Canadian Survey Systems
Deep-dive explainers for the survey systems used across Canada.
Dominion Land Survey
The rectangular survey grid that divides Western Canada into townships, ranges, and sections. Established in 1871 and used across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and BC's Peace Region.
Legal Subdivisions
A subdivision of a DLS section into 16 numbered parcels of approximately 40 acres each. Widely used for well locations and agricultural parcels in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
National Topographic System
Canada's standardized topographic map grid, used for legal land descriptions in British Columbia and northern Canada. Based on map sheets, blocks, units, and quarter units.
Lots and Concessions
Ontario's land description system, where named geographic townships are divided into concession strips and numbered lots — a legacy of early colonial surveying.
River Lots
Long, narrow parcels running perpendicular to rivers in Manitoba, originating from the French seigneurial system. Used along the Red and Assiniboine rivers.
Federal Permit System
The land description system used in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and offshore areas. Based on NTS map sheet references with specific grid designations for permit areas.
Unique Well Identifiers
A standardized coding system for oil and gas wells in Western Canada that encodes the DLS location of a well into a compact alphanumeric identifier.
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