Lot

In the PLSS, a lot (also called a government lot) is an irregular or fractional subdivision of a section that does not conform to the standard aliquot part system. Lots are commonly found along the north and west edges of a township where sections are not perfectly square due to convergence of meridians or other survey irregularities.

• Convergence of meridians: Range lines converge toward the poles, causing sections along the north and west edges of townships to be narrower than standard
• Bodies of water: Sections bordering lakes, rivers, or oceans may have irregular boundaries
• State and national boundaries: Sections along political boundaries may be fractional
• Survey errors: Historical survey errors occasionally created irregular parcels

Lot characteristics: - Assigned sequential numbers (Lot 1, Lot 2, etc.) within each section - Acreage varies (may be more or less than the standard 40, 80, or 160 acres) - Exact acreage is determined by survey and recorded on the township plat - Lots replace the standard aliquot part description for fractional parcels

Lot descriptions: Instead of "NW/4 of NE/4 of Section 6," the legal description might read "Lot 1 of Section 6" because Section 6 (in the northwest corner of the township) is typically fractional.

Importance for mining claims: When mining claims are located in fractional sections, the legal description must reference the correct lot numbers rather than standard aliquot parts. The official township survey plat shows lot boundaries and acreages.