PS PS Public Land Survey System (PLSS) 1

Question 1

In the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), what is the standard size of a township?

Accepted Answer

6 miles × 6 miles

Answer

A PLSS township is a square unit measuring 6 miles on each side, containing 36 sections.

Question 2

How many acres are in a standard PLSS section?

Accepted Answer

640 acres

Answer

A standard PLSS section measures 1 mile × 1 mile and contains 640 acres.

Question 3

In a PLSS township, sections are numbered starting from which corner?

Accepted Answer

Northeast corner

Answer

PLSS sections are numbered 1–36 beginning at the northeast corner and proceeding in a boustrophedon (back-and-forth) pattern.

Question 4

What is the term for the fractional sections created along the north and west edges of a PLSS township to account for convergence and measurement errors?

Accepted Answer

Government lots

Answer

Government lots are irregular fractional sections found along the north and west boundaries of a township where closure errors and convergence are absorbed.

Question 5

What is the primary meridian used as the reference for the PLSS surveys in California, Nevada, and most of Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Mount Diablo Meridian

Answer

The Mount Diablo Meridian and Base Line govern the PLSS in California, Nevada, and most of Oregon.

(PS) Professional Licensed Surveyor Practice Test

(PS) Professional Licensed Surveyor Practice Test

PS PS Public Land Survey System (PLSS) 1