What is the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) used for?

The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is primarily designed to divide and describe land for the purpose of sale and distribution, particularly in areas of the United States that were not originally settled using metes and bounds. Established by the Land Ordinance of 1785, the PLSS standardizes the way land is surveyed and allocated, allowing for a consistent and systematic approach to land management. By breaking down large tracts of land into smaller parcels, the PLSS makes it easier to identify, sell, and distribute land to private individuals or entities.

This method involves dividing land into a grid format, using townships and ranges, which facilitates not only the sale of public lands but also the subsequent management and development of those lands. The systematic approach helps to prevent disputes over boundaries and promotes an organized method for land transaction.

While ownership information is indeed derived from the PLSS, the system's core function is not solely focused on ownership records but rather on the division and organization of land itself. Zoning laws and environmental assessments, while important aspects of land use management, do not fall within the scope of the PLSS's primary purpose, which emphasizes the initial layout and description of land for distribution rather than regulatory or assessment functions.