National Topographic System (NTS) land descriptions
British Columbia describes land using the National Topographic System, a hierarchy of map series, sheets, blocks, units and quarter units rather than a township-and-range grid.
The NTS hierarchy
Conceptually the grid nests from the map series down to the quarter unit, but a location is written the other way — smallest unit first. A BC NTS location like A-2-F/93-P-8 reads: quarter unit A, unit 2, block F, on map sheet 93-P-8.
NTS is used extensively for oil-and-gas land in British Columbia.
Frequently asked questions
How is a BC NTS location written?
Smallest unit first — A-2-F/93-P-8 is quarter unit A, unit 2, block F, on NTS map sheet 93-P-8.
Where is the NTS grid used?
Mainly in British Columbia, especially oil-and-gas land, where descriptions follow map-sheet position rather than township and range.
Last reviewed June 2026. General information about survey systems — not legal, title, or survey advice.
Sources: BC Energy Regulator — Unique Well Identifier Format, Province of BC — Petroleum & Natural Gas Grid Guide.