For example, the figure below indicates a lightning strike at the point labeled 'X' in section 22. Corners can be described as northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest. Any township can be found by identifying the township number, then the range number, and finally the base and meridian system.Ĭorners describe areas within a section to provide more specific location information. The section below is taken from T.2S., R.2E. Sections are numbered from the top right, or northeast section, then to the left, and down in an 'S' formation. A township can be divided into 36 sections. Sections represent further divisions of a township. They are numbered starting at the meridian that runs through the point of origin of each system.

Ranges are columns of townships set side by side.

The squares are gridded and numbered according to their position north or south of the base line. Townships are rectangular blocks of land about 6 miles square. Use geographic locations, such as prominent features of the area, as reference points.

Base and meridian lines are similar to latitude and longitude lines.

Township and range system geography