How to read a PLSS (township and range) description
PLSS descriptions read section, township, range, meridian. Here's how to parse one like Sec 34, T3S, R1W.
Step by step
1. Section (34): one of 36 square-mile sections. 2. Township (T3S): three rows south of the baseline. 3. Range (R1W): one column west of the meridian. 4. Meridian: the principal meridian governing the area (this matters; the same T/R repeats off each).
Last reviewed June 2026. General information about survey systems — not legal, title, or survey advice.
Sources: US BLM — Cadastral Survey (PLSS), BLM / GLO — Principal Meridians and Base Lines (map).