Metes and Bounds Converter
Convert between metes and bounds descriptions and GPS coordinates. Township America helps you work with both traditional land surveys and the rectangular survey system.
What is Metes and Bounds?
Metes and bounds is a system of describing land using physical features, directions, and distances. Unlike the rectangular PLSS system, metes and bounds descriptions start from a point of beginning (POB) and trace the property boundary using bearings and distances.
This system is primarily used in the original 13 colonies and other eastern states that were surveyed before the PLSS was established. Township America can help convert coordinates to find nearby PLSS locations or work with hybrid descriptions.
Metes and Bounds vs. PLSS
| Feature | Metes and Bounds | PLSS (Township America) |
|---|---|---|
| Used In | Eastern US, original colonies | 30 states (mostly western) |
| Description Style | Narrative (bearings, distances) | Grid-based (township, range, section) |
| Reference Points | Natural features, monuments | Principal meridians, baselines |
| Shape | Irregular | Rectangular (mostly) |
How Township America Works with Metes and Bounds
Coordinate Conversion
Enter GPS coordinates from a metes and bounds survey to find the nearest PLSS location or identify the section it falls within.
Address Lookup
Search by street address to find coordinates, then identify any overlapping or nearby PLSS boundaries.
Map Visualization
View any location on our interactive map with satellite imagery to understand the land boundaries and surrounding area.
PLSS Overlay
In states with both systems, overlay PLSS grid boundaries on any location to see how they relate to metes and bounds parcels.
States Using Metes and Bounds
The following states primarily use metes and bounds descriptions (though some areas may have PLSS coverage):
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Township America convert metes and bounds descriptions?
- Township America specializes in PLSS (rectangular survey) descriptions. For metes and bounds, you can use our coordinate search to find PLSS locations from GPS coordinates, or use our address search to locate properties.
- What's the difference between metes and bounds and PLSS?
- Metes and bounds uses physical descriptions (bearings, distances, landmarks) to describe property boundaries. PLSS uses a grid system of townships, ranges, and sections. PLSS is more standardized and easier to convert to coordinates.
- Do any states use both systems?
- Yes! States like Ohio and Florida have areas surveyed under both systems. Township America covers the PLSS portions of these states.
- How do I convert a metes and bounds description to coordinates?
- Metes and bounds conversion typically requires specialized surveying software or a professional surveyor. However, if you have a starting coordinate, Township America can help you identify PLSS locations in the area.
- Why is PLSS easier to work with than metes and bounds?
- PLSS creates a standardized grid where every location has a unique identifier (township, range, section). This makes it easy to convert to coordinates. Metes and bounds descriptions are unique to each property and require interpreting directions and distances.
Need Help with Land Descriptions?
Township America is the leading tool for PLSS legal land descriptions. Try our coordinate converter to work with any land survey system.
Land Survey Conversion Tools
Township America supports multiple land survey systems across the United States. Explore our specialized converters: