1000 

of a second results in a positional accuracy of 

+/- 1/10 of a foot, etc.

If the geographic position is referenced by a 

physical monument or natural feature, the 

preceding could become irrelevant, but if position 

only with no physical reference is given, it could 

be perceived to be within the positional tolerances 

described. Making the intent of the positional 

accuracy for the latitude and longitude coordinate 

clear is important.

Where a boundary is defined by expressing the 

geodetic latitudes and longitudes of its corners, the 

forward and back azimuths and the lengths of the 

lines forming the boundary should also be given. 

This data should be arranged in the tabular form 

generally adopted for such data by the various 

Federal survey bureaus. The descriptions of the 

station and corner sites and of their monuments 

and marks should follow the table of positions 

and be in short paragraphs arranged in the same 

sequence as the positions.

While considered a complete, legal, and 

satisfactory description, many state laws may 

not require a party to a real property transaction 

to rely wholly on a description, any part of 

which depends exclusively upon coordinates or 

geographic positions.

Obtaining a statement from the appropriate 

cadastral survey office relative to the appropriate 

coordinates to be employed is advisable. If you 

have questions about geographic coordinates, 

contact your local cadastral survey office.

The geographic positions, in NAD 83 (2011), epoch 

2010.00, for the corners above were determined 

by GPS observations, using the National Geodetic 

Survey (NGS) Online Positioning User Service 

(OPUS), to a network accuracy, with a maximum 

peak-to-peak separation for each component of the 

computed position of less than 0.05 meters, semimajor axis 95 percent error ellipse, as defined in 

the current Standards for the Positional Accuracy of 

Cadastral Surveys When Using Global Navigation 

Satellite Systems.

Examples of Geographic

Coordinate Positions

(note decimal accuracy of the coordinates)

Example No. 1

Witness Corner to Meander Corner No. 1, U.S. Survey No. 14280, Alaska

____________________________________________________________________________________

 NAD 83 (2011) – 62°59'14.370" (N) 144°29'00.461" (W)

 EPOCH DATE – 2010.00

Example No. 2

Southeast Corner of Township 16 South, Range 15 East, Umiat Meridian, Alaska

____________________________________________________________________________________

 NAD 83 (2011) – 68°00'22.214" (N) 148°32'23.603" (W)

 EPOCH DATE – 2010.00
35

Chapter VI—Form and 

Arrangement

Executive Order No. 11030 of June 19, 1962, 

as amended by Executive Order No. 11354, 

May 23, 1967; Executive Order No. 12080, 

September 18, 1978; and Executive Order 

No. 12608, September 9, 1987, under section 

one, prescribe certain requirements in connection 

with the preparation of Executive orders and 

proclamations. Land descriptions of such 

documents should follow these requirements 

and also incorporate the guidance found in other 

Executive orders, regulations, and policies.

Executive Order No. 11030, as Amended—

Preparation, Presentation, Filing, and 

Publication of Executive Orders and 

Proclamations

By virtue of the authority vested in me 

by the Federal Register Act (49 Stat. 500, 

as amended; 44 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.), 

and as President of the United States, I 

hereby prescribe the following regulations 

governing the preparation, presentation, 

filing, and publication of Executive orders 

and proclamations:

Section 1. Form. Proposed Executive 

orders and proclamations shall be 

prepared in accordance with the 

following requirements:

(e) Descriptions of tracts of land shall 

conform, so far as practicable, 

to the most recent edition of the 

“Specifications for Descriptions of 

Tracts of Land for Use in Executive 

Orders and Proclamations,” prepared 

by the Bureau of Land Management, 

Department of the Interior.

Section 2. Routing and approval of drafts.

(d) After determining that the proposed 

Executive order or proclamation 

conforms to the requirements of 

Section 1 of this order and is free 

from typographical or clerical error, 

the Director of the Office of the 

Federal Register shall transmit it and 

three copies thereof to the President.

[History and authority: The provisions of 

Executive Order No. 11030 of June 19, 1962, 

appear at 27 FR 5847, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., 

p. 610, unless otherwise noted.]

1 CFR 18.10—Illustrations, Tabular 

Material, and Forms

The guidance found in the Title 1, Part 18, of the 

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is applicable 

to all documents filed with the Federal Register, 

including plats and maps:

§ 18.10 Illustrations, tabular material, and 

forms.

(a) If it is necessary to publish a form 

or illustration, a clear and legible 

original form or illustration, or a clear 

and completely legible reproduction 

approximately 81⁄2 by 11 inches, shall be 

included in the original document and 

each certified copy.

Specifications for Descriptions of Land
36

Chapter VI—Form and Arrangement Specifications for Descriptions of Land

[History and authority: 54 FR 9681, Mar. 7, 1989: 

44 U.S.C. § 1506, sec. 6, E.O. 10530, 19 FR 2709; 

3 CFR, 1954-1958 Comp., p. 189.]

1 CFR 19.1—Form

Pertinent to the requirement in Executive Order 

No. 11030, as amended, regulations prescribed by 

the order are codified under Title 1, Part 19 of the 

Code of Federal Regulations and are applicable to 

all proposed Executive orders and proclamations:

§ 19.1 Form.

Proposed Executive orders and 

proclamations shall be prepared 

in accordance with the following 

requirements:

(e) Descriptions of tracts of land shall 

conform, so far as practicable, 

to the most recent edition of the 

“Specifications for Descriptions of 

Tracts of Land for Use in Executive 

Orders and Proclamations,”26 prepared 

by the Bureau of Land Management, 

Department of the Interior.

[History and authority: 37 FR 23610, Nov. 4, 1972, 

as amended at 54 FR 9681, Mar. 7, 1989; 

E.O. 11030, secs. 1 to 6, 27 FR 5847, 3 CFR, 1959-

1963 Comp., p. 610; E.O. 11354, 32 FR 7695, 

3 CFR, 1966-1970 Comp., p. 652; and E.O. 12080, 

43 FR 42235, 3 CFR, 1978 Comp., p. 224.]

43 CFR 2300—Land Withdrawals, 

Reservations, and Classifications of Land

The Federal Land Policy and Management 

Act27 and Executive Order No. 1035528 delegate 

authority regarding the withdrawal, reservation, 

and classification of lands to the Secretary of 

the Interior. The land description portion of 

applications, proposals, petitions, and orders 

26 Agencies with computer processed data are urged to consult with the Office 

of the Federal Register staff about possible use of the data in the publication 

process.

27 43 U.S.C. 1714; 43 CFR 2300.0-3(a)(1).

28 43 CFR 2300.0-3(a)(2).

for the making, modification, relinquishment, 

revocation, extension, correction, review, and 

termination of withdrawals or reservations is 

required to be suitable for publication in the 

Federal Register.

§ 2300.0-5 Definitions

(n) Legal description means a written 

land description based upon either an 

approved and filed Federal land survey 

executed as a part of the United States 

Public Land Survey System or, where 

specifically authorized under Federal 

law, upon a protraction diagram. In 

the absence of the foregoing, the term 

means a written description, approved 

by the authorized officer, which defines 

the exterior boundaries of a tract 

of land by reference to a metes and 

bounds survey or natural or 

other monuments.

The acreage listed in the applications, proposals, 

petitions, and orders for the making, modification, 

revocation, or extension of a withdrawal or 

reservation shall be based upon the actual acreage 

as shown upon the official plats of survey, diagrams 

or maps used for the written land description.29 In 

the absence of the foregoing the acreage used shall 

be approved by the authorized officer.

Land classification land descriptions are 

systematically reviewed as part of the BLM’s 

withdrawal program.

[History and authority: 43 CFR Group 2300, 

35 FR 9558, June 13, 1970; 42 FR 28721, June 3, 

1977; 46 FR 5796, Jan. 19, 1981; E.O. 10355, 

May 28, 1952, 17 FR 4831, 3 CFR, 1949-1953 

Comp., p. 873; 43 U.S.C. §§ 2, 1201, 1714 (FLPMA 

sec. 204), and 1740.]

29 43 CFR 2310.1-3(b)(3).
37

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Chapter VI—Form and Arrangement

Department of the Interior Secretary’s 

Orders

Section 1.3D of Departmental Manual Part 012, 

“Secretary’s Orders,” Chapter 1, “Preparation 

and Issuance of Secretary’s Orders,” requires that 

proposed orders containing a description of land, 

drafted by other than the BLM, will be referred 

to that Bureau for review of the accuracy and 

sufficiency of the description. The BLM’s policy 

is to coordinate this review through its cadastral 

survey program.

Public Land Orders

A public land order should be prepared in a form 

as set forth in the BLM’s Preparation of Public 

Land Orders and Associated Documents guidance. 

Land descriptions must be in conformance with 

the guidance contained in this edition of the 

Specifications for Descriptions of Land.

Executive Order No. 13327—Federal Real 

Property Asset Management

Section 1. Policy. It is the policy of 

the United States to promote efficient 

and economical use of America’s real 

property assets and to assure management 

accountability for implementing federal 

real property management reforms.

Section 5(c) states that a single, comprehensive, 

and descriptive database of all real property 

under the custody and control of all executive 

branch agencies shall be maintained. It also 

states that descriptive information, except for 

classified information, that is considered the 

best available to describe the nature, use, and 

extent of the real property holdings of the Federal 

Government, shall be collected from each 

executive branch agency.

Marine Managed Areas: Best Practices for 

Boundary Making

This manual, written by the FGDC Marine 

Boundary Working Group, should be referenced 

for marine boundary delimitation and for 

developing those boundaries within a digital 

environment. It offers the following guidance to 

boundary developers:

“This manual attempts to provide 

guidelines to reduce boundary 

misunderstandings and litigation. Haste, 

inexperience, and lack of consulting with 

boundary experts are common reasons for 

poor boundary development. The lesson 

that this experience teaches is important: 

boundary developers must resolve or 

account for all boundary issues before they 

can develop effective boundaries. Heeding 

this advice and employing best technical 

practices are beneficial to creating effective 

marine boundaries.”
38

Appendix: Introductions to Previous Editions Specifications for Descriptions of Land

Appendix: Introductions to Previous Editions

2015 Edition

Since the publication of the 1979 edition of the Specifications, the reorganization and transfer of 

functions of various Federal agencies have rendered certain procedures inapplicable, prompting a 

revision to the Specifications. New survey and digital applications and methods also mandate this 

revision. Further experience in using the Specifications and improvements to survey and digital data 

collection since 1979 indicate the need for additional and updated explanations and examples. These 

revised Specifications supersede all previous Specifications on the technical subjects contained therein.

1979 Edition

Certain procedures have been rendered inapplicable due to reorganizations and transfer of functions 

of various Federal agencies. The issuance of certain Executive Orders and the enactment of Public 

Law 94-57[9], Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, 90 Stat. 2743 have introduced 

numerous changes.

A general revision has been found necessary and work was undertaken by the Bureau of Land 

Management in 1979.

1960 Edition

This edition of “Specifications for Descriptions of Tracts of Land for Use in Executive Orders and 

Proclamations” was issued in 1931, revised in 1942, and reprinted without change pending revision 

April 1960.

1942 Edition

This revision of “Specification for Descriptions of Tracts of Land for Use in Executive Orders and 

Proclamations” issued in 1931 and reprinted in 1941 is published through the cooperation of the 

Commissioner of the General Land Office, United States Department of the Interior.

In 1930 the Department of State requested the Federal Board of Surveys and Maps to prepare rules and 

specifications for descriptions of tracts of land appropriate for use in Executive orders and proclamations. 

The preparation of these specifications was undertaken by the following members of the Board’s 

Committee on Cadastral Surveys:

A. D. Kidder, General Land Office, Chairman;

S. W. Boggs, Department of State;

C. H. Squire, Forest Service;

W. T. Paine, General Land Office.

The original edition, entitled “Specifications for Descriptions of Tracts of Land for Use in Executive 

Orders and Proclamations,” was completed and published in 1931, and reissued, with some corrections as 

to procedure, in 1941.
39

Specifications for Descriptions of Land Appendix: Introductions to Previous Editions

The functions connected with the preparation and presentation of Executive orders and proclamations, 

formerly performed by the Department of State, are now carried on by the Division of the Federal 

Register, the National Archives, under the provisions of the Federal Register Act, approved July 26, 1935. 

This has introduced certain changes in procedure and requirements and has rendered inapplicable some 

of the material contained in the first edition. Further experience in the use of the specifications during 

the ten-year period which has elapsed since their first publication has indicated the need for additional 

explanatory text and examples.

A general revision of the publication was, therefore, found advisable, and the work was undertaken 

in 1940, 1941 and 1942 by the following members of the Board’s Committee on Cadastral Surveys 

and Maps:

W. H. Richards, General Land Office, Chairman;

S. W. Boggs, Department of State;

J. E. Burch, Forest Service;

H. C. Mitchell, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey;

P. A. Rosendorn, Bureau of Reclamation;

J. M. Stewart, Office of Indian Affairs.

The revision was nearly complete on March 10, 1942, when the functions of the Federal Board of Surveys 

and Maps were transferred to the Director of the Bureau of the Budget by Executive Order No. 9094. The 

completion of this work and the publication of this edition were carried out at the request of the Bureau 

of the Budget.

1941 Edition

This edition is a re-issue under the supervision and approval of the Federal Board of Surveys and Maps 

in cooperation with the Commissioner of the General Land Office, Department of the Interior, to 

supplement the original issue of 1931, the stock of which is exhausted, pending a more general revision 

and the preparation of new material.

Corrections that show the current practice are indicated by marginal and footnote references; 

the principal amendments are set out on pages 3 and 33.