Title 43, Public LandsRelease 119-102
§38 Topographic Surveys; Marking Elevations
Title 43 › CHAPTER 2 — UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY › § 38
Summary
Determine and mark on the ground the elevation above a base level in each survey area using iron or stone posts or other permanent benchmarks. West of the ninety-fifth meridian, put at least two markers in each township (or equal area), except in forested or mountain areas where one is enough, and place them near township corners when possible. East of the ninety-fifth meridian, put at least one marker in each area the size of a township.
Full Legal Text
Title 43, §38
Public Lands, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
In making topographic surveys west of the ninety-fifth meridian elevations above a base level located in each area under survey shall be determined and marked on the ground by iron or stone posts or permanent bench marks, at least two such posts or bench marks to be established in each township, or equivalent area, except in the forest-clad and mountain areas, where at least one shall be established, and these shall be placed, whenever practicable, near the township corners of the public-land surveys; and in the areas east of the ninety-fifth meridian at least one such post or bench mark shall be similarly established in each area equivalent to the area of a township of the public land surveys.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
43 U.S.C. § 38
Title 43, Public Lands
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102