PLSS Converter
Convert Public Land Survey System (PLSS) descriptions to GPS coordinates. Search townships, ranges, sections, and quarter sections across 30 US states.
What is the Public Land Survey System?
The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is the surveying method developed and used in the United States to plat, or divide, real property for sale and settling. Also known as the Rectangular Survey System, it was established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 to survey land west of the Appalachian Mountains.
The PLSS divides land into 6-mile-square townships, which are further divided into 36 one-mile-square sections. Each section can be subdivided into quarter sections, quarter-quarter sections, and smaller parcels.
PLSS Format Examples
| Format | Example |
|---|---|
| Township Range Meridian | 6S 19W 5th Meridian |
| Section Township Range Meridian | 4 2N 18E Indian Meridian |
| Quarter Section Township Range | NE 25 5N 30E Mount Diablo Meridian |
| Quarter-Quarter Section | NESW 25 5N 30E Mineral County Nevada |
| Township Range County State | 6S 19W Clark County Arkansas |
PLSS Converter Features
Convert PLSS descriptions to latitude/longitude coordinates instantly with our intelligent search.
Convert thousands of PLSS locations at once with our batch conversion tool.
View PLSS boundaries on an interactive map with satellite imagery and grid overlays.
Download results in CSV, KML, Shapefile, DXF, or GeoJSON formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What states use the PLSS system?
- The PLSS is used in 30 states, primarily those west of the Mississippi River plus Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Township America supports all PLSS states.
- How do I convert PLSS to GPS coordinates?
- Enter your PLSS description (e.g., "NE 25 5N 30E Mount Diablo Meridian") into Township America's search box. The converter instantly returns the latitude and longitude coordinates.
- Can I convert GPS coordinates to PLSS?
- Yes! Township America supports reverse conversion. Enter latitude and longitude coordinates to find the corresponding PLSS legal land description.
- What PLSS subdivisions are supported?
- Township America supports townships, ranges, sections, quarter sections (NE, NW, SE, SW), quarter-quarter sections (NENE, NESW, etc.), lots, and surveys.
- Is the PLSS converter free to use?
- Yes! Basic PLSS conversion is free. Premium features like batch conversion and API access are available with paid plans.
Ready to Convert PLSS Descriptions?
Start using Township America's PLSS converter today. Free to use, no credit card required.
Land Survey Conversion Tools
Township America supports multiple land survey systems across the United States. Explore our specialized converters: