What is a meridian in a land description?
A principal meridian is the north–south reference line that anchors a survey grid. Range numbers are counted east or west from it.
Meridians in Canada and the US
Canada's DLS uses numbered meridians (e.g. the 4th, 5th, 6th). The US PLSS uses 37 named principal meridians. Getting the meridian right is essential because the same township and range repeat off every meridian.
Last reviewed June 2026. General information about survey systems — not legal, title, or survey advice.
Sources: US BLM — Cadastral Survey (PLSS), Natural Resources Canada — About Canada Lands surveys.