Section Corner
A surveyed point marking the intersection of section lines, monumented on the ground to define section boundaries.
Detailed Definition
A section corner is a point established by survey that marks the intersection of section lines within a township. These corners define the boundaries of sections and are permanently monumented on the ground.
Types of section corners
Standard Corners: - Located at the intersection of section lines - Mark corners of four adjacent sections - Set every mile along township and range lines
Closing Corners: - Set where a surveyed line meets a previously established line - May not coincide exactly with standard corners - Common along township boundaries
Quarter Corners: - Located midway between section corners - Mark the boundaries of quarter sections - Essential for subdividing sections
Monument requirements: Historical monuments included: - Wooden posts (original surveys) - Stone monuments - Iron pipes or posts (modern surveys) - Brass caps on concrete (BLM standard)
Corner preservation: - Corners are legal evidence of boundary - Original corners control over resurveys - Corner perpetuation programs maintain records - GPS coordinates increasingly recorded
Section corners are the controlling monuments for all land subdivision within the PLSS.
Related Terms
PLSS
The Public Land Survey System, a method of subdividing and describing land in the United States using townships, ranges, and sections.
Township, Range, and Section
The hierarchical land description system within PLSS, identifying land by its position relative to principal meridians and base lines.
Quarter Corner
A surveyed point set midway between section corners, marking the boundaries of quarter sections.
Monument
A physical marker placed at a survey corner to permanently identify the location on the ground.