When sections in a township are numbered, where do they start?

In a township, the sections are numbered starting from the upper left corner and then move right across the row before proceeding down to the next row. This method of numbering follows a systematic approach laid out by the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), which divides townships into 36 sections, each section being approximately one square mile.

The numbering begins with Section 1 in the upper left corner of the township (in the northeast corner) and proceeds horizontally until it reaches the upper right corner (Section 6), then moves down to start the second row (Section 7) at the left side and continues to the right once more. This orderly progression continues until Section 36 is reached in the lower right corner of the township.

This systematic approach ensures uniformity and ease of reference across different regions. Consequently, it is crucial for real estate professionals and navigators who need to locate land parcels accurately. Understanding this numbering system is vital for tasks such as property assessment, surveying, and legal documentation.