The United States Public Land Survey (PLS) divided land into one square mile units, termed sections. Surveyors used trees to locate section corners and other locations of interest (witness trees). As a result, a systematic ecological dataset was produced with regular sampling over a large region of the United States, beginning in Ohio in 1786 and continuing westward.
We digitized and georeferenced archival hand drawn maps of these witness trees for 27 counties in Ohio. This dataset consists of a GIS point shapefile with 11,925 points located at section corners, recording 26,028 trees (up to four trees could be recorded at each corner). We retain species names given on each archival map key, resulting in 70 unique species common names. PLS records were obtained from hand-drawn archival maps of original witness trees produced by researchers at The Ohio State University in the 1960’s. Scans of these maps are archived as “The Edgar Nelson Transeau Ohio Vegetation Survey” at The Ohio State University: http://hdl.handle.net/1811/64106.
The 27 counties are: Adams, Allen, Auglaize, Belmont, Brown, Darke, Defiance, Gallia, Guernsey, Hancock, Lawrence, Lucas, Mercer, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Noble, Ottawa, Paulding, Pike, Putnam, Scioto, Seneca, Shelby, Williams, Wyandot. Coordinate Reference System: North American Datum 1983 (NAD83). This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grants #DEB-1241874, 1241868, 1241870, 1241851, 1241891, 1241846, 1241856, 1241930.

The land surveying instrument market, valued at $6107 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by increasing infrastructure development globally and the rising adoption of advanced technologies like robotic total stations and GNSS receivers. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2025 to 2033 indicates a significant expansion, fueled by the growing demand for precise and efficient surveying solutions across various sectors. Key application areas like construction and survey & mapping are primary growth drivers, benefiting from urbanization and the need for detailed spatial data. Technological advancements, including improved accuracy, automation, and data integration capabilities of instruments, further contribute to market expansion. While challenges such as high initial investment costs for advanced equipment and the need for skilled professionals might act as restraints, the overall market outlook remains positive due to consistent technological innovation and rising government investments in infrastructure projects worldwide. The market segmentation reveals a diverse landscape. Robotic total stations are anticipated to witness high demand owing to their enhanced efficiency and accuracy compared to their mechanical counterparts. GNSS receivers and GIS receivers are gaining traction due to their ability to provide real-time data and seamless integration with Geographical Information Systems. The 3D mobile mapping segment is expected to show significant growth, driven by the rising need for detailed 3D models in various applications, including urban planning and environmental monitoring. Geographically, North America and Europe currently hold significant market shares, but the Asia-Pacific region is projected to exhibit considerable growth potential in the coming years, driven by rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in countries like China and India. Leading companies like Hexagon, Trimble, Topcon, and others are actively engaged in developing and deploying innovative land surveying instruments to meet evolving market demands, fostering competition and technological advancement within the sector.

These are the cadastral reference features that provide the basis and framework for parcel mapping and for other mapping. This feature data set contains PLSS and Other Survey System data. The other survey systems include subdivision plats and those types of survey reference systems. This feature data set also include feature classes to support the special conditions in Ohio. This data set represents the GIS Version of the Public Land Survey System including both rectangular and non-rectangular surveys. The primary source for the data is cadastral survey records housed by the BLM supplemented with local records and geographic control coordinates from states, counties as well as other federal agencies such as the USGS and USFS. The data has been converted from source documents to digital form and transferred into a GIS format that is compliant with FGDC Cadastral Data Content Standards and Guidelines for publication. This data is optimized for data publication and sharing rather than for specific "production" or operation and maintenance. This data set includes the following: PLSS Fully Intersected (all of the PLSS feature at the atomic or smallest polygon level), PLSS Townships, First Divisions and Second Divisions (the hierarchical break down of the PLSS Rectangular surveys) PLSS Special surveys (non rectangular components of the PLSS) Meandered Water, Corners and Conflicted Areas (known areas of gaps or overlaps between Townships or state boundaries). The Entity-Attribute section of this metadata describes these components in greater detail.

Download .zipThis data set represents the GIS Version of the Public Land Survey System including both rectangular and non-rectangular surveys. The metadata describes the lineage, sources and production methods for the data content. The definitions and structure of this data is compliant with FGDC Cadastral Data Content Standards and Guidelines for publication. This coverage was originally created for the accurate location of the oil and gas wells in the state of Ohio. The original data set was developed as an ArcInfo coverage containing the original land subdivision boundaries for Ohio. Ohio has had a long and varied history of its land subdivisions that has led to the use of several subdivision strategies being applied. In general, these different schemes are composed of the Public Land Surveying System (PLSS) subdivisions and the irregular land subdivisions. The PLSS subdivisions contain townships, ranges, and sections. They are found in the following major land subdivisions: Old Seven Ranges, Between the Miamis (parts of which are known as the Symmes Purchase), Congress Lands East of Scioto River, Congress Lands North of Old Seven Ranges, Congress Lands West of Miami River, North and East of the First Principal Meridian, South and East of the First Principal Meridian, and the Michigan Meridian Survey. The irregular subdivisions include the Virginia Military District, the Ohio Company Purchase, the U.S. Military District, the Connecticut Western Reserve, the Twelve-Mile Square Reservation, the Two-Mile Square Reservation, the Refugee Lands, the French Grants, and the Donation Tract. This data set represents the GIS Version of the Public Land Survey System including both rectangular and non-rectangular surveys. The primary source for the data is local records and geographic control coordinates from states, counties as well as federal agencies such as the BLM, USGS and USFS. The data has been converted from source documents to digital form and transferred into a GIS format that is compliant with FGDC Cadastral Data Content Standards and Guidelines for publication. This data is optimized for data publication and sharing rather than for specific "production" or operation and maintenance. This data set includes the following: PLSS Fully Intersected (all of the PLSS feature at the atomic or smallest polygon level), PLSS Townships, First Divisions and Second Divisions (the hierarchical break down of the PLSS Rectangular surveys) PLSS Special surveys (non rectangular components of the PLSS) Meandered Water, Corners and Conflicted Areas (known areas of gaps or overlaps between Townships or state boundaries). The Entity-Attribute section of this metadata describes these components in greater detail.This data set is optimized for data publication and sharing rather than for specific "production" or operation and maintenance. This data set includes the following: PLSS Fully Intersected (all of the PLSS feature at the atomic or smallest polygon level), PLSS Townships, First Divisions and Second Divisions (the hierarchical break down of the PLSS Rectangular surveys) PLSS Special surveys (non rectangular components of the PLSS) Meandered Water, Corners and Conflicted Areas (known areas of gaps or overlaps between Townships or state boundaries). The Entity-Attribute section of this metadata describes these components in greater detail.Contact Information:GIS Support, ODNR GIS ServicesOhio Department of Natural ResourcesOffice of Information TechnologyGIS Records2045 Morse Rd, Bldg I-2Columbus, OH, 43229Telephone: 614-265-6462Email: gis.support@dnr.ohio.gov

Note: This is a large dataset. To download, go to ArcGIS Open Data Set and click the download button, and under additional resources select the shapefile or geodatabase option. A land survey point from a GCDB LX file, survey plat, or captured from a CFF land net coverage. Includes points generated by calculating an aliquot breakdown of a section.

This dataset represents the GIS Version of the Public Land Survey System including both rectangular and non-rectangular surveys. The primary source for the data is cadastral survey records housed by the BLM supplemented with local records and geographic control coordinates from states, counties as well as other federal agencies such as the USGS and USFS. The data has been converted from source documents to digital form and transferred into a GIS format that is compliant with FGDC Cadastral Data Content Standards and Guidelines for publication. This data is optimized for data publication and sharing rather than for specific 'production' or operation and maintenance. This data set includes the following: PLSS Fully Intersected (all of the PLSS feature at the atomic or smallest polygon level), PLSS Townships, First Divisions and Second Divisions (the hierarchical break down of the PLSS Rectangular surveys), and the Bureau of Census 2015 Cartographic State Boundaries. The Entity-Attribute section of this metadata describes these components in greater detail. Please note that the data on this site, although published at regular intervals, may not be the most current PLSS data that is available from the BLM. Updates to the PLSS data at the BLM State Offices may have occurred since this data was published. To ensure users have the most current data, please contact the BLM PLSS Data Set Manager.

An area defined by the Public Lands Survey System grid that is referenced by its tier and range numbers, and is normally a rectangle approximately 6 miles on a side with boundaries conforming to meridians and parallels. Metadata

The 3D Land Surveying System market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a market size of $1752.7 million in 2025. While the provided CAGR is missing, considering the technological advancements driving automation in surveying and the increasing demand for precise data in infrastructure development and construction, a conservative estimate of a 7% CAGR from 2025 to 2033 is reasonable. This would indicate a significant expansion of the market, driven by factors such as the increasing adoption of advanced technologies like LiDAR and photogrammetry, rising infrastructure investments globally, and the need for efficient and accurate land data for urban planning and environmental monitoring. The market segmentation, encompassing fixed and mobile surveying systems and applications across surveying & mapping, construction, and other sectors, reveals diverse growth opportunities. The preference for mobile systems is likely to increase due to their portability and ease of use, while the construction sector is expected to be a major driver of market growth due to the rising number of construction projects globally. The regional distribution shows substantial potential across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, reflecting the concentration of developed economies and significant infrastructure investments. However, developing regions in the Middle East & Africa and South America are also showing promising growth potential as infrastructure development and urbanization accelerate. Competitive dynamics involve a mix of established surveying firms and emerging technology providers, emphasizing both service-based and technology-driven solutions. The continued integration of AI and machine learning into surveying systems is likely to further enhance the efficiency and accuracy of land surveying, fueling market expansion in the coming years. This combination of technological innovation and growing infrastructural needs ensures a sustained upward trajectory for the 3D Land Surveying System market.

Layers in this dataset represent Public Land Survey System subdivisions for Canadian County. Included are Townships, Sections, Quarter Sections and Government Lots. This data was created from 2019 to 2021 as part of a project to update county parcel data in partnership with ProWest & Associates (https://www.prowestgis.com/) and CEC Corporation (https://www.connectcec.com/). Corners were located to the quarter section level and additional corners were determined for the South Canadian River meanders based on the original government surveys. Quarter section corners were located using Certified Corner Records ( filed by Oklahoma licensed professional surveyors with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries where those records included coordinates. When a corner record could not be found or did not include coordinates, other interpolation methods were employed. These included connecting known corner record locations to unknown corners using data from filed subdivisions or from highway plans on record with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Where no corner records with coordinates were available and no interpolation methods could be used, aerial inspection was used to locate corners as the last option.Corner location accuracy varies as the method of locating the corner varies. For corners located using Certified Corner Records, accuracy is high depending on the age of the corner record and can possibly be less than 1 U.S. Foot. For corners located using interpolation methods, accuracy depends on the additional material used to interpolate the corner. In general, newer subdivisions and highway plans yield higher accuracy. For meander corners located using original government surveys, accuracy will be low due to the age of those surveys which date to the 1870's at the earliest. Additionally, corners that were located with aerials as the last available option cannot be assumed to be accurate.The data was built at the quarter section level first by connecting located corners and larger subdivisions were created from the quarter sections. For townships that extend into Grady County, township lines were only roughly located outside sections not in Canadian County.

In support of new permitting workflows associated with anticipated WellSTAR needs, the CalGEM GIS unit extended the existing BLM PLSS Township & Range grid to cover offshore areas with the 3-mile limit of California jurisdiction. The PLSS grid as currently used by CalGEM is a composite of a BLM download (the majority of the data), additions by the DPR, and polygons created by CalGEM to fill in missing areas (the Ranchos, and Offshore areas within the 3-mile limit of California jurisdiction).CalGEM is the Geologic Energy Management Division of the California Department of Conservation, formerly the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (as of January 1, 2020).Update Frequency: As Needed

The global land surveying app market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of mobile technology in surveying and the rising demand for efficient and cost-effective land measurement solutions. The market's value is estimated at $1.5 billion in 2025, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the integration of advanced technologies such as GPS, GIS, and image processing within these apps significantly enhances accuracy and speed compared to traditional methods. Secondly, the accessibility and affordability of smartphones and tablets have broadened the user base, encompassing not only professional surveyors but also farmers, real estate agents, and individuals needing precise land measurements. Furthermore, the increasing need for precise land data in various sectors like agriculture, construction, and urban planning further boosts market demand. Challenges remain, however, including concerns about data accuracy in challenging terrains, the need for robust internet connectivity in remote areas, and potential regulatory hurdles related to data privacy and security. Despite these challenges, the market is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Several emerging trends are contributing to this positive outlook, including the development of cloud-based land surveying apps that facilitate data sharing and collaboration, the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) for automated measurements and error detection, and the increasing use of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) for visualizing survey data. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established players and emerging startups, each vying for market share through innovation and strategic partnerships. The fragmentation of the market presents opportunities for smaller companies to carve a niche for themselves through specialized features or regional focus. Continuous improvements in app functionality, coupled with the ongoing demand for precise land information, strongly suggest a bright future for the land surveying app market.

This Quarter Section feature class depicts PLSS Second Divisions . PLSS townships are subdivided in a spatial hierarchy of first, second, and third division. These divisions are typically aliquot parts ranging in size from 640 acres to 160 to 40 acres, and subsequently all the way down to 2.5 acres. The data in this feature class was translated from the PLSSSecondDiv feature class in the original production data model, which defined the second division for a specific parcel of land. Metadata

The Missouri Public Land Survey System is a 1:24,000 scale geographic information systems (GIS) polygon layer based on the 7.5' United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps.

The Land Survey Equipment System market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing infrastructure development globally, the burgeoning need for precise land management in agriculture, and the expanding adoption of advanced surveying techniques in various sectors like mining and energy. The market is segmented by application (agriculture, transportation, energy & power, mining, and others) and type (hardware, software, services). While precise figures for market size and CAGR require specific data, considering the technological advancements in GPS, LiDAR, and other surveying technologies, along with the rising demand for accurate spatial data across various industries, a conservative estimate places the 2025 market size at approximately $15 billion, with a projected CAGR of 6-8% through 2033. This growth is fueled by the integration of automation and data analytics into surveying processes, leading to increased efficiency and accuracy. Major players like Trimble, Hexagon, and Leica Geosystems are at the forefront, driving innovation and market consolidation through strategic partnerships and technological advancements. The market is further influenced by government regulations related to land management and infrastructure projects, particularly in developing economies experiencing rapid urbanization. The restraints to market growth include the high initial investment costs associated with advanced surveying equipment, the need for skilled professionals to operate and interpret the data, and potential disruptions from evolving technologies. However, these challenges are being mitigated by financing options, specialized training programs, and the increasing accessibility of user-friendly software solutions. The future of the Land Survey Equipment System market lies in the convergence of technologies such as IoT, cloud computing, and AI, which promise to further enhance accuracy, efficiency, and data accessibility for a wide range of applications. Geographic expansion, particularly in emerging markets with significant infrastructure development needs, will be a key driver of growth in the coming years. The market will likely see further segmentation based on specialized application needs within each industry, leading to the development of niche products and services.

The global real estate surveying and mapping market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the burgeoning construction industry, increasing urbanization, and the rising demand for precise land information for real estate development projects. The market, segmented by application (urban planning, real estate development, others) and type (land surveying & mapping, house surveying & mapping, others), shows significant potential across various regions. While precise market sizing data isn't provided, considering the involvement of major players like Trimble, Fugro, and AECOM, and the rapid expansion in urban areas globally, a conservative estimate places the 2025 market value at approximately $15 billion. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of, say, 7% (a reasonable estimate given industry growth trends) projects significant expansion over the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth is fueled by technological advancements, particularly in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drone technology, enabling faster, more accurate, and cost-effective surveying and mapping. Furthermore, increasing government regulations and emphasis on sustainable development are pushing for better land management, further boosting market demand. Key restraints include the high initial investment costs associated with advanced surveying technologies and the need for skilled professionals capable of operating and interpreting data from these technologies. However, the long-term benefits of improved accuracy, efficiency, and reduced risk outweigh these initial hurdles. Regional variations exist, with North America and Europe currently dominating the market due to higher adoption rates of advanced technologies and established real estate sectors. However, rapid urbanization in Asia-Pacific and other developing regions is expected to drive substantial growth in these areas in the coming years. The market's future trajectory is positive, with opportunities for companies to innovate in data analytics and integrate AI for enhanced decision-making in real estate projects. This increased sophistication in data analysis translates to improved efficiency, reduced errors, and better-informed investment decisions.

This dataset is part of the Cadastral National Spatial Data Infrastructure (CadNSDI) publication dataset for rectangular and non‐rectangular Public Land Survey System (PLSS) data. This dataset represents the GIS Version of the Public Land Survey System including both rectangular and non-rectangular surveys. The primary source for the data is cadastral survey records housed by the BLM supplemented with local records and geographic control coordinates from states, counties as well as other federal agencies such as the USGS and USFS. The data has been converted from source documents to digital form and transferred into a GIS format that is compliant with FGDC Cadastral Data Content Standards and Guidelines for publication. This data is optimized for data publication and sharing rather than for specific "production" or operation and maintenance. This data set includes the following: PLSS Fully Intersected (all of the PLSS feature at the atomic or smallest polygon level), PLSS Townships, First Divisions and Second Divisions (the hierarchical break down of the PLSS Rectangular surveys) PLSS Special surveys (non-rectangular components of the PLSS) Meandered Water, Corners and Conflicted Areas (known areas of gaps or overlaps between Townships or state boundaries). The Entity-‐ Attribute section of this metadata describes these components in greater detail. The CadNSDI or the Cadastral Publication Data Standard is the cadastral data component of the NSDI. This is the publication guideline for cadastral data that is intended to provide a common format and structure and content for cadastral information that can be made available across jurisdictional boundaries, providing a consistent and uniform cadastral data to meet business need that includes connections to the source information from the data stewards. The data stewards determine which data are published and should be contacted for any questions on data content or for additional information. The cadastral publication data is data provided by cadastral data producers in a standard form on a regular basis. Cadastral publication data has two primary components, land parcel data and cadastral reference data. It is important to recognize that the publication data are not the same as the operation and maintenance or production data. The production data is structured to optimize maintenance processes, is integrated with internal agency operations and contains much more detail than the publication data. The publication data is a subset of the more complete production data and is reformatted to meet a national standard so data can be integrated across jurisdictional boundaries and be presented in a consistent and standard form nationally.

The cadastral mapping market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing urbanization, the need for efficient land management, and the rising adoption of advanced technologies like GIS and GPS. The market's expansion is further fueled by government initiatives promoting land registration and digitalization, particularly in developing nations. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of, let's assume, 8% (a reasonable estimate given the technological advancements and global demand) from 2025 to 2033 suggests a significant market expansion. This growth is segmented across various regions, with North America and Europe currently leading due to established infrastructure and technological maturity. However, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness substantial growth in the coming years due to increasing infrastructure development and government investment in digital land administration systems. Key players such as Trimble, Bentley Systems, and Autodesk are driving innovation through the development of sophisticated software and hardware solutions that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of cadastral mapping processes. Despite the positive outlook, the market faces some challenges. High initial investment costs for implementing new technologies, lack of skilled professionals in certain regions, and data integration complexities can hinder growth. Furthermore, data security and privacy concerns related to the handling of sensitive land ownership information pose a significant restraint. Nevertheless, the overall market trajectory indicates a promising future for cadastral mapping, fueled by technological innovation and increasing demand for reliable land information systems. The continuous integration of AI and machine learning is further enhancing the speed and accuracy of data processing and analysis, boosting market potential.

A land survey point from a GCDB LX file, survey plat, or captured from a CFF land net coverage. Includes points generated by calculating an aliquot breakdown of a section.

Minnesota's original public land survey plat maps were created between 1848 and 1907 during the first government land survey of the state by the U.S. Surveyor General's Office. This collection of more than 3,600 maps includes later General Land Office (GLO) and Bureau of Land Management maps up through 2001. Scanned images of the maps are available in several digital formats and most have been georeferenced.

The survey plat maps, and the accompanying survey field notes, serve as the fundamental legal records for real estate in Minnesota; all property titles and descriptions stem from them. They also are an essential resource for surveyors and provide a record of the state's physical geography prior to European settlement. Finally, they testify to many years of hard work by the surveying community, often under very challenging conditions.

The deteriorating physical condition of the older maps (drawn on paper, linen, and other similar materials) and the need to provide wider public access to the maps, made handling the original records increasingly impractical. To meet this challenge, the Office of the Secretary of State (SOS), the State Archives of the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS), the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), MnGeo and the Minnesota Association of County Surveyors collaborated in a digitization project which produced high quality (800 dpi), 24-bit color images of the maps in standard TIFF, JPEG and PDF formats - nearly 1.5 terabytes of data. Funding was provided by MnDOT.

In 2010-11, most of the JPEG plat map images were georeferenced. The intent was to locate the plat images to coincide with statewide geographic data without appreciably altering (warping) the image. This increases the value of the images in mapping software where they can be used as a background layer.

BLM Alaska PLSS Intersected: This dataset represents the GIS Version of the Public Land Survey System including both rectangular and non-rectangular surveys. The primary source for the data is cadastral survey records housed by the BLM supplemented with local records and geographic control coordinates from states, counties as well as other federal agencies such as the USGS and USFS. The data has been converted from source documents to digital form and transferred into a GIS format that is compliant with FGDC Cadastral Data Content Standards and Guidelines for publication. This data is optimized for data publication and sharing rather than for specific "production" or operation and maintenance. This data set includes the following: PLSS Fully Intersected (all of the PLSS feature at the atomic or smallest polygon level), PLSS Townships, First Divisions and Second Divisions (the hierarchical break down of the PLSS Rectangular surveys) PLSS Special surveys (non rectangular components of the PLSS) Meandered Water, Corners and Conflicted Areas (known areas of gaps or overlaps between Townships or state boundaries). The Entity-Attribute section of this metadata describes these components in greater detail.