USGS DIGITAL CARTOGRAPHIC DATA STANDARDS

USGS Circular 895-A: Overview and USGS Activities

B: Digital Elevation Models

C: Digital Line Graphs from l:24,000-Scale Maps

D: Digital Line Graphs from 1:2,000,000-Scale Maps

E: Land Use and Land Cover Digital Data

F: Geographic Names Information System

G: Digital Line Graph Attribute Coding Standards

Questions regarding availability and ordering of US GeoData (all

types of digital cartographic and geographic data produced and

distributed by the U.S. Geological Survey) should be addressed to:

User Services Section

National Cartographic Information Center

U.S. Geological Survey

507 National Center

Reston, Virginia 22092

Technical questions and comments should be addressed to:

Chief, National Mapping Division 

U.S. Geological Survey 

516 National Center 

Reston, Virginia 22092

Any use of trade names and trademarks in this publication is for 

identification purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by the 

U.S. Geological Survey.
DIGITAL LINE GRAPH ATTRIBUTE CODING STANDARDS

By William R. Allder, A. Joan Sziede, Robert B. McEwen, 

and Francis J. Beck

USGS Digital Cartographic Data Standards 

Edited by Robert B. McEwen/ Richard E. Witmer, and Benjamin S. Ramey

Geological Survey Circular 895-G

1984
United States Department of the Interior

WILLIAM P. CLARK, Secretary

Geological Survey

Dallas L. Peck, Director

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Main entry under title:

USGS digital cartographic data standards. Digital line graph attribute coding standards.

(U.S. Geological Survey circular ; 895-G)

Bibliography: p.

Includes index.

Supt. of Does, no.: 119.4/2:895-6

1. Digital mapping Standards. I. Geological Survey (U.S.) II. Title: U.S.G.S. digital cartographic data standards. III.

Series. 

Gal39.U833 1983 526 83-600186

Free on application to Distribution Branch, Text Products Section, 

U. S. Geological Survey, 604 South Pickett Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
FOREWORD

In recent years, the disciplines of cartography and geography have undergone a rapid and striking reorientation as the 

techniques for digital collection and manipulation of data have 

evolved from fledgling laboratory procedures into dominant and 

driving forces that now pervade the disciplines. Digital techniques have provided a variety of new and powerful capabilities 

to collect, manipulate, analyze, and display spatial data. 

However, this evolution also has introduced a number of new and 

complex problems. One of the most pressing problems, and one 

which is receiving particular attention at present, is the issue 

of digital cartographic data standards.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been actively 

developing digital cartographic and geographic techniques for 

over a decade and has taken significant steps to develop and 

define in-house standards governing the various types of 

digital cartographic data that are being collected and archived 

in a national digital cartographic data base. The in-house 

standards are expressed in the form of specifications documents 

that were prepared to govern collection of the data and in the 

form of user guides that were prepared for distribution with 

the data.

In an effort to fulfill lead agency requirements for 

promulgation of Federal standards in the earth sciences, the 

documents have been assembled with explanatory text into this 

USGS Circular consisting of separately bound chapters. This 

Circular describes some of the pertinent issues relating to 

digital cartographic data standards, documents the digital 

cartographic data standards currently in use within the USGS 

National Mapping Division, and details USGS efforts to define 

national digital cartographic data standards.

Chapter A is an overview in which the major issues involved 

in developing digital cartographic data standards are discussed 

and the activities of the USGS related to digital cartographic 

data production and standards development are described in 

detail. Succeeding chapters comprise the pertinent documents 

that establish USGS in-house standards for the various types of 

digital cartographic data currently produced by the National 

Mapping Division; that is, digital elevation data, digital 

planimetric data, digital land use and land cover data, and 

digital geographic names data.

This compendium of relevant material is prepared to serve 

as a benchmark and to assist ongoing efforts to establish 

acceptable standards and conventions for both Federal agencies 

and the public.

Dallas L. Peck

Director,

U.S. Geological Survey 

Department of the Interior

R. B. Southard

Chief,

National Mapping Division 

U.S. Geological Survey

iii
PREFACE

This Circular is the result of the efforts of numerous individuals who have contributed to the research, development, and 

preparation of various digital cartographic and geographic standards for the National Mapping Division of the U.S. Geological 

Survey. The individuals named as chapter authors represent both 

the originators of the various concepts as well as the writers 

who expanded and clarified these ideas. Their contributions, 

either to the concepts or the writing, are of such magnitude as 

to warrant crediting as authors.

Atef A. Elassal was largely responsible for the original 

data structures and computer file formats that are used for the 

Digital Line Graphs and Digital Elevation Models. The attribute 

coding scheme was first developed by members of the Digital 

Applications Team under the direction of Robert B. McEwen. The 

Geographic Names Information System was conceived and developed 

by Sam Stulberg and Roger L. Payne. The Geographic Information 

Retrieval and Analysis System was developed by Robin G. Fegeas, 

K. Eric Anderson, Stephen C. Guptill, Cheryl A. Hallam, and 

William B. Mitchell. The small-scale Digital Line Graph data 

structure and attribute coding scheme was developed by Warren E. 

Schmidt and Michael A. Domaratz.

The Circular was compiled in part from various user guides 

and technical instructions of the National Mapping Division. 

These documents were originally prepared by several individuals; 

credit is acknowledged to G. Michael Callahan, A. Joan Szeide, 

William R. Allder, Vincent M. Caruso, Hugh W. Calkins, Donna 

Cedar-Southworth, and Cheryl A. Hallam. The compilation of the 

various guides, instructions, and other material into the 

Circular format was performed with major assistance by Clark H. 

Cramer, Eloise R. Byrd, and Cynthia L. Cunningham.

We acknowledge these substantial contributions that have led 

to this publication.

iv
CONTENTS 

____ Page

Foreword ................................................... ill

Preface .................................................... iv

Abstract ...............c................................... 1

Introduction ............................................... 1

General description of attribute coding structure .......... 2

Major code description ................................. 2

Minor code description ................................. 3

Common attribute codes ................................. 3

Hydrography ................................................ 4

Hydrography attributes ................................. 4

Instructions for use of hydrography attributes ......... 5

Node attributes ................................... 5

Area attributes ................................... 6

Line attributes ................................... 7

Single-point feature attributes ................... 8

General-purpose attributes ........................ 8

General descriptive attributes apply to multiple

types of feature ................................. 11

Parameters ........................................ 12

United States Public Land Survey System .................... 13

General principles ..................................... 13

U.S. Public Land Survey System attributes .............. 14

Instructions for use of the U.S. Public Land

Survey System attribute codes ........................ 16

Node attributes ................................... 16

Type of node ................................. 16

Identification procedure ..................... 18

Area attributes ................................... 19

Origin of survey parameter code .............. 20

Township number parameter code ............... 20

Range number parameter code .................. 20

Section number parameter code ................ 22

Land grant number parameter code ............. 23

Excluded areas ............................... 23

Line attributes ................................... 25

Single-point features (degenerate lines) .......... 26

Parameters ........................................ 26

Irregular rectangular surveys in Ohio and Indiana ...... 27

Ohio River survey ................................. 27

Between the Miamis, north of Symms purchase ....... 28

Muskingum River survey ............................ 28

Ohio River base Indiana .......................... 28

Scioto River base surveys ......................... 28

Twelve-Mile square reserve ........................ 28

West of the Great Miami (Ohio) .................... 29

U.S. Military survey .......................T...... 29

Private^ surveys in Ohio ........................... 29

Alphabetical index ......................................... 30
TABLES 

_____ Page

Table 1.—Origins of the U.S. Rectangular Surveys .......... 21

2.—Township duplicates .............................. 22

vi
USGS Digital Cartographic Data Standards

DIGITAL LINE GRAPH ATTRIBUTE CODING STANDARDS

By William R. Allder, A. Joan Sziede, Robert B. McEwen, 

and Francis J. Beck

Abstract

The discipline of cartography is 

undergoing a number of profound changes 

that center on the emerging influence of 

digital manipulation and analysis of data 

for the preparation of cartographic 

materials and for use in geographic information systems. Operational requirements have led to the development by the 

USGS National Mapping Division of several 

documents that establish in-house digital 

cartographic standards.

In an effort to fulfill lead agency 

requirements for promulgation of Federal 

standards in the earth sciences/ the 

documents have been edited and assembled 

with explanatory text into a USGS 

Circular. This Circular describes some 

of the pertinent issues relative to 

digital cartographic data standards, 

documents the digital cartographic data 

standards currently in use within the 

USGS, and details the efforts of the USGS 

related to the definition of national 

digital cartographic data standards. It 

consists of several chapters; the first 

is a general overview, and each succeeding chapter is made up from documents 

that establish in-house standards for one 

of the various types of digital cartographic data currently produced. This 

chapter, 895-G, describes the digital 

line graph attribute codes together with 

their definitions and use with features 

shown on USGS 1:24,000-scale maps and 

digitized according to standards for USGS 

digital line graphs. This chapter currently describes only those categories of 

data from which complete coding schemes

have been defined. Coding standards for 

other base categories of data listed in 

this chapter are under development and 

will be published at a later date.

INTRODUCTION

Attribute codes, also called feature 

codes or classification attributes, are 

used to describe the physical and cultural characteristics of digital line 

graph (DLG) data elements: nodes, areas, 

and lines. This chapter describes the 

general characteristics of the DLG coding 

scheme, defines the attribute codes used 

in each DLG data category, and provides 

guidance for the standardized application 

of these codes in the digitizing process. 

When an attribute code is tied to a 

standard cartographic symbol, the symbol 

number is cited. Symbol numbers refer to 

the following U.S. Geological Survey 

(USGS) Technical Instructions:

1. "Publication symbols for 1:24,000- 

scale Conventional Unit Standard 

Topographic Maps" - December 1981.

2. "Provisional Edition Maps 1:24,000- 

and 1:25,000-scale - Part 1 - Mapping 

Guidelines" - January 1982.

The attribute coding scheme for DLG's 

is intended to meet the following 

objectives:

1. Describe real world phenomena rather 

than their cartographic representations — Digital cartographic data 

produced under the National Mapping
Program are intended to support the 

requirements of a broad spectrum of 

users, not only for traditional 

cartographic products, but also for 

input to geographic information 

systems and for automated spatial 

analyses. To achieve this goal, a 

data classification and coding scheme 

was developed to describe real world 

phenomena rather than only cartographic symbolization. The data are 

collected in logical categories that 

comprise unique themes, not necessarily corresponding to traditional 

feature separates. In the initial 

effort of building the DLG data base, 

however, the primary source materials 

used for data collection are published 7.5-minute quadrangle manuscripts. Field notes and compilation 

materials normally are not used. It 

is therefore necessary to prescribe 

the use of attribute codes based 

solely on information depicted on 

published maps. In general, every 

standard cartographic symbol will 

have a unique attribute code number; 

however, there are situations where 

more than one attribute code will be 

required to fully describe a feature.

2. Minimize redundant information

Generally, attribute codes are not 

assigned to a feature, if they can be 

derived based on the feature's relation to adjacent features. For 

example, in the United States Public 

Land Survey System category, township 

extremity lines are not explicitly 

coded since this attribute can be 

derived by examining the attributes 

of the two areas that bound each 

line.

3. Provide sufficient reference information to support integration with 

large, multipurpose data bases — 

Many organizations maintain sets of 

mission-specific thematic or statistical data that are combined with 

cartographic base categories for both 

display and analysis. The DLG attribute coding scheme attempts to facilitate this process by supporting a 

variable number of attributes 

assigned to each feature, creating 

an open-ended structure to which a 

user may add information, and by

using established Federal Information 

Processing Standard (FIPS) codes, 

where available.

4. Describe the interrelations between 

real-world phenomena — For example, 

streambanks are designated as right 

bank and left bank rather than bank 

so that the direction of flow can be 

determined. The nodes at.the beginning of a single-line stream are 

coded for the same reason.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ATTRIBUTE 

CODING STRUCTURE

Each attribute code identifies the 

general data category to which a feature 

belongs, as well as the specific nature 

of the feature. Codes may also provide 

additional descriptive information. Many 

features are uniquely described by a 

single attribute code. Others however 

may require two or more codes for a 

complete description. If multiple 

attributes are needed to describe a 

feature, ordering is not significant. 

Each element need not have associated 

attributes.

A DLG attribute code is composed of 

two distinct numeric fields: a threedigit major code, the first two digits 

of which identify the data category to 

which the feature belongs, and a fourdigit minor code, which specifically 

describes the feature.

MAJOR CODE DESCRIPTION

The first two digits of the major 

code uniquely identify the data category 

to which the described element belongs. 

The following is a list of major codes 

and the categories they represent:

Major code Base category

020 Hypsography

050 Combined hydrography

070 Surface cover

080 Nonvegetative features

090 Boundaries

	Transportation systems 

100 Roads, trails 

110 Railroads
Major code Base category

130 Pipelines, transmission

lines 

140 Other significant manmade

structures 

150 Survey control and markers

Major code Nonbase category

300 United States Public Land 

Survey System

The third digit of the major code is 

used to designate the interpretation of 

the minor code in two ways:

1. If the digit is zero, the minor code 

numbers represent a description or 

classification of a specific feature.

2. If the digit is other than zero, the 

minor code numbers have special 

interpretations as a parameter. The 

interpretation to be applied is 

described for each category.

MINOR CODE DESCRIPTION

The first digit of the minor code is 

normally zero. If nonzero, it is used as 

a modifier providing additional information such as road access or railroad 

status.

The remaining three digits are 

normally used to indicate the cartographic interpretation to be applied to 

specific elements. They type of element 

described by a particular code can be 

determined from the range of values of 

the last three digits:

1. node: 001 - 099

2. area: 100 - 199

3. line: 200 - 299

4. point (degenerate line): 300 - 399

5. general-purpose codes (apply to 

	multiple feature types): 400-499

6. descriptive codes: 600-699

The general-purpose codes are used on 

features that may be digitized as a node, 

area, or line, depending on the size and 

position of the feature. The descriptive codes are used with another code to 

qualify meaning.

The last three digits also may be 

used as a parameter code. Parameters 

are used when a minor code can legitimately assume a range of values, for 

example, water elevation or highway 

route number. The meaning of a parameter code is derived from the (nonzero) 

third digit of the major code. Parameters are specific for both category and 

feature.

COMMON ATTRIBUTE CODES

In general, the meaning of an attribute code is unique to the data category 

of the feature it describes. There are, 

however, several exceptions.

Outside Area (000 0000) — Each DLG 

provides a coherent description of that 

portion of the Earth's surface covered by 

a given map area. To maintain topological consistency and to facilitate the 

combination (integration) of multiple 

DLG's, the area outside the map area is 

specifically identified for each DLG 

category. This area element, which must 

be present in each data category, is 

assigned a single attribute code wherein 

the major and minor codes are both equal 

to zero.

Photorevised features (XXO 0000) — 

Map features obtained by photorevision 

methods (printed in purple) and not field 

checked for horizontal position or 

classification, are assigned attribute 

codes based on best judgment. In addition, a code consisting of major code 

XXO, where XX are the two digits uniquely 

identifying the data category, and a 

minor code of zero will also be attached. 

For example, a class 3 road added by 

photorevision would be coded as follows: 

100 0000—obtained by photorevision; 100 

0207—improved light duty.

Indeterminate classification and (or) 

position (XX8 0000) — The attribute code 

consisting of major code XX8, where XX 

are the two digits uniquely identifying 

the data category, and a minor code of 

zero, indicates that the classification 

and (or) position of the feature could 

not be determined, but for completion of 

the file the feature was digitized using 

a best estimate.

Coincident feature (XX9 OOYY) — The 

attribute code having major code XX9,
where XX are the two digits uniquely 

identifying the data category/ is used to 

indicate that the digitized feature is 

coincident with a feature from another 

data category. The second category is 

identified by the last two digits of the 

minor code; for example: 309 0009—land 

line coincident with boundary; 099 0010— 

boundary coincident with road. These 

codes are included primarily as an aid 

in vertical integration of data from 

several categories.

HYDROGRAPHY

The purpose in digitizing hydrography 

is to collect information about streams, 

bodies of water, wetlands, coastal water, 

and water used for transportation in a 

manner that will permit the extraction 

and derivation of data to suit the needs 

of the various data users. This information is not collected for navigational 

purposes.

One aim is to collect hydrographic 

information in a reasonably simple and 

efficient manner. Therefore all hydrography will be collected in one file where 

the density of the data does not exceed 

the file size limitations imposed by 

processing software. If the amount of 

data on the source will exceed the file 

size permitted, the operator will divide 

the source map along a straight line 

into halves. Extreme care will be taken 

in digitizing features that cross the 

dividing line so that the pieces can be 

rejoined exactly.

One intention in collecting hydrography is to indicate the direction of the 

flow by theoretically looking downstream 

and denoting right and left banks. Where 

the flow direction of a stream cannot be 

determined from the source material, the 

adjoining quadrangles will be examined 

to obtain the information.

All double-line streams will be digitized as areas. Double-line streams that 

join another double-line stream or a 

water body will be closed by an arbitrary 

closure line.

The description of hydrographic features uses all of the types of codes— 

node, area, line, single-point, generalpurpose, and descriptive codes. All

hydrographic features that have attribute 

codes assigned are assumed to be perennial unless the attribute code for intermittent is also assigned. Hydrographic 

features will not carry attribute codes 

for information that can be derived, such 

as intersections and junctions. This 

means that there will be unattributed 

nodes, areas, and lines. When an area 

feature, which can be identified by a 

code, is subdivided by linear features or 

closure lines, each resultant smaller 

area will be identified by the appropriate code.

In addition, the topological structuring software will establish area 

points for area points to all of the 

background land areas that are not 

assigned specific attributes. This 

differs from a strict network in which 

there is only one background area. These 

background area points will not fall 

within the physical location of the area 

but are assigned to complete the 

structure.

HYDROGRAPHY ATTRIBUTES

The following codes are used in 

digitizing hydrographic information:

Node attributes

050 0001 Upper origin of stream 

050 0002 Upper origin of stream at

water body 

050 0003 Sink

050 0004 Stream entering water body 

050 0005 Stream exiting water body

Area attributes

050 0100 Alkali flat

050 0101 Reservoir

050 0102 Covered reservoir

050 0103 Glacier or permanent

snowfield

050 0104 Salt evaporator 

050 0105 Inundation area 

050 0106 Fish hatchery or farm 

050 0107 Industrial water

impoundment j - - - 

050 0108 Area to be submerged 

050 0109 Sewage disposal pond or

filtration beds 

050 0110 Tailings pond 

050 0111 Marsh, wetland, swamp, bog
050 0112 Mangrove area

050 0113 Rice field

050 0114 Cranberry bog

050 0115 Flats (tidal, mud, sand,

gravel) 

050 0116 Bays, estuaries, gulfs,

oceans, seas

Line attributes

050 0200 Shoreline

050 0201 Manmade shoreline

050 0202 Closure line, (water-water)

050 0203 Indefinite shoreline

050 0204 Apparent limit

050 0205 Outline of a Carolina bay

Single-point feature attributes 

(degenerate lines)

050 0300 Spring

050 0301 Nonflowing well

050 0302 Flowing well

050 0303 Riser

050 0304 Geyser

050 0305 Windmill

General-purpose attributes (apply to

nodes, areas, 

lines.)

050 0400

050 0401

050 0402

050 0403

050 0404

050 0405

050 0406

050 0407

050 0408

050 0409

050 0410

050 0411

050 0412

050 0413

050 0414

050 0415

050 0416

050 0417

050 0418

050 0419

050 0420

050 0421

050 0422

lines, or degenerate

Rapids

Falls

Gravel pit or quarry filled

with water 

Gaging station 

Pumping station 

Water intake 

Dam or weir

Canal lock or sluice gate 

Spillway 

Gate (flood, tidal, head,

check)

Exposed rock 

Crevasse 

Stream

Braided stream 

Ditch or canal 

Aqueduct 

Flume 

Penstock 

Siphon

Channel in water area 

Wash or ephemeral drain 

Lake or pond 

Coral reef

050 0603 Elevated

050 0604 Tunnel

050 0605 Right bank

050 0606 Left bank

050 0607 Under construction

050 0608 Salt

050 0609 Unsurveyed

050 0610 Intermittent

050 0611 Abandoned

050 0612 Submerged

050 0613 Wooded

050 0614 Dry

050 0615 Mineral or hot (sulphur,

	alkali etc.)

050 0616 Navigable - Transportation

050 0617 Underpassing

050 0618 Earthen construction

Parameters

05N ——— Water surface elevation N = 

1 for feet, 2 for meters, 6 

for feet below datum, and 7 

for meters below daturn• 

Elevation value in four 

spaces, right justified.

055 ——— River mile, value in four 

spaces, right justified.

050 0000 Photorevised feature.

058 0000 Best estimate of classification or position.

059 00— Coincident feature, major 

code in two spaces •

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF HYDROGRAPHY 

ATTRIBUTES

This section provides detailed instructions for the use of the hydrography 

attribute codes•

Node Attributes

General descriptive attributes

050 0601 Underground 

050 0602 Overpassing

050 0001 Upper origin of stream — 

This code identifies a node placed at the 

true beginning of a stream, where it is 

first shown. It is not used to mark 

stream junctures (even though the name of 

the stream changes) or streams which exit" 

from a water body.

050 0002 Upper origin of stream at 

water body — This code identifies stream 

origin as it exits a water body. It is 

not used to identify any subsequent exits 

from water bodies further downstream.
050 0003 Sink, or channel is no 

longer evident — A sink is the definite 

point at which a stream flows underground, usually shown with symbol 407. 

Some streams seep into the ground at 

indeterminate points at which the stream 

symbol is dropped and symbol 407 is not 

used. In either case, this code is used 

to identify a node placed at the point 

of disappearance. This code is not used 

to identify points where streams enter 

manmade features, such as aqueducts or 

siphons.

050 0004 Stream entering water 

body — This code is placed at the node 

where a single-line stream intersects a 

water body, or at the two nodes where 

the shorelines of a double-line stream 

intersect a water body.

050 0005 Stream exiting water 

body — This code is placed where a 

stream exits a water body, other than at 

an upper origin of a stream. The node 

is placed for a single-line stream at the 

point where the stream touches the edge 

of the water body. For a double-line 

stream, nodes are placed where the banks 

touch the shoreline of the water body.

Area Attributes

050 0100 Alkali flat — This code 

identifies an area shown by symbol 450 

and labeled.

050 0101 Reservoir — This code 

identifies a reservoir shown by symbol 

413 or 179 and labeled or named as a 

reservoir. Use code 050 0200 for identification of natural shoreline around 

symbol 413, and code 050 0201 for manmade 

shoreline around symbol 179. This code 

is not used to identify features related 

to sewage treatment, fish farming, or 

water filtration.

050 0102 Covered reservoir — This 

code identifies a reservoir area shown by 

symbol 180 and named or labeled as a 

reservoir. Use code 050 0201 for identification of manmade shoreline of this 

feature.

050 0103 Glacier or snowfield ~ 

This code identifies an area depicted by 

symbols 428, 429, or 430. Since the 

symbols vary only because of the contouring, which is not pertinent to the 

hydrographic category, the same code will

be applied to all three symbols. The 

outline of the area will not be given an 

attribute code.

050 0104 Salt evaporator — This 

code identifies each section of areas 

shown by symbol 439. The pattern of 

ditches will be digitized and coded. 

(See code 050 0414)

050 0105 Inundation area — This 

code identifies the area of land between 

the normal operating level and the high 

water line in reservoirs, or in lakes 

impounded by dams. This area will be 

shown with symbol 448. Use code 050 0412 

or 050 0414 for identification of drainage pattern through the area, and code 

050 0203 for indefinite shoreline.

050 0106 Fish hatchery or fish 

farm — This code identifies any area 

shown by symbol 179 and labeled. The 

label may vary to indicate the species or 

the controlling agency. The outline, if 

shown in black, is coded 050 0201, and 

050 0200 if shown in blue. The major 

ditches are coded if shown (see code 050 

0414) in which case each section will 

have a coded area point placed in it.

050 0107 Industrial water impoundment — This code identifies an area 

shown by symbol 410 and that carries a 

label indicating the water is collected 

for industrial use, such as industrial 

waste pond or cooling pond. This does 

not include the features related to 

sewage treatment, fish farming, water 

filtration, or mining.

050 0108 Area to be submerged — 

This code identifies an area shown by 

symbol 702. This code is used when a dam 

is under construction and the limits of 

the intended reservoir are known.

050 0109 Sewage disposal pond or 

filtration plant — This code identifies 

any area related to the treatment of 

sewage. These features may be shown by 

symbol 410. The features will be labeled 

in various ways such as sewage disposal 

pond or filtration bed. This code may 

also be applied to ponds that are themselves unlabeled but which are shown ,_by 

symbol 700 and are located adjacent to a 

labeled sewage disposal plant. Use code 

050 0200 for blue outlines or code 

050 0201 for black outlines. In symbol 

700, do not digitize the black interior 

dividing lines.
050 0110 Tailings pond — This code 

identifies an area shown by symbol 323 

and labeled tailings pond. Use code 050 

0204 for outline of pond when it is 

limited by the contour. Do not code the 

outline otherwise.

050 0111 Marsh, wetland, swamp, 

bog — This code identifies any area 

shown by symbol 431. If the area being 

digitized has no definite outline shown, 

the operator will follow the edge of the 

pattern to delimit the area. (See code 

050 0204) If any portion of the wetland 

is overprinted with green (symbol 432), 

that area will be a separate area and 

will be coded as marsh, as well as with 

the code to indicate that the marsh is 

wooded. (See code 050 0613) Any portion 

of a wetland which is overprinted with 

blue (symbol 433) will be digitized as a 

separate area with the code assigned to 

indicate that it is a marsh (050 0111) 

and is submerged (050 0612). There are 

instances where the marsh symbol will be 

overprinted with both blue and green and 

will therefore be digitized as a separate 

area with the codes for marsh, wooded, 

and submerged all assigned. Any streams 

shown in wetland areas will be digitized 

as separate features. (See code 050 

0412)

050 0112 Mangrove area — This code 

identifies an area shown by symbol 437. 

If the outline of the area is not clearly 

defined, the operator will follow the 

edge of the pattern to delimit the area. 

(See code 050 0204)

050 0113 Rice field -- This code 

identifies an area shown by symbol 436. 

If the outline of the area is not clearly 

defined, the operator will follow the 

edge of the pattern to delimit the area. 

(See code 050 0204)

050 0114 Cranberry bog — This code 

identifies each section of an area shown 

by symbol 438 and labeled cranberry bog. 

Sometimes there will be several cranberry 

bogs in a group with one label, cranberry 

bogs. The ditch pattern will be digitized as shown and also coded. (See code 

050 0414)

050 0115 Flats (tidal, mud, sand, 

gravel) — This code identifies a number 

of features that fall into the general 

category o'f flats. These features will 

be shown by symbols 232, 316, 322, and

329. The area will usually be labeled as 

to type, that is, mud, tidal, gravel, or 

sand. Do not include in this category 

features such as sand dunes or beach 

areas between dry land and open water. 

Use code 050 0204 for outline of area.

050 0116 Bays, estuaries, gulfs, 

oceans, seas — This code is used to 

identify a seaward area of water. The 

inland extent is defined at the place 

where a double-line stream reaches a 

width of 1 nautical mile with no further 

constrictions, if the conformation of the 

land and water do not otherwise make the 

division obvious. The operator will 

place a closure line (050 0202) to separate the bay, estuary, gulf, ocean, or 

sea from a double-line stream.

Line Attributes

050 0200 Shoreline — This code

identifies a natural shoreline shown by 

symbol 400. This also applies to an 

apparent shoreline shown by the same 

symbol.

050 0201 Manmade shoreline — This 

code identifies the shoreline around or 

along a reservoir, dam, seawall, pier, 

wharf, or jetty which is shown by a black 

line. It will also be used when the 

shoreline is replaced by a levee or the 

contouring of an earthen dam.

050 0202 Closure line (waterwater) — This code identifies a line 

digitized to form the closure line 

between water bodies to retain the 

separate identity of each. It would be 

used, for example, where a double-line 

stream enters a lake or bay.

050 0203 Indefinite shoreline — 

This code identifies a line shown by 

symbol 401, which indicates that the 

shoreline cannot be definitely established. This symbol is frequently used 

around inundation areas.

050 0204 Apparent limit — This code 

identifies a line digitized around 

various wetland features when a definite 

shoreline or limiting feature does not" 

exist. The edge of the pattern, such as 

marsh or mangrove will be followed as 

closely as possible and will carry this 

code to indicate the arbitrary nature of 

the line.
050 0205 Outline of Carolina

bay — This code identifies a line shown 

by symbol 401 or by symbol 2205.19 on a 

provisional edition map. The feature 

will be outlined by a dashed blue line 

and will be noted on the map collar. Any 

other hydrographic feature within the 

area of a Carolina bay, such as marsh, 

lake, or ditches, will be digitized as a 

separate feature. If a bay outline is a 

complete and closed ellipse, the interior 

area will not have an attribute code 

unless it is a hydrographic feature in 

its own right.

Single-Point Feature Attributes

050 0300 Spring — This code identifies a feature shown by symbol 427 and 

labeled. This code also applies to a 

spring located in a double-line stream 

for which the tail of the symbol is 

omitted, and to a spring that carries a 

name rather than the label spring. This 

code may also be used on a node when the 

spring symbol occurs directly on a line 

that is being digitized in the combined 

hydrography category.

050 0301 Nonflowing well — This 

code identifies a point placed on a 

feature shown by symbol 426 and labeled. 

In areas where wells are numerous, they 

may not all be labeled but will still be 

digitized. This code may also be used 

on a node when the well symbol occurs 

directly on a line that is being digitized in the combined hydrography 

category.

050 0302 Flowing well — This code 

identifies a point placed on a feature 

shown by symbol 426 and labeled flowing 

well. This code may also be used on a 

node when the well symbol occurs directly 

on a line that is being digitized in the 

combined hydrography category.

050 0303 Riser — This code identifies a point placed on a feature shown 

by the located object symbol 198 and 

labeled riser. A riser is a vertical 

overflow pipe controlling the water 

level in a reservoir.

050 0304 - Geyser — This code 

identifies a point placed on a special 

type of spring that ejects hot water and 

steam periodically. It will be shown by 

symbol 427 and labeled.

050 0305 Windmill — This code 

identifies a point placed on a well 

shown by symbol 199. If the label 

indicates the well is dry or salt, use 

codes 050 0614 or 050 0608 in addition.

General-Purpose Attributes

050 0400 Rapids — This code identifies a node placed on symbol 443 on a 

single-line stream to show small rapids. 

It may also identify an area shown by 

symbol 442, which is a large section of 

rapids on a double-line stream. The 

outline of the rapids symbol will be the 

limit of the area. The area of the 

rapids is implicitly part of the area of 

the stream and does not need to be coded 

as stream also.

050 0401 ' Falls — This code identifies a node placed on symbol 441 on a 

single-line stream to show a small falls. 

It may also be used to identify a digitized line which follows symbol 440 to 

depict a large falls on a double-line 

stream.

050 0402 Gravel pit or quarry filled . 

with water — This code identifies a body 

of water that has formed naturally in a 

manmade excavation. It will be labeled 

as gravel pit or as quarry. If the 

feature is 0.030 inches or less in 

diameter, it will be digitized as a 

degenerate line. If it is greater than 

0.030 inches on the source map, it will 

be digitized as an area.

050 0403 Gaging station — This 

code identifies a point placed on symbol 

200. If the gaging station symbol occurs 

directly on a line such as a single-line 

stream or bank of a double-line stream, 

it will be digitized as a node on that 

line. If the symbol is placed off the 

line, it will be digitized as a degenerate line.

050 0404 Pumping station — This 

code identifies a point placed on symbol 

201 or symbol 163 and labeled. If the 

feature occurs directly on a digitized 

line, it will be coded as a node. If"it 

is separate from the line, it will be 

coded as a degenerate line.

050 0405 Water intake — This code 

identifies a point placed on a labeled 

water intake shown by symbol 198. If the 

symbol is on a digitized line, it will be
digitized as a node* If the symbol is 

separate, it will be digitized as a 

degenerate line.

050 0406 Dam or weir — This code 

identifies a feature shown by symbols 

152, 153, 154, 155 or 313. The feature 

may be labeled or named. A weir may be 

labeled diversion weir. The code will 

be used as a line code in two cases:

(1) the dam is shown by a black line, or

(2) the dam is shown by contouring as in 

symbol 313 for which a line will be digitized along the edge of the impounded 

water and coded. The code will be used 

as an area code when the dam is a large 

structure outlined to scale. The area 

point will be placed within the outline 

and coded. The radiating lines within 

symbol 153 will not be digitized or 

coded. See code 050 0407 for treatment 

of lock in symbol 154. If the dam is of 

earthen construction, also see code 050 

0618.

050 0407 Canal lock or sluice 

gate — This code identifies canal locks 

or sluice gates shown by symbols 160, 

161, and within 154, and is used as a 

node or line code depending on the size 

of the feature. Symbol 160 will be digitized as a node on the single-line 

stream. Symbol 161 will be digitized as 

a line across a double-line stream. The 

lock symbol within symbol 154 will be 

digitized as a node on the dam line if 

shown at symbol size (0.075 in. x 0.033 

in.). If digitized to scale and larger 

than the symbol, the outline of the lock 

will be digitized and coded. The enclosed water areas in this last case are 

not coded as stream because that information is implied by the feature.

050 0408 Spillway — This code identifies a spillway, which is shown on a 

map in various ways. The spillway will 

be digitized as a node, area, line, or 

degenerate line according to the size of 

the feature. If it is shown by a small 

circle or dot, it will be a degenerate 

line. If the feature is shown by drainage lines, perennial or intermittent, it 

will be digitized as a line. If the 

spillway is indicated by an arrangement 

of contour lines or a black box, it will 

be digitized as an area. If a spillway 

is represented as an integral part of the 

dam, it will be a coded node on the digitized line of the dam. Some judgment

will be required to correctly digitize 

the spillway as the feature itself is 

not always labeled. The label, spillway 

elevation NNNN, which may be placed in 

the impounded water area, is sometimes 

the only reference to the feature.

050 0409 Gate (flood, tidal, head, 

check) — This code identifies a variety 

of features used to control or divert the 

flow of water. These features are shown 

by a tick or black line. If shown by a 

tick on a single-line stream, a node will 

be digitized and coded. If shown by a 

line on a double-line stream, the line 

will be digitized and coded.

050 0410 Rock, bare or awash — This 

code identifies rocks or groups of rocks 

shown by symbols 236, 237, and 238. A 

rock or group of rocks will be digitized 

as an area if greater than 0.030 i-nches 

in diameter. If a rock is 0.030 inches 

or less, it will be coded as a degenerate 

line. If the rocks are shown by symbol 

238, the outline will be digitized but 

not coded. A point will be placed in 

the area and coded.

050 0411 Crevasse (glacial) — This 

code identifies crevasse lines and 

crevasse areas depicted by symbol 453. 

If the crevasse area contains less than 

four lines, the individual lines will be 

digitized. Crevasse areas that cc-'. ».li 

four or more lines will be digitized as 

an area. The edge of the crevasse 

pattern will be digitized as an apparent 

limit. (See code 050 0204)

050 0412 Stream -- This code identifies all naturally flowing water except 

braided streams. (See code 050 0413) 

Single-line streams are digitized as 

lines. Double-line streams are digitized 

as areas. The limits of the double-line 

stream area are formed by the left and 

right banks (codes 050 0605 and 050 

0606), by a closure line (code 050 0202) 

to separate the stream from a water body 

which it enters, or by the neat line. 

See codes 050 0004 and 050 0005 for use 

of node points which, along with the left 

and right bank information, will imply 

the direction of flow. The course of a., 

submerged stream in an impounded water 

area will be digitized as a separate area 

with the stream code and the description 

code for submerged (code 050 0612). Do 

not code the left and right banks of a 

submerged stream.
050 0413 Braided stream — This code 

identifies the braided stream (shown by 

symbol 404), a special case in which the 

stream subdivides into interlacing 

channels. In map compilation, where 

possible, the actual channels are shown. 

However, if the channels are obscured by 

vegetation, the outer limit is scribed 

accurately and the inner channels are 

represented by a conventional pattern. 

The use of pattern versus actual channel 

is not noted on the map. Therefore, the 

braided portion of a stream will be digitized as an area carrying this code. The 

outer limits will be digitized and carry 

left and right bank codes (see codes 050 

0605 and 050 0606). The braided area 

will be separated from a double-line 

stream by a closure line (code 050 0202), 

and from a single-line stream by nodes 

(see codes 050 0004 and 050 0005). If 

the braid is less than 0.030 inches wide, 

it may be digitized as a line.

050 0414 Ditch, canal — This code 

identifies any manmade, flowing water 

feature used for irrigation, drainage, or 

transportation shown by symbols 416 

through 422. These may be labeled or unlabeled. Obviously manmade water courses 

will be included in this category, even 

if not labeled. Some natural streams 

have portions that appear to have been 

straightened by man. If the artificial 

channel is not identified as such by a 

label or name change, do not use this 

code. Single-line ditches and canals are 

digitized as lines. Double-line ditches 

or canals are digitized as areas. The 

banks and the points where canals or 

ditches join water bodies will be coded 

and digitized in the same way as streams. 

Navigable canals used for transportation 

will have an additional code added to 

preserve this information. (See code 

050 0616) Use additional description 

codes to identify canals that are abandoned or intermittent, etc.

050 0415 Aqueduct — This code identifies features represented by symbols 

418, 419, 421, 423, 424, or 425, which 

are labeled aqueduct. Single-line aqueducts are digitized as lines. Doubleline aqueducts are digitized as areas. 

The banks and intersections of aqueducts 

with water bodies will be digitized and 

coded in the same manner as streams. An

aqueduct going into a water tunnel underground is shown by symbol 424, regardless 

of the size. Therefore, the portion of 

the aqueduct in the tunnel will be digitized as a line and will carry the code 

for tunnel (050 0604) in addition to the 

aqueduct code. This code combination 

will also be used for a feature shown by 

symbol 424 but labeled water tunnel. Use 

additional descriptive codes to identify 

aqueducts that are abandoned or elevated.

050 0416 Flume — This code identifies features which are shown by symbol 

418, 419, 421, 422, or 425 and labeled 

flume. A flume is an artificial, open, 

inclined channel that conveys water for a 

special purpose and is frequently an elevated feature. A single-line flume will 

be digitized as a line. A double-line 

flume will be digitized as an area. The 

banks and the points where flumes intersect water bodies will be coded and digitized in the same manner as streams. Use 

additional general descriptive codes to 

describe abandoned or elevated flumes.

050 0417 Penstock — This code identifies a feature shown by symbol 423 or 

425 and labeled penstock. A penstock is 

an underground or exposed pipe conveying 

water from a canal or from a dam to a 

hydroelectric plant. It is usually shown 

as a single-line feature that will be 

digitized as a line. The penstock may be 

carried underground in an aqueduct 

tunnel, symbol 424, in which case the 

single line will be digitized and carry 

the additional code for tunnel (050 

0604). In the event that a penstock is 

shown as a double-line feature in itself, 

it will be digitized as an area. The 

banks and intersections with water bodies 

will be coded and digitized in the same 

manner as streams.

050 0418 Siphon — This code identifies features shown by symbol 452. A 

siphon is a pipe conveying water to another level, either over or under an 

obstruction. The dashes in the symbol 

may be omitted on siphons less than 200 

feet long and a wing tick or break in the 

underpassing symbol used instead. - -Asingle-line siphon will be digitized as a 

line. A double-line siphon will be 

digitized as an area. Use the code to 

indicate overpassing (050 0602) or underpassing (050 0617) on the portion of the

10
siphon crossing the obstruction. The 

code for overpassing will be used if the 

relationship of the features is not clear 

on the source material.

050 0419 Channel in water area — 

This code identifies a feature shown by 

symbol 444. A channel in a water area 

is generally shown with a double-line and 

will be digitized as an area feature. 

Arbitrary closure lines are normally 

required to complete the definition of an 

open-ended channel. The limits of the 

area will not otherwise be coded. This 

code does not apply to submerged river 

courses in inundated areas.

050 0420 Wash or ephemeral drain — 

This code identifies features shown by 

symbol 317 or 409 and usually labeled. 

This code applies to symbol 409 only when 

the feature is labeled as a wash. A wash 

is an ephemeral drainage feature because 

it is normally dry/ but will contain runoff from heavy storms or snowmelt for a 

few hours. A wash shown by symbol 409 

will be digitized as a line. A wash 

shown by symbol 317 will be digitized as 

an area. The edge of the wash pattern 

will be digitized as the limit of the 

area but not coded. Any permanent 

channel in a wash will be digitized as is 

appropriate.

050 0421 Lake or pond — This code 

identifies a natural body of water of any 

size. A lake or pond 0.030 inches or 

less in diameter will be digitized as a 

degenerate line. Any lake or pond larger 

than 0.030 inches will be digitized as an 

area feature. The limits of the lake or 

pond will be coded with the appropriate 

shoreline code.

050 0422 Coral reef — This code 

identifies a coral reef or rock shown by 

symbol 233 or 234. A coral reef or rock 

will be digitized as an area if greater 

than 0.030 inches in diameter. The outline of the symbol will be digitized but 

not coded. If the coral reef or rock is 

shown by a symbol of 0.030 inches or 

less, it will be coded as a degenerate 

line.

General Descriptive Attributes—Apply 

To Multiple Types of Feature

050 0601 Underground — This code 

will be added to any feature (other than

a tunnel) that is underground according 

to the label on the map such as an underground aqueduct shown by symbol 423. 

This code is not used to describe a portion of a feature placed underground to 

pass under another feature. (See code 

050 0617)

050 0602 Overpassing — This code 

describes a feature or section of a 

feature that passes over rather than 

intersects another feature. The code 

will generally be applied to a linear 

hydrographic feature carried over another 

feature in a manmade object, such as an 

aqueduct over a stream. The code will be 

applied only to the overpassing portion 

of a longer elevated feature or to a 

section of a feature between wing ticks 

that is raised just to cross the obstruction. In some instances, such as a 

double-line stream passing over an aqueduct, the relationship of the feature is 

shown more simply by using code 050 0617 

on the underpassing feature rather than 

by using the overpassing code, since only 

one of the two conditions need be coded.

050 0603 Elevated — This code describes a feature raised above ground 

level that either is labeled elevated or 

has wing ticks to indicate the elevated 

portion as in symbol 425. This code is 

not used to describe any portion of a 

feature raised at some point to pass over 

another feature. (See code 050 0602)

050 0604 Tunnel — This code 

describes any feature carried through a 

tunnel as indicated by symbol 424 or by 

the label. The code will apply only to 

the portion of the feature in the tunnel. 

The concept of a tunnel conveys the idea 

of underground or underpassing. Therefore the additional attribute 050 0601 

is not used.

050 0605 Right bank — This code 

describes the limit of a double-line 

stream that would be on the right side if 

one were facing downstream.

050 0606 Left bank — This code 

describes the limit of a double-line 

stream that would be on the left side if 

one were facing downstream.

050 0607 Under construction — This" 

code describes any feature having a label 

indicating that it was under construction 

at the time the map was made, typically 

canals or dams.

11
050 0608 Salt — This code describes 

any feature, such as a marsh or well/ 

labeled salt. Do not assume any feature 

is saline if it is not labeled.

050 0609 Unsurveyed — This code 

describes stream features shown by symbol 

408, which indicates a stream is unsurveyed, and is also applied to any 

other feature labeled unsurveyed.

050 0610 Intermittent — This code 

describes any hydrographic feature such 

as stream, pond, or canal, which is 

depicted by an intermittent symbol, such 

as 405, 412, 417, or 420. This code 

overrides the default value of perennial, 

which is assumed in the basic codes.

050 0611 Abandoned — This code 

describes any feature labeled abandoned.

050 0612 Submerged — This code 

describes any feature overprinted by 

blue tint to indicate it is submerged, 

such as a marsh or an old river course in 

an impounded water area*

050 0613 Wooded — This code describes any hydrographic feature overprinted with green tint to indicate it is 

wooded, usually a marsh or lake. Note 

that this code may be used in conjunction 

with the submerged code for both wooded 

and submerged marshes.

050 0614 Dry — This code describes 

any feature labeled dry, such as a dry 

lake or dry well.

050 0615 Mineral or hot (sulphur, 

alkali, etc.) — This code describes any 

well, spring, or water source labeled to 

indicate that the water is hot or contains minerals. The labels vary according to the substances in the water.

050 0616 Navigable - transportation — This code describes any canal 

labeled as navigable and is therefore a 

transportation feature. It is also used 

for channels intended for transportation, 

such as the Intracoastal Waterway.

050 0617 Underpassing — This code 

describes a feature or a section of a 

feature that passes underneath, rather 

than intersects, another feature. This 

code will generally be applied to a 

linear feature, such as an aqueduct 

under a canal. In some cases, such as a 

single-line stream passing under a 

siphon, the relationship is more simply 

shown by using code 050 0602 on the overpassing feature rather than using the

underpassing code, since only one of the 

two conditions need be coded.

050 0618 Earthen construction 

This code describes a dam that is of 

earthen construction as depicted by 

symbol 313.

Parameters 

05N ——— Water surface elevation —

This code is used to contain the value of 

the water surface elevation shown on 

bodies of water. The value depicted on 

the map may be shown thereon as normal 

pool elevation, elevation, or as a value 

printed in blue. The operator will enter 

a value in place of the N in the major 

code as follows: N is equal to 1 if the 

elevation value is given in feet, 2 if 

the value is in meters, 6 if the value is 

in feet below datum, and 7 if the value 

is in meters below datum. The elevation 

value is then entered into the minor 

code, right justified. If a value in 

feet exceeds four digits, the operator 

will convert the value to meters.

055 ——— River mile mark — This 

code identifies a river mile mark. The 

point will be placed on the black cross 

next to the label Mile NNN. If the cross 

occurs in the area of a double-line 

stream, it will be digitized as a degenerate line. If the cross occurs directly 

on a line that is also being digitized, 

the point will be digitized as a node on 

that line. Enter the value in the minor 

code, right justified. If the source 

material has the value shown at intervals 

such as at every fifth mark, the operator 

will assign the appropriate intermediate 

values.

050 0000 Photorevised feature — Map 

features obtained by photorevision 

methods that are printed in purple and 

that are not necessarily field checked 

for position and classification will be 

assigned this code and an attribute code 

based on best judgment.

058 0000 Best estimate of classification or position — This attribute 

code assigned to a feature indicates. 

that the classification and (or) the 

position of the feature could not be 

determined, but for completeness of the 

file the feature was digitized by using 

a best estimate.

12
059 00— Coincident 'feature — The 

feature being digitized occupies the same 

position as a feature in another category. The first two digits of the major 

code of the coinciding feature are 

entered in the spaces*

UNITED STATES PUBLIC LAND SURVEY SYSTEM

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 

Department of the Interior, is responsible for establishing and administering 

the system of rectangular surveys that 

subdivides the public lands. These 

surveys, and the evidence thereof, form 

the basis of patents issued when the 

public lands pass out of Federal ownership and of the overall administration 

and management of the lands retained in 

Federal ownership.

All lands in the public domain are 

subject to subdivision by a rectangular 

system of surveys established and regulated by the BLM. The public domain 

includes the land ceded to the Federal 

Government by the Thirteen Original 

States, supplemented with acquisitions 

from the native Indians and foreign 

powers; it encompasses major portions of 

the land area of 30 Western States. 

Under congressional mandate, cadastral 

surveys of the public lands were undertaken to create parcels suitable for 

disposal by the government. The extension of the rectangular system of surveys 

over the public domain has been in progress since 1785.

Data describing the Public Land 

Survey System (PLSS) are required by 

Federal surface and mineral management 

agencies, as well as any organization 

concerned with land ownership in the 30 

Western States that were formed from the 

public domain. Additionally, many 

agencies have encoded mission-specific 

natural resource or environmental inventory data based on the PLSS.

The PLSS is depicted on standard 

quadrangle maps as cartographic reference information; it is not intended to 

be authoritative or official as is the 

original . survey'. This data can be 

rapidly and efficiently captured in 

digital form from these published manuscripts at an accuracy that meets the

requirements of many users. The PLSS is 

therefore included as a nonbase data 

category of the National Mapping Program. 

It is identified in the DLG files by 

major code 300.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Public lands are divided by north and 

south lines run according to the true 

meridian, and by others crossing them at 

right angles, into townships 6 miles 

square. Townships are, in turn, subdivided by parallel lines run east to 

west and south to north at 1-mile intervals into sections of, as nearly as 

possible, 640 acres. Corner monuments 

are placed along all lines, as they are 

surveyed, at 1/2-mile (quarter-section) 

intervals. The monumentation is intended 

to establish a permanent marking of the 

lines and to fix the corner positions so 

that the location of the surveyed lands 

may always be definitely known.

With respect to the ideal rectangular 

plan, a survey of the public lands is 

accomplished by establishing, in order, 

the following:

Independent initial point — This is 

the point from which the survey of the 

principal meridian and base line, controlling the survey of the public lands 

in a given area, is initiated. There are 

46 separate surveys in the nationwide 

system; of these, only 8 in the States of 

Ohio and Indiana (commenced between 1785 

and 1805) have no initial point as 

defined.

Principal meridian — This is a line 

extending north and south along the 

astronomic meridian passing through the 

initial point. It serves as the origin 

for the survey of township boundaries 

along the parallels.

Base line .— This is a line extending 

east and west along a true parallel of 

latitude passing through the initial 

point. It serves as the origin for the 

survey of meridional township boundaries.

Standard parallels (correction 

lines) — These are auxiliary governing 

lines extended east and west from the 

principal meridian, generally at intervals of 24 miles (four townships) north

13
and south of the base line. In many 

surveys run before 1850, correction lines 

were run at intervals of 30, 36, or 60 

miles. Standard parallels are used to 

take up error in the rectangular plan 

caused by the convergence of meridians.

Guide meridians — These are auxiliary governing lines projected north from 

points established on the base line, or 

standard parallels, generally at intervals of 24 miles east and west of the 

principal meridian. Guide meridians 

terminate at the point of intersection 

with a standard parallel.

Township exteriors — These are lines 

surveyed at 6-mile intervals within a 

quadrangle bounded by standard parallels 

and guide meridians, conforming to 

meridians and parallels within established limits. Meridional township 

boundaries grange lines) are run from 

south to north and terminate at the point 

of intersection with a standard parallel. 

Latitudinal township boundaries (township 

lines) are run from east to west through 

corners established on the meridional 

lines. Townships are numbered to the 

north and south commencing with number 1 

at the base line, and with range numbers 

to the east and west commencing with 

number 1 at the principal meridian. The 

word, township, is used in conjunction 

with the appropriate range to indicate 

the coordinates of a particular township 

with respect to the initial point.

Subdivision of townships — The south 

and east boundaries of a township are 

normally the governing lines of subdivisional surveys. Meridional section 

lines are initiated at the section 

corners at the south boundary of the 

township and are run north parallel to 

the east boundary. They are not continued north beyond a section corner 

until the connecting latitudinal section 

lines have been surveyed. Latitudinal 

section lines are run west to east 

parallel to the south boundaries of the 

respective sections. Any fractional 

measurement is placed in the north or 

west -1/2-mile of the township. A normal 

township is divided into 36 numbered 

sections commencing with number 1 in the 

northwest section of the township, 

proceeding west to section 6, then south

to section 7, then east to section 12, 

and so on, to number 36 in the southeast 

section.

Subdivision of sections — Subdivision of sections into aliquot parts 

or irregular lots is controlled by the 

previously established section and 

quarter-section corners. This subdivision may be accomplished by field 

methods, or protracted on the official 

plat.

Subdivision lines and corners, to the 

section level, are shown on quadrangle 

maps to the extent that their positions 

can be determined from evidence on the 

ground. During field work, enough 

corners are located to accurately position the network of public land lines 

from official plats. Although the PLSS 

is mapped to meet National Map Accuracy 

Standards (NMAS), its depiction is not 

intended to be official or authoritative; 

it is presented as useful cartographic 

reference information. The only legal 

basis for determining land boundaries 

remains the original survey.

U.S. PUBLIC LAND SURVEY SYSTEM ATTRIBUTES

The following codes are used in 

digitizing U.S. Public Land Survey System 

information:

Mode Attributes

Type of node

300 0001 U.S. Public Land Survey

section corner 

300 0002 Point on section line (no

corner)

300 0003 Closing corner 

300 0004 Meander corner 

300 0005 Auxiliary meander corner 

300 0006 Special meander corner 

300 0007 Witness corner 

300 0008 Witness point 

300 0009 Angle point 

300 0010 Location monument (includes

amended monument and - - -

mineral monument) 

300 0011 Reference monument 

300 0012 Quarter-section corner 

300 0013 Tract corner

14
300 0014 Land grant corner

300 0015 Arbitrary section corner

Identification procedure

300 0040 Corner identified in field 

300 0041 Corner with horizontal

control 

300 0042 Corner with elevation value

Area Attributes

Origin of survey

306 00— Insert two-digit code from 

table 1.

Township number

30- ———

Range number

30- ———

Insert 2 for north of the 

baseline or 3 for south 

of the baseline in first 

space. In the second 

space, insert a 0 for a 

full township, 2 for 1/4 

township, 4 for 1/2 

township, or 6 for 3/4 

township. Insert township number in the last 

three spaces, right 

justified.

Insert 4 for east of the 

principal meridian or 5 

for west of the principal 

meridian in the first 

space. In the second 

space, insert a 0 for a 

full range, 2 for 1/4 

range, 4 for 1/2 range, 

6 for 3/4 range, 8 for 

duplicate to the north or 

east of the original 

township, or 9 for triplicate to the north or 

east of the original 

township. Insert range 

number in last three 

spaces, right justified.

Section number

301 ——— In the first space, insert 

0 for numeric section 

identifier, 1 for numeric 

portion of alphanumeric 

identifier; or 2 for 

alphabetic part of alphanumeric identifier. In 

the last three spaces,

insert section number or 

numeric representation 

of alphabetic character 

(01-26), right justified.

Land grant number

307 ——— In the first space, insert 

a 0 for numeric grant 

identifier, 1- for numeric 

portion of alphanumeric 

identifier, 2 for alphabetic portion of alphanumeric identifier, or 3 

for alphabetic identifier. In the last three 

spaces, insert grant 

number or numeric representation of alphabetic 

character (01-26), right 

justified.

300 0100 Indian lands 

300 0101 Homestead entries 

300 0102 Donation land claims 

300 0103 Land grants; civil colonies 

300 0104 Private extension of public

land survey 

300 0105 Area of public and private

survey overlap

300 0106 Overlapping land grants 

300 0107 Military reservation 

300 0198 Water 

300 0199 Unsurveyed area

Line Attributes

300 0201 Approximate position

(within 200 ft.) 

300 0202 Protracted position 

300 0203 Arbitrary closure line 

300 0204 Base line

Single-point features (degenerate 

lines)

300 0300 Location monument

300 0301 Isolated found section

corner 

300 0302 Witness corner (off

surveyed line)

Parameters

308 0000

309 00--

Best estimate of classification and (or) positionCoincident feature. Insert 

the first two digits of 

the major code of coincident feature in two 

spaces.

15
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF U.S. PUBLIC LAND 

SURVEY SYSTEM ATTRIBUTE CODES

The Public Land Survey System category constitutes a coherent description 

of a portion of the Earth's surface, 

defined as a set of non-overlapping 

regions or areas. It is encoded as an 

area line graph composed of three element 

types: nodes, areas, and lines.

Node Attributes 

A node is placed wherever:

• Two or more lines intersect;

• A land line is broken, for example, 

at a water body;

• Line attributes change, for example, 

at a coincident feature of higher 

order symbology;

• A special symbol imparts additional 

information about another point on 

a surveyed line, for example, a 

location monument.

Node attributes are presented as two 

lists which are used to represent (1) 

type of node and (2) identification 

procedure. In general, each node is 

assigned at least one attribute from the 

first list (type of node) and may be 

assigned one or more attributes from the 

second list (identification procedure).

Type of Node

This list describes two classes of 

real-world features:

• Corners — Points on the surface of 

the Earth representing extremities 

of a boundary or subdivision of the 

public lands, generally at the intersection of two or more surveyed 

lines.

• Accessories — Nearby physical 

objects used to evidence the 

positions of corners or to mark 

other important locations.

Attributes in this list may also be 

used to identify artificial points

introduced to complete the polygon data 

structure or to mark changes in line 

symbology.

Typically, only one code from this 

list will be assigned to a feature; an 

exception occurs where a land line 

closes on a grant corner. Several codes 

identify features not normally depicted 

on topographic maps. These codes are included to provide future compatibility 

with the BLM. They are identified in 

the accompanying text.

300 0001 U.S. Public Land Survey 

System section corner — This is a point 

at an extremity of a section boundary. 

It will normally be surrounded by three 

or four distinct sections. This code 

includes standard corners (on a standard 

parallel or base line) and township 

corners (at an extremity of a township 

boundary).

300 0002 Point on section line (no 

corner) — This code is used when a 

section line is broken at a location 

other than a corner, for example, at the 

neatline of the map, at a coincident 

feature of higher order symbology, or at 

a water body.

300 0003 Closing corner — This is a 

corner established at the intersection of 

a surveyed line with a previously established boundary at a point between 

corners. In general, there are three 

cases of the occurrence of closing 

corners:

• Error introduced into the rectangular system due to the convergence 

of meridians is taken up at standard 

parallels, normally established every 

24 miles along the principal meridian. On the standard parallels, 

there are offsets in the meridional 

lines and two sets of corners, 

standard corners (300 0001) for the 

lines to the north, and closing 

corners for the lines from the south.

• Township and section lines may be 

made closure lines to maintain rectangularity. Measurement error, 

corrected on extension or resurvey f 

can thus result in double sets of 

corners. The south and east boundaries are normally the governing 

lines of a survey; therefore, for

16
digitizing purposes/ corners at lines 

to the south and to the east are 

considered the closing corners. 

• Closing corners are also established 

where the lines of the rectangular 

system intersect or close on the 

boundaries of grants or reservations/ 

State boundaries/ or on some other 

previously established survey which 

is irregular as to plan. A closing 

corner is coded whenever a survey 

line closes on or crosses a boundary 

that delimits the public lands.

300 0004 Meander corner — The beds

of navigable bodies of water are not 

public domain and are not subject to 

survey and disposal by the United States. 

At every point where a section line 

intersects the banks of such a feature/ 

a meander corner is established, and a 

metes and bounds traverse, called a 

meander line, is run to segregate the 

water area from the public lands. Meander 

lines are not mapped. Meander corners 

are shown only when recovered during 

field work; they are depicted as doubleweight (0.01 inch) T's, and are labeled 

MC (USGS symbol 523). Unless the symbol 

and label are present, the point on section line code 300 0002 is used when 

section lines are broken at a water body.

300 0005 Auxiliary meander corner — 

When a lake of greater than 50 acres lies 

completely within a quarter-section, or 

an island too small to subdivide lies 

completely within a section, an auxiliary 

meander corner is established at any 

point on its bank and tied to the nearest 

regular corner. A meander line is then 

run from the auxiliary meander corner. 

These corners are not normally mapped.

300 0006 Special meander corner — 

When a lake of greater than 50 acres lies 

completely within a section, a special 

meander corner is established at an 

intersection of the center line of the 

section with the bank of the lake, and a 

meander line is run from the corner. 

Special meander corners are also established at the intersections of surveyed 

subdivision of section lines and meander 

lines. These corners are not normally 

mapped.

300 0007 Witness corner — A witness 

corner is established if the true corner

cannot be marked in the usual manner, due 

to obstructions or difficult terrain. It 

is located on the section line within 10 

chains (660 feet), or anywhere within 5 

chains (330 feet) of the actual corner. 

Normally, only one witness corner is 

established in each instance. For 

example, witness corners are commonly 

established on secure ground when the 

true position of a meander corner falls 

at a point where the monument would be 

likely to be destroyed by the effects of 

tide, waves, or ice. Witness corners are 

only mapped if they are recovered? they 

are depicted as double-weight (0.01 inch) 

T's and labeled WC (USGS symbol 523). If 

a depicted witness corner does not fall 

on a public land line, it is captured as 

a degenerate line feature (300 0302).

300 0008 Witness point — This is a 

monumented station on a survey line 

marking an important location remote from 

and not related to a regular corner (for 

example, a road or stream crossing). The 

establishment of witness points is described in the cadastral survey field 

notes, but these points are not usually 

shown on the land plats or on topographic 

maps.

300 0009 Angle point — This is a 

point in a survey marking a change in 

azimuth of an irregular boundary line. 

Recovered angle points are sometimes 

shown with the identified (found) corner 

symbol (USGS symbol 506 or 507), and 

labeled AP. Angle points not recovered 

are not captured as nodes, but rather 

are treated as inflection points of line 

features.

300 0010 Location monument (includes 

amended monument and mineral monument) — 

Location monuments mark fixed reference 

points supplementing the regular public 

land survey. There are two distinct 

occurrences of this feature:

Mineral monument - These monuments 

are established during surveys of the 

irregular boundaries of mining claims 

when no public land corners have been 

established in the vicinity. When 

the public land surveys are subsequently extended to the area, the 

mineral monument is tied to a 

regular section corner.

17
• Amended monument -'Defective township 

exteriors that have not been closed 

upon and from which subdivisional 

lines have not been run are obliterated after a resurvey. If, 

however, another survey has been 

tied to a defective corner, that 

corner is retained as an amended 

monument.

Location monuments are depicted as 

filled triangles on the black plate (USGS 

symbol 227) and are usually labeled with 

identifying letters and numbers. In most 

cases a location monument will not fall 

on a public land line, and should be 

captured as a degenerate line feature 

(300 0300).

300 0011 Reference monument — This 

is an accessory monument placed near a 

corner that cannot be permanently marked, 

for example, when the corner falls within 

a roadway and nearby bearing objects are 

not available. Accessories may be 

searched for and mapped when corners are 

not found.

300 0012 Quarter-section corner — 

This is a corner at the extremity of a 

quarter-section boundary, theoretically 

located halfway (40 chains) between 

section corners. Normally, quartersection corners are not searched for or 

plotted unless there is a bend in the 

line at the corner or the section corners 

on either side cannot be recovered. This 

code is used only when the identified 

(found) corner symbol (USGS symbol 506) 

is shown.

300 0013 Tract corner — A tract 

corner is an angle point, or change in 

azimuth, on a tract boundary. In modern 

public land surveys, the term tract is 

used to mean a parcel of land that lies 

in more than one section or cannot be 

identified in whole as part of a particular section. Tract boundaries are not 

mapped unless they are needed to show the 

limits of the land net. In this case, 

the extreme boundaries only are shown by 

the grant boundary symbol (USGS symbol 

500). It is not always possible to 

differentiate between tracts and grants 

on the basis of the published map. The 

grant corner code is therefore used in 

all cases.

300 0014 Grant corner — A grant 

corner is an angle point, or change in 

azimuth, on a grant boundary. In many of 

the States, there are irregular grant 

boundaries that were established prior to 

the original public land subdivisional 

surveys. Grant boundaries are shown by 

USGS symbol 500. This code is used whenever a node is placed at an angle point 

on a grant boundary. However, angle 

points on grant boundaries may be digitized as inflection points of linear 

features unless: (1) a found land grant 

monument (USGS symbol 501) is shown, or 

(2) another surveyed line intersects the 

grant boundary at that point. Where the 

public land lines close on or intersect 

grant boundaries, the closing corner code 

(300 0003) is used. If the intersection 

is at an angle point on the grant boundary, the grant corner code is also 

assigned. Nodes placed where grants 

intersect the neatline of the map, or 

where grant lines are broken for features 

of higher order symbology, will have no 

attributes.

300 0015 Arbitrary section corner — 

This code is used when an arbitrary node 

is placed in the approximate location of 

the true corner to effect closure of the 

land line network. Joining to an arbitrary section corner is one of three 

methods of closing polygons to complete 

the definition of a coherent overlay.

Identification Procedure

The inclusion of one or more of the 

following attributes provides additional 

information about the positional accuracy 

of a given corner.

300 0040 Corner identified in the 

field — This code corresponds to existent corners as defined in the Bureau of 

Land Management's Manual of Instructions 

for the Survey of the Public Lands, 1973. 

It indicates that physical evidence of 

the corner has been recovered during HMD 

field operations. Such a corner is shown 

by a double-weight (0.01 inch) cross 'or T 

(USGS symbols 506 and 507) on the published map. Note that all meander (300 

0004), witness (300 0007), and quartersection (300 0012) corners shall also

18
bear this attribute, since they are only 

mapped if recovered.

On some older maps, accepted corners 

(obliterated corners in the BLM manual) 

were depicted as single-weight (0.005 

inch) crosses or T's, rather than the 

current standard intersection of section 

lines. Such corners shall not receive 

this attribute.

The code shall also be used in conjunction with the land grant corner (300 

0014) when a found land grant monument 

(USGS symbol 501) is depicted. When a 

land grant is coincident with a boundary, 

the boundary symbol takes precedence. 

If, however, a recovered monument was 

established to mark the grant boundary, 

the monument is shown by symbol 501 on 

the red plate and is coded as a found 

grant corner. Monuments shown by symbol 

226 on the black plate are boundary monuments and are captured in the Boundaries 

category.

300 0041 Corner with horizontal 

control — This attribute shall be used 

when a horizontal control , station is 

coincident with a found section corner. 

The horizontal control station symbol is 

shown on the black plate (USGS symbol 

229).

300 0042 Corner with elevation 

value — This attribute shall be used 

when a vertical control station, elevation third order or better (bench mark), 

is coincident with a found section 

corner. The found corner symbol, marked 

by the label BM and an elevation value 

(USGS symbol 230), is used to depict this 

condition.

The presence of a spot elevation at a 

corner (slanted type, symbol number 224) 

does not warrant the use of this code. 

The code is intended to signify inclusion 

in a control network as an aid in integration with vertical control data.

Area Attributes

Each distinct polygon (area) on a 

graph is assigned a set of attributes. 

Area attributes consist of five types of 

parameter entry codes and one set of 

specific codes that define defining exclusions 'from the public domain. These 

attributes form a hierarchy where each

additional code produces a more precise 

definition of a portion of the Earth's 

surface.

In the ideal rectangular system, assigning area attributes is a straightforward process that adheres to one of 

the following general schemes:

• In the rectangular system, the basic 

areal unit is the section; further 

subdivision is not normally depicted 

on the published maps. For a 

standard section, parameter codes 

defining the origin of survey, township, range, and section are 

assigned. If the township has not 

been subdivided, the section parameter is replaced by the code for 

unsurveyed area. For example, the 

San Bernadino meridian. Township 11 

North, Range 13 East, Section 10, is 

assigned the following codes:

306 0027 - San Bernardino meridian 

302 0011 - Township 11 N 

304 0013 - Range 13 E 

301 0010 - Section 10

The area within that township where 

sectional subdivisions are not shown is 

coded as follows:

306 0027 - San Bernardino meridian

302 0011 - Township 11 N

304 0013 - Range 13 E

300 0199 - Unsurveyed area

• For areas segregated from the public 

lands, an identifying code from the 

list of excluded areas is assigned. 

Frequently, the surveys of township 

exteriors were extended across these 

segregated areas, creating two or 

more distinct polygons. Where this 

is depicted on the published map, the 

proper origin of survey, township, 

and range parameters are included 

with each area. For numbered grants, 

the land grant number parameter is 

also included. For example, a land 

grant spanning several townships is 

assigned only a single code:

300 0103 Land grants, civil 

colonies

19
A grant or a portion of a grant 

located entirely within a township 

would receive several codes* For 

example:

306 0021 - Mount Diablo meridian 

302 0006 - township 6 N 

305 0005 - Range 5 W 

300 0103 - Land grant, civil 

colony

If the grant is numbered, for 

example, in Louisiana, it is coded 

as in the following example:

306 0018 - Louisiana meridian

303 0009 - Township 9 S

304 0004 - Range 4 E 

307 0051 - Grant 51 

300 0103 - Land grant, civil 

colony

• The area outside the limits of the 

source document is assigned the 

attribute 000 0000.

The PLSS category is not digitized 

for maps in non-Public Land States; 

however, for maps in Public Land States 

where land lines are omitted, the area 

of the quadrangle is digitized and attributes assigned that define the reason for 

exclusion from the system, that is, a 

code from the list of excluded areas.

Origin of Survey Parameter Code 

306 OOxx

Enter code for origin of 

right justified (see table 1).

survey,

The list in table 1 includes both 

principal meridians (PM) and survey names 

(SN). A meridian, always paired with a 

base line, is a line extending north and 

south from the initial point of survey. 

A survey name is the reference for a set 

of townships when the survey has no 

initial point as an origin for both township and range numbering. The irregular 

surveys in the States of Ohio and Indiana 

are described in detail beginning on page 

27. For example:

306 0008 - Boise meridian 

306 0038 - Ohio River Base survey in 

Indiana

Township Number Parameter Code 

30x yzzz

Encode Township number as follows:

• x = 2 for north of the Base Line

3 for south of the Base Line

• y = 0 for full township

2 for 1/4 township

4 for 1/2 township

6 for 3/4 township

• zzz = township number, right 

	justified

For example:

303 0101 - Township 101 South 

302 4023'- Township 23 1/2 North

Half townships may be created in instances where the distance between the 

regular position of township boundaries 

is so great that the application of 

normal rules of subdivision would result 

in sections elongated in excess of 120 

chains (7,920 feet). Partial townships 

are labeled on the map as, for example, 

T23 1/2N.

Township numbers are normally placed 

in pairs straddling the township exterior 

line. They are found in the East and 

West margins, or in the interior of the 

map if the township line does not extend 

to the neatline.

Range Number Parameter Code 

3Ox yzzz

Encode Range Number as follows:

• x = 4 for east of the Principal

Meridian

5 for west of the Principal 

Meridian

• y = 0 for full range 

2 for 1/4 range 

4 for 1/2 range 

6 for 3/4 range

20
Table 1•—Origins of the U.S. Rectangular Surveys

Code Designation

01 First Principal

02 Second Principal

03 Third Principal

04 Fourth Principal

05 Fifth Principal

06 Sixth Principal

07 Black Hills

08 Boise

09 Chickasaw

10 Choctaw

11 Cimmaron

12 Copper River

13 Fairbanks

14 Gila and Salt River

15 Humboldt

16 Huntsville

17 Indiana

18 Louisiana

19 Michigan

20 Principal

21 Mount Diablo

22 Navajo

23 New Mexico Principal

24 St. Helena

25 St. Stephens

26 Salt Lake

27 San Bernardino

28 Seward

29 Tallahasee

30 Uintah

31 Ute

32 Washington

33 Willamette

34 Wind River

35 Ohio River Survey

36 Between the Miamis

37 Muskingum River

38 Ohio River Base

39 First Scioto River

40 Second Scioto River

41 Third Scioto River

42 Ellicott's Line

43 Twelve-Mile Square

44 Kateel River

45 Umiat

46 Fourth Principal

47 West of the Great Miami

48 U.S. Military Survey

99 Not Public Land Survey

NOTES

States Date

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

SN

SN

SN

SN

SN

SN

SN

(Note 1)

SN

PM

PM

PM

SN

SN

(Note 2)

OH, IN

IL,IN

IL

IL,

AR,IA,MN,MO,ND,SD

CO,KS,NE,SD,WY

SD

ID

MS

MS

OK

AK

AK

AZ

CA

AL,MS

OK

LA

MI, OH

MT

CA,NV

AZ

CO,NM

LA

AL,MS

UT

CA

AK

FL,AL

UT

CO

MS

OR.WA

WY

OH

OH

OH

IN

OH

OH

OH

OH

AK

AKi

MN,WI

OH

OH

1819

1805

1805

1815

1815

1855

1878

1867

1833

1821

1881

1905

1910

1865

1853

1807

1870

1807

1815

1867

1851

1869

1855

1819

1805

1855

1852

1911

1824

1875

1880

1803

1851

1875

1785

1802

1800

1799

1799

1799

1799

1805

1956

1956

1831

1798

1797

Elicott's Line is the name given to the Ohio-Pennsylvania boundary. 

No townships are referenced to Ellicott's Line—it is included for 

compatibility with the BLM.

This code is included for compatibility with the BLM. It refers to 

area in the original 13 States, Texas, or a territory- The PLSS 

data category is not digitized in these areas.

21
8 for duplicate to north or 

east of the original 

township

9 for triplicate to north or 

east of a duplicate 

township

• zzz = range number, right 

justified

For example:

304 0005 - Range 5 East

305 8047 - Range 47 West, duplicate 

to north or east of the 

original township.

Half ranges may be created in instances where the distance between the 

regular position of township boundaries 

is so great that the application of 

normal rules of subdivision would result 

in sections elongated in excess of 120 

chains (7,920 feet). Partial ranges are 

labeled on the map as, for example, R79 

1/2E.

The Range Number Parameter Code can 

contain an identifier used to distinguish 

among identical sets of Meridian - Township - Range numbers. Such duplicate 

designations occur most commonly at 

State boundaries. Table 2 contains a 

partial list of Meridian, Township, and

Range number duplicates ordered by State 

and Meridian. In the table, the letter 

A is used to designate a duplicate, and 

the letter B a triplicate township 

identifier. Range numbers are normally 

placed in pairs straddling the township 

exterior line. They are found in the 

North and South margins, or in the 

interior of the map if the range line 

does not extend to the neatline.

Section Number Parameter Code 

301 xyyy

Encode 

follows:

• x = 0

each section number as

yyy =

for numeric section 

identifier

for numeric part of alphanumeric section 

identifier

for alphabetic part of 

alphanumeric section 

identifier

Section number, right 

justified, or numeric 

code for alphabetic 

character, righ t 

justified:

Table 2.—Township duplicates

State

California 

Colorado 

North Dakota

Nevada

Meridian

MT. DIABLO 

NEW HEX PRIN 

5TH PM

MT. DIABLO

Town sh ip/Ran ge

Oregon 

South Dakota

Wyoming

WILLAMETTE 

5TH PM

6TH PM

Township 01 ON,

Township 034N,

Township 129N,

Township 130N,

Township 001S,

Township 002S,

Township 003S,

Township 005S,

Township 006S,

Township 007S,

Township 009S,

Township 026S,

Township 036S,

Township 119N,

Township 120N,

Township 128N,

Township 129N,

Township 012N,

Range 022AE

Ranges 003AW

Ranges 054AW

Ranges 053AW

Ranges 032AE

Ranges 033AE

Range 035AE

Ranges 037AE

Range 039AE

Range 039AE

Ranges 040AE

Ranges 030AE,

Range 007AE

Range 051AW

Range 051AW

Ranges 047AW,

Range 054BW

Ranges 060AW

through 016AW 

and 055AW

054AW, 055AW 

and 033AE 

and 034AE

and 038AE

and 041AE 

031AE, 032AE

048AW, 019AW 

(See ND above) 

through 104AW

22
A = 01, B = 02, C = 03,

D = 04, E = 05, F = 06,

G = 07, H = 08, I = 09,

J = 10, K = 11, L = 12,

M = 13, N = 14, 0 = 15,

P = 16, Q = 17, R = 18,

S = 19, T = 20, U = 21,

V = 22, W = 23, X = 24,

Y = 25, Z 26

For example:

301 0036 - Section 36 

301 0101 - Section 101

Section 23A would be assigned two 

codes:

301 1023

301 2001

Sections are usually numbered from 1 

to 36, but can be higher and in some 

States may include alphabetic characters.

Where possible, the identifying 

number for a section is shown centered in 

its respective area. For fractional sections or areas that extend overedge, the 

numbers are placed as near as possible to 

the true center of the section, but not 

closer than 0.1 inch to the neatline of 

the map. A number may have been omitted 

from the published map if there was insufficient space. In these cases, the 

proper identifier can be derived from 

those of adjoining sections.

Land Grant Number Parameter Code 

307 xyyy

Encode land grant number as follows:

« x = 0 for numeric grant 

identifier

1 for numeric part of 

alphanumeric section 

identifier

2 for alphabetic part of 

alphanumeric section 

identifier

3 for alphabetic grant

identifier 

e yyy '= Grant number, right

justified, or numeric code

for alphabetic character, 

right justified:

A = 01, B = 02, C = 03,

D = 04, E = 05, F = 06,

G = 07, H = 08, I = 09,

J = 10, K = 11, L = 12,

M = 13, N = 14, 0 = 15,

P = 16, Q = 17, R = 18,

S = 19, T = 20, U = 21,

V = 22, W = 23, X = 24,

Y = 25, Z = 26

For example:

;

307 0051 - Grant number 51 

307 2024 - Grant X

In some States, such as Louisiana, 

each nonconformable valid grant within a 

township is assigned a serial tract 

number, generally commencing with 37, but 

occasionally in the range 1-36 normally 

reserved for sections, and occasionally 

including alphabetic characters.

Placement of numeric labels for 

grants conforms to the rules discussed 

for section numbers.

Excluded Areas

Land lines may be omitted from maps 

in Public Land States for several 

reasons:

e They have not been established.

o There is insufficient field evidence

to position the land net to

established standards, 

e There are large areas of previously

established tracts or claims.

If sectional subdivision lines are 

not depicted for an area, one of the 

following codes is used:

300 0100 Indian lands — Land

granted to the native Indians is excluded 

from the public domain. Tribal lands areshown on published maps with the reservation boundary symbol (USGS symbol 207). 

The reservation name is placed across the 

bounded area.

23
Boundaries of abandoned reservations 

that are limiting lines of subdivision 

surveys are shown on maps with the 

section line symbol, and labeled Old 

Indian Treaty Boundary. When these lines 

do not limit the public lands, they are 

digitized only on the Boundaries overlay, 

and are coded as Historical lines.

300 0101 Homestead entries — Title 

to portions of the public domain was 

granted to individuals under the various 

homestead acts, based on residence, 

cultivation, and some improvement to the 

land over several years. Homestead 

entries cannot reliably be -identified 

based only on information on published 

maps; therefore this code is not normally 

used.

300 0102 Donation land claims — 

Tracts of land (160, 320, or 640 acres) 

were allocated to settlers in the Oregon 

Territory who had resided on and cultivated the land for 4 years under the 

Donation Act of September 27, 1850; to 

settlers in Florida under the Act of 

August 4, 1842; and to settlers in New 

Mexico under the Act of July 22, 1854. 

The boundaries of these areas are shown 

by the land grant symbol, and the areas 

are usually numbered within a township. 

Within the affected areas, polygons 

bounded by the grant line symbol which 

are less than or equal to the size of a 

section are coded as donation land 

claims. In addition, these areas are 

normally assigned the land grant number 

parameter (307 ———). Angle points on 

the boundaries are coded as grant corners 

when appropriate.

300 0103 Land grants; civil 

colonies — Grants established prior to 

the original subdivisional surveys are 

segregated from the public lands. The 

boundaries of these irregular areas are 

shown with USGS symbol 500. The names of 

named land grants, for example, Spanish 

grants in California, are shown in'black 

on the published maps. The word grant is 

omitted unless the entire quadrangle 

falls within the grant. Numbered grants 

will include the land grant number parameter (307 ———).

300 0104 Private extension of public 

land survey — The term, private, refers 

to any surveys not accepted by BLM. Such

surveys may be depicted on the published 

map by using dotted lines (USGS symbols 

508 and 509). They include, for example, 

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) surveys 

on Indian lands. These areas will also 

be assigned origin of survey, township, 

range, and section number parameters as 

appropriate. They may also include an 

identifier of the type of land surveyed. 

For example, a section established by the 

BIA on an Indian reservation is coded as 

follows:

306 0023 - New Mexico principal

meridian

302 0024 - Township 24 N 

305 0014 - Range 14 W 

301 0002 - Section 2 

300 0104 - Private extension of

public land purvey 

300 0100 - Indian lands

300 0105 Area of public and private 

survey overlap — Private surveys may 

overlap the public land surveys. Such 

areas are assigned this code. They may 

also carry two sets of township, range, 

and (or) section numbers if the designations of the public (BLM) and private 

surveys do not agree.

300 0106 Overlapping land grants — 

Where land grants overlap due to survey 

error or disputed claims, this code is 

used. The land grant code (300 0103) is 

not required in these cases.

300 0107 Military reservation — 

This code is used for military or lighthouse reservations which limit the public 

lands. The boundaries of these areas are 

shown on the map with the reservation 

boundary symbol (USGS symbol 207).

300 0198 Water — The areas of navigable streams and meahderable lakes are 

excluded from the public lands and should 

be assigned this attribute.

These areas will generally be bounded 

by arbitrary lines of closure since the 

actual meander lines are not mapped and 

land lines are broken at these bodies of 

water.

300 0199 Un surveyed area — This" 

code is to be used when land lines are 

omitted from any area that is a part of 

the public domain. It is also used for 

areas outside of the original public

24
domain, that is, the thirteen original 

States, Texas, Canada, and Mexico, when 

such areas are depicted on maps partially 

covering Public Land States.

Line Attributes

Lines in the PLSS category represent 

property boundaries or references to 

boundaries. Specific line attribute 

codes are used only when they cannot be 

derived from the attributes of the 

bounding nodes and areas. The absence 

of line attributes indicates that the 

lines meet National Map Accuracy 

Standards (NMAS).

Land lines are symbolized on 

published maps as follows:

• Solid 0.005 inch lines (USGS symbol

504) if they can be positioned to 

meet NMAS.

• Dashed 0.005 inch lines (USGS symbol

505) if they do not meet NMAS, but 

can be positioned in relation to the 

land plat within 0.1 inch at map 

scale (200 feet on 1:24,000-scale 

maps)*

• Dotted 0.006 inch lines (USGS symbol 

509) if they were surveyed by a 

private concern or a government 

agency other than BLM.

Lines representing township, extremities are shown at double the above line 

weights (USGS symbols 502, 503, and 508).

On maps published before about 1940, 

subdivision lines were shown by black 

dotted lines; on those published between 

about 1940 and 1948, black solid lines 

were used.

In addition to depicted land lines, 

other boundaries that limit the land net 

must be digitized to complete closure of 

all polygons. These will include: cases 

where the land lines were omitted from 

the map due to coincidence with features 

of higher order symbology; arbitrary 

closure lines at, for example, water 

bodies; and the neatline of the map.

300 0201 Approximate position (within 200 feet) — This code should be used 

whenever dashed land lines are shown on 

the map to indicate that the lines do not 

meet NMAS but can be positioned within

0.1 inch at map scale. Boundaries of 

grants labeled as approximate also are 

assigned this code. If only a portion of 

a grant is approximate, this code is 

assigned from the nearest found grant 

monument extending along the labeled 

segments of the line.

300 0202 Protracted position 

(Alaska) — BLM has defined .protracted 

land lines for all areas of Alaska not 

yet subdivided by ground surveys. The 

unsurveyed land lines represent theoretically perfect subdivisions. Protracted land lines are shown as solid 

gray lines for all new and revised 

Alaska maps. (Although BLM has also 

protracted land lines for all suspended 

and unsurveyed townships in the conterminous U.S., these lines are not shown on 

large-scale topographic maps.)

300 0203 Arbitrary closure line — 

Arbitrary lines must occasionally be 

digitized to effect closure of all 

polygons of a PLSS file. This most 

frequently occurs where land lines intersect navigable bodies of water, since the 

actual meander lines are not mapped. 

Closure lines may be digitized in one of 

the following ways:

• As straight line segments joining 

existing nodes;

• As approximate metes and bounds 

(distance and direction) traverses 

along the limits of another feature;

• Or as straight line extensions to an 

arbitrary section corner (300 0015).

In positioning arbitrary closure 

lines at water bodies, consider that 

meander lines are run in original surveys 

not as boundaries but to define the sinuosities of the feature, and as a means of 

ascertaining the quantity of land remaining after segregation of the water area. 

They are run as a series of straight line 

segments that approximate the true margin 

of the feature. Thus a major consideration in digitizing these lines is to 

avoid introducing excessive error into 

computations of land area.

It is also important to note that the 

position of bodies of water may change 

over time, but surveyed lines remain in 

their original locations. Land lines are 

mapped as originally surveyed, even if

25
the shorelines of meandered water bodies 

have changed. Therefore, closure lines 

at water bodies should not be extended to 

or pulled back from the mapped shoreline 

where discrepancies exist.

In the past, land lines were broken 

at tract boundaries, but the tract limits 

themselves were sometimes not shown. In 

such cases, the arbitrary closure lines 

should be digitized as straight line 

segments between nodes placed at the 

points where the land lines terminate.

300 0204 Base line — The base line 

of a survey is shown as a double-weight 

(0.01 inch) solid line and labeled in 

black as base line. The use of this code 

is only required in conjunction with 

those surveys that do not have an initial 

point for the origin of both township and 

range numbering (see Origin of Survey).

Single-Point Features (Degenerate Lines)

300 0300 Location monument — This 

code is used for mapped location monuments (USGS symbol 227) that do not fall 

on a section line. If a location monument falls on a section line, it shall be 

collected as a node (300 0010). Location 

monuments are discussed in detail 

beginning on page 17.

300 0301 Isolated found section 

corner — Recovered section corners (USGS 

symbol 506) may be shown on maps in areas 

where subdivision lines are omitted due 

to insufficient data. These features are 

captured as degenerate lines.

300 0302 Witness corner (off surveyed line) — This code is used for 

mapped witness corners (USGS symbol 523) 

that have been placed off a surveyed 

line. Witness corners on surveyed lines 

are captured as nodes (300 0007). Witness corners are discussed in detail 

beginning on page 17.

Parameters

309 OOxx = Coincident feature or symbol 

xx = the most significant two 

digits (leftmost) of the 

major code of the coincident feature, for 

example:

• 309 0009 - Land line coincident with Boundary 

(Major code of Boundaries 

is 090)

• 300 0010 - Land line coincident with Road (Major 

code of Roads is 100)

Land lines are omitted where they 

coincide with features of higher order 

symbolization, such as civil boundaries, 

roads, levees, or canals. To effect 

closure of all polygons, these lines are 

digitized along the span of the coincident feature. Nodes are placed at 

each location where symbology changes, 

as well as at corner locations which may 

have been omitted from the published map, 

and coded as appropriate. Nodes at 

intersections of land lines and boundaries are closing corners (300 0003).

Coincident lines are assigned the 

coincident feature parameter code. They 

should also be assigned standard line 

attributes as appropriate. There are 

two distinct cases to consider:

• Land lines coincident with boundaries — Land lines close on 

previously established boundaries. 

Thus lines coincident with boundaries should be considered to meet 

NMAS (and thus receive no additional 

attribute) unless the boundary is 

shown, as approximate or indefinite, 

in which case the land line should be 

coded as approximate (300 0201). 

Approximate boundaries are labeled. 

Indefinite boundaries are labeled and 

shown at one-half the normal line 

weight.

• Land lines coincident with manmade 

features, such as roads, canals, or 

levees — When only a portion of a 

section line is omitted, determining 

the proper line attribute is 

straightforward: it is the same as 

that of the portion that is depicted. 

If, however, entire section lines are 

omitted, a judgment must be .made. 

In general, these lines should becoded as accurate or approximate on 

the basis of the overall pattern of 

lines within the township involved. 

Remember that land lines are considered to meet NMAS and are assigned 

the solid line symbol when:

26
1. they connect found or indicated 

corners; •

2. the number of found or indicated 

corners is adequate to control 

a standard-accuracy adjustment 

of the township;

3. other ground evidence agrees 

with the official land plats and 

the lines are accepted locally. 

For example, it has been the 

general practice in the Prairie 

States to locate the public 

roads on the section lines*

If these conditions are not met/ 

land lines coincident with manmade 

features should be coded as 

approximate (300 0201).

IRREGULAR RECTANGULAR SURVEYS 

IN OHIO AND INDIANA

Eight rectangular public land surveys 

have no initial point as an origin of 

both township and range numbers. These 

include seven surveys in Ohio and one in 

Indiana. They commenced between 1785 and 

1805, a period when the laws prescribing 

the subdivision of the public domain were 

in flux. While rectangular in nature, 

these surveys do not strictly conform to 

the current plan.

Within several surveys, because townships depend on crooked rivers for base 

lines, offsets in the township tiers and 

irregular sequences of numbering result. 

In addition, subdivision of townships is 

not consistent. The current system of 

numbering sections within a township was 

not adopted until passage of the Land Act 

of May 18, 1796. Prior to this time, the 

original Ordinance of May 24, 1785 

applied, in which sections were numbered 

progressively northward in tiers, commencing with section 1 of the southeast 

corner of each township, to section 36 

at the northeast corner.

In general, each area is completely 

identified on the published map as the 

situation warrants by:

• Labels (in black) on the boundaries 

of the areas.

• Labels on system boundaries, except 

along the Miami River, Little Miami 

River, Scioto River, and Ohio 

River. These natural features are 

defined as boundaries in the credit 

legend.

• Appropriate marginal notes identifying the base line or meridians from 

which the several surveys were 

extended.

Specific characteristics of each of 

these surveys are described in the 

following paragraphs.

Ohio River Survey

The Ohio River is the base line. 

Townships are numbered north from the 

Ohio River, and ranges west from the 

Ohio-Pennsylvania boundary (Ellicott's 

Line). The Ohio River Survey consists 

of three separate areas:

The Seven Ranges — The first rectangular survey was begun in 1785 with 

the establishment of a point of origin 

on the north bank of the Ohio River at 

the Ohio-Pennsylvania boundary, and the 

running of a line westward for 42 miles 

(seven ranges). This line is termed the 

Geographer's Line. Ranges 1 through 7 of 

the Ohio River Survey, south of the 

Geographer's Line, are referred to as 

the Seven Ranges, or the Old Seven 

Ranges. Sections in this area are 

numbered according to the Ordinance of 

1785.

Congress Lands East of the Scioto 

River — This area includes most of the 

land west of the Seven Ranges, east of 

the Scioto River, and south of the U.S. 

Military District. Three small areas 

along the Scioto River are based on the 

Scioto River Base, and the large Ohio 

Company tract lies in the southeast. 

Sections within the Congress Lands are 

numbered according to the plan of the 

Land Act of 1796.

Congress Lands North of the Old 

Seven Ranges — This includes all the., 

lands north of the Seven Ranges and the 

U.S. Military District, and south of 

Connecticut's Western Reserve, except

27
for the two townships in the Muskingum 

River Survey. Sections are numbered 

according to the present plan.

Maps of the Ohio River Survey area 

contain a marginal note: Land lines 

based on the Ohio River Base. Marginal 

notes also identify the Seven Ranges and 

the Congress Lands. The Geographer's 

Line and the boundaries of the Congress 

Lands are labeled on the maps.

Between the Miamis—North of

Symmes Purchase

The Great Miami River is the base 

line. Townships are numbered east from 

the Great Miami River, and ranges north 

from the Ohio River. Sections are 

numbered according "to the Ordinance of 

1785. This represents an extension of 

the system used in the private survey of 

the Symme's Purchase Tract. This area 

is also called the Congress Lands Bast 

of the Miami River. It is bounded on 

the northeast by the Virginia Military 

Reserve. Marginal notes on maps of this 

area will identify that land lines are 

based on the Great Miami River Base and 

that the area lies within the Between the 

Miamis. The northeast and south boundaries of the area are labeled on the map.

Muskingum River Survey

This area consists of only two townships, within the Congress Lands North 

of the Old Seven Ranges and bounded on 

the north by the Connecticut Western 

Reserve. Townships are numbered 1 and 2 

North, and the range is 10 West. The 

range continues the numbering of the Ohio 

River Survey. A marginal note identifies 

the specific townships based on the 

Muskingum River Base.

Scjoto River Base Surveys

The Scioto River is the base line. 

Townships are numbered north from the 

Scioto River, and ranges west from the 

Ohio-Pennsylvania boundary, continuing 

the numbering of the Ohio River Survey.

First Scioto River Base — This is 

the southernmost of the three small 

surveys at the western edge of the 

Congress Lands east of the Scioto River. 

It contains townships numbered 1 through 

4 North, and range 22 West. The standard 

plan for -numbering sections is disrupted 

at the Scioto River, that is, if section 

2 is the last section on the top tier of 

a township, the section below it (on the 

next tier) will be number 3. This area 

is bounded on the south by the Scioto 

River (Chillicothe East quadrangle), on 

the east by range 21 West of the Ohio 

River Survey, on the west by the Scioto 

River, and on the north by the Second 

Scioto River Base (Asheville quadrangle).

Second Scioto River Base — The 

survey contains townships numbered 2 

through 5 North, and range 22 West. 

Sections are numbered according to the 

standard plan. The area is bounded on 

the south by the First Scioto River Base 

(Asheville quadrangle), on the east by 

range 21 West of the Ohio River Survey, 

on the west by the Scioto River and the 

Third Scioto River Base (Columbus Southwest quadrangle), and on the north by the 

U.S. Military Survey.

Third Scioto River Base — This 

survey contains only a single township: 

township 1 North, range 23 West. 

Sections are numbered according to the 

standard plan. It is bounded on the 

south and west by the Scioto River, on 

the east by the Second Scioto River Base 

Survey, and on the north by the U.S. 

Military Survey (Columbus Southwest 

quadrangle).

Ohio River Base—Indiana

In this area of southeast Indiana, 

townships are numbered north from the 

Ohio River, and ranges west from the 

Ohio-Indiana boundary and its projection 

south. It is bounded on the nor.th and 

west by the Greenville Treaty Line.

Twelve-Mile Square Reserve

This small area in northwest Ohip 

consists of only four townships, numbered 

1 through 4. There is no associated 

range number. Exterior boundaries of the 

area are labeled. For these four townships, the township number parameter

28
will be coded as north of the base line 

(302 ———).

West of the Great Miami (Ohio)

The Great Miami River is the base 

line for this survey. Townships are 

numbered north from the Great Miami 

River, and ranges east from the OhioIndiana boundary. This area is also 

called the Congress Lands West of the 

Miami River. It is bounded on the north 

by the Greenville Treaty Line.

U.S. Military Survey

Townships are numbered from the south 

boundary of the U.S. Military Tract, and 

ranges west from the west boundary of the 

Seven Ranges. This area is subdivided 

into 5-mile-square townships; sections 

are thus numbered 1 to 25. Section 

numbering follows the present plan, commencing with number 1 in the northeast 

corner of the township, to number 25 in 

the southwest corner. Some townships are 

divided into quarters, which are numbered 

1 to 4 beginning with the northeast 

quarter and proceeding counterclockwise. 

These areas are treated as sections for 

digitizing purposes.

Private Surveys in Ohio

The State of Ohio also contains 

several large tracts of land that were 

excluded from the public domain. Two 

large areas were claimed by existing 

States: the Connecticut Western Reserve 

and Firelands, and the Virginia Military 

Reserve. Two additional tracts were sold 

to private concerns: the Ohio Company 

Purchase and Symmes Purchase. These 

areas were subdivided by private surveys.

Connecticut Western Reserve and 

Firelands — This area in northwestern 

Ohio was divided into 5-mile square townships and irregular tracts by the

Connecticut Land Company. Land lines are 

mapped as dotted lines. Townships are 

numbered north from the southern boundary 

of the reserve, and ranges west from the 

Ohio-Pennsylvania boundary. In the 

western portion of this area (the 

Firelands), townships were divided into 

quarter townships, which are numbered 1 

to 4, commencing with 1 in the southeast 

quarter and proceeding clockwise. These 

areas are digitized as sections. In the 

eastern portion, township and range lines 

only are mapped. The boundaries of the 

Connecticut Western Reserve are labeled 

in black.

Virginia Military Reserve — This 

area was surveyed according to the laws 

of the State of Virginia. It does not 

conform to the rectangular system. Land 

lines are not shown within this area. 

The boundaries of the Virginia Military 

District are labeled in black.

Ohio Company Purchase — This area in 

southeastern Ohio was subdivided by 

private surveys. Land lines are mapped 

as dotted lines. The Ohio River is the 

base line. Townships are numbered north 

from the Ohio River, and ranges west from 

the Ohio-Pennsylvania boundary, continuing the system of the Ohio River 

Survey. Sections are numbered according 

to the Ordinance of 1785. There are many 

irregularities in the subdivisions, and 

these irregular lots are not mapped. The 

boundaries of Ohio Company lands are 

labeled.

Symmes Purchase — The Great Miami 

River is the base line for the private 

surveys of this area. Land lines are 

mapped as dotted lines. Townships are 

numbered east from the Great Miami River 

and ranges north from the Ohio River. 

Ranges 1 and 2 are duplicated in the 

southern portion of the area. The first 

occurrence is labeled F.R.2 (First Range 

2). Sections are numbered according to 

the Ordinance of 1785. The Between the 

Miamis public land survey continuad the 

numbering adopted in the survey of this 

tract. The north boundary of Symmes 

purchase is labeled.

29
ALPHABETICAL INDEX

Hydrography Attributes

Abandoned 050 0611

Alkali flat 050 0100

Apparent limit 050 0204

Aqueduct 050 0415 

Area to be submerged 050 0108

Bays 050 0116

Bog 050 0111

Braided stream 050 0413

Canal 050 0414

Canal lock 050 0407 

Channel in water area 050 0419

Check 050 0409 

Closure line, (water-water) 050 0202

Coral reef 050 0422

Covered reservoir 050 0102

Cranberry bog • 050 0114

Crevasse 050 0411

Dam 050 0406

Ditch 050 0414

Dry 050 0614

Elevated 050 0603

Ephemeral drain 050 0420

Estuaries 050 0116

Exposed rock 050 0410

Falls 050 0401

Fish farm 050 0106

Fish hatchery 050 0106

Flats 050 0115

Flood 050 0409

Flowing well 050 0302

Flume 050 0416

Gaging station 050 0403

Gate 050 0409

Geyser 050 0304

Glacier 050 0103

Gravel 050 0115

Gravel pit 050 0402

Gulfs 050 0116

Head 050 0409 

Hot spring

(sulphur, alkali, etc.) 050 0615 

Indefinite shoreline . 050 0203 

Industrial water impoundment 050 0107

Intermittent 050 0610

Inundation area 050 0105

Lake 050 0421

Left bank 050 0606

Mangrove area 050 0112

Manmade shoreline 050 0201

Marsh 050 0111

Mineral 050 0615

Mud 050 0115

Navigable - Transportation 050 0616

Nonflowing well 050 0301

Oceans 050 0116

Outline of a Carolina bay 050 0205

Overpassing 050 0602

Penstock 050 0417

Permanent snow field 050 0103

Pond 050 0421

Pumping station 050 0404

Quarry filled with water 050 0402

Rapids 050 0400

Reservoir 050 0101

Rice field 050 0113

Right bank 050 0605

Riser 050 0303

Salt 050 0608

Salt evaporator 050 0104

Sand 050 0115

Seas 050 0116

Sewage disposal pond 050 0109

Sewage filtration beds 0500109

Shoreline 050 0200

Sink 050 0003

Siphon 050 0418

Sluice gate 050 0407

Spillway 050 0408

Spring 050 0300

Stream 050 0412

Stream entering water body 050 0004

Stream exiting water body 050 0005

Submerged 050 0612

Swamp 050 0111

Tailings pond 050 0110

Tidal flats 050 0115

Tidal gate 050 0409

Tunnel 050 0604

Under construction 050 0607

Underground 050 0601

Underpassing 050 0617

Unsurveyed 050 0609

Upper origin of stream 050 0001 

Upper origin of stream

at water body 050 0002

Wash 050 0420

Water intake 050 0405

Weir 050 0406

Wetland 050 0111

Windmill 050 0305

Wooded 050 0613

30
ALPHABETICAL INDEX

U.S. Public Land Survey System Attributes

Angle point 300 0009 

Approximate position

(within 200 ft) 300 0201 

Arbitrary closure line 300 0203 

Arbitrary section corner 300 0015 

Area of public and private

survey overlap 300 0105 

Auxiliary meander corner 300 0005 

Base line 300 0204 

Best estimate of

classification and (or) 308 0000

position

Closing corner 300 0003 

Coincident feature. Insert

major code of coincident 309 00—

feature in two spaces.

Corner identified in field 300 0040 

Corner with elevation value 300 0042 

Corner with horizontal control 300 0041 

Donation land claims 300 0102 

Homestead entries 300 0101 

Indian lands 300 0100 

Isolated found section corner 300 0301 

Land grant — In the first

space/ insert a 0 307 ———

for numeric grant identifier,

1 for numeric portion of

alphanumeric identifier, 2

for alphabetic portion of

alphanumeric identifier, or

3 for alphabetic identifier.

In the last three spaces,

insert grant number or

numeric representation of

alphabetic character (01-26),

right justified.

Land grant corner 300 0014 

Land grants; civil colonies 300 0103 

Location monument 300 0300 

Location monument

(includes amended monument 300 0010

and mineral monument)

Meander corner 300 0004 

Military reservation 300 0107 

Origin of survey —

Insert two digit code from 306 00—

table 1, part 0312.0402

Overlapping land grants 300 0106 

Point on section line

(no corner) 300 0002

0104

0202

0012

Private extension of Public

Land Survey 300

Protracted position 300

Quarter section corner 300

Range — Insert 4 for east of

the principal meridian or 30- ———

5 for west of the principal 

meridian in the first space. 

In the second space, insert 

a 0 for a full range, 2 for 

1/4 range, 4 for 1/2 range,

6 for 3/4 range, 8 for

duplicate to the north or

east of the original township,

or 9 for triplicate to the

north or east of the original

township. Insert range number

in last three spaces, right

justified.

Reference monument 300 0011 

Section — In the first space,

insert 0 for numeric section 301 ———

identifier, 1 for numeric

portion of alphanumeric

identifier, or 2 for

alphabetic part of alphanumeric

identifier. In the last three

spaces, insert section number or

numeric representation of

alphabetic character (01-26),

right justified.

Special meander corner 300 0006 

Township — Insert 2 for north

of the baseline or 3 for 30- ———

south of the baseline in

first space. In the second

space, insert a 0 for a full

township, 2 for 1/4 township,

4 for 1/2 township, or 6 for

3/4 township. Insert township

number in the last three

spaces, right justified.

Tract corner 300 0013 

U.S. Public Land Survey section

corner 300 0001 

Unsurveyed area 300 0199 

Water 300 0198 

Witness corner 300 0007 

Witness corner

(off surveyed line) 300 0302 

Witness point 300 0008

31

UNITED STATES 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

RESIGN, VIRGINIA 22092

MS 516

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300

POSTAGE 

U. S. DEPARTME

I