How to read an NTS (National Topographic System) description
British Columbia's NTS descriptions nest from a map series down to a quarter unit. Here's the hierarchy.
The hierarchy
A BC NTS location is written smallest-unit-first, e.g. A-2-F/93-P-8: quarter unit (A), unit (2), block (F), then the NTS map sheet (93-P-8). The map sheet subdivides into blocks, blocks into units, and units into lettered quarter units — so the written location runs the opposite way from the nesting.
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.