Cadastral Surveys

Though the term cadastral survey can refer to any property survey, in the modern day surveying industry, it typically refers to surveys of large tracts of land whose property lines rely on the monuments of the Public Land Survey System.

The Public Land Survey System, is a network of one-mile squares devised in the 1700’s to survey the Western territories of the United States so that land could be dispersed to settlers.  Although many survey corners have been updated to modern standards using a brass or aluminum cap, cadastral surveys still involve searching for old survey monuments, often a wooden post or chiseled stone. For timberland owners, surveying often is advisable before logging to avoid encroachment issues.

Other useful links:

GLO Notes Oregon/Washington BLM

Union County Surveyor PLSS Monumentation GIS