PLSS Map

The Public Land Survey System is another way of depicting land ownership. Unlike metes-and-bounds-based systems, the PLSS sets certain meridians and baselines from which all measurements are made. The majority of the US uses the PLSS, as illustrated here.

http://gis.nwcg.gov/giss_2006/job_aids/maps_and_graphics/USA_PLSS_Meridians_map.jpg