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The purpose of this data layer is to provide a reasonably accurate depiction of who or what agency manages the surface of a given area of land. The Land Manager layer applies to Public Lands in the United States and includes only lands owned by Federal, State or Local Governments. Private land is not displayed and is outside the scope of this dataset.

This data set is a result of compiling differing source materials of various vintages. The bulk of the data has been provided by the Bureau of Land Management and State Land Offices. Land Matters has made various modifications of the source data mostly for the purpose of consistency in presentation. The level of detail provided for each land grouping varies depending on the information provided by the originating agency.

Forest Service	Bureau of Land Management	State
National Park Service	Fish & Wildlife Service	Bureau of Reclamation
Bureau of Indian Affairs	Local Government	Army Corps of Engineers
Federal Aviation Administration	Bonneville Power Administration	Government Services Administration
Department of Defense

Land Matters provides three Map Layers to display the Public Land Survey System (PLSS).

This Layer displays the basic elements the PLSS uses to describe land; Meridian, Township, Range and Section.

This layer is the smallest subdivision of the PLSS. It displays section divisions, quarter sections, quarter-quarter sections, or irregular government lots.

The Special Surveys Map Layer displays surveys of various types, mineral, townsite, small tract, land grant, homestead, indian allotment etc. These surveys generally resulted in the land being transferred out of the public domain and into private hands.

The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is a way of subdividing and describing land in the United States. All lands in the public domain are subject to subdivision by this rectangular system of surveys, which is regulated by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The PLSS actually consists of a series of separate surveys. Most PLSS surveys begin at an initial point, and townships are surveyed north, south, east, and west from that point. The north-south line that runs through the initial point is a true meridian and is called the Principal Meridian. The east-west line that runs through the initial point is called a base line. This line is perpendicular to the Principal Meridian.

The PLSS typically divides land into 6-mile-square Townships. Townships are subdivided into 36 one-mile- square Sections. Each township is identified with a township and range designation. Township designations indicate the location north or south of the baseline, and range designations indicate the location east or west of the Principal Meridian.

For example, a township might be identified as Township 7 North, Range 2 West, which would mean that it was in the 7th row of townships north of a baseline, and in the 2nd column of townships west of a principal meridian. A legal land description of a section includes the State, Principal Meridian name, Township and Range designations with directions, and the section number: Arizona (AZ), Gila Meridian & Salt River Baseline (14), T7N, R2W, sec5.

The PLSS Second Division contains all divisions below the section level division. Sections can be subdivided into quarter sections, quarter-quarter sections, or irregular government lots.

Special Surveys are non-rectangular PLSS surveys. They are deviations from the hierarchical rectangular surveys and are often defined or guided by provisions of legislation or authorities.

Land Matters provides this map data for informational purposes only. Land Matters did not produce it for, nor is it suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. Consumers of this information should review or consult the primary data and information sources to ascertain the viability of the information for their purposes. Land Matters provides these data in good faith but does not represent or warrant its accuracy, adequacy, or completeness. In no event shall Land Matters be liable for any incorrect results or analysis; any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages to any party; or any lost profits arising out of or in connection with the use or the inability to use the data provided. Land Matters makes these data available as a convenience to the public, and for no other purpose. Land Matters reserves the right to change or revise published data at any time.