Definition
Section Township Range (STR) is a government surveying system dividing land into standardized geographic grids. It's precise, standardized notation used particularly in western states. Example: "Section 15, Township 2 North, Range 3 East."
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Section Township Range (STR) system is alternative property description method used particularly in Western/Midwestern states. System divides land into townships (6x6 miles), sections within townships (1x1 mile), subdivisions within sections. Example: 'Section 15, Township 2 North, Range 3 East of Mount Diablo Meridian.' STR is precise, standardized, and useful for large tracts. STR description requires: legal meridian (reference point), township number and direction (North/South), range number and direction (East/West), section number, subdivision within section. STR appears on: property deeds, surveys, legal documents particularly in Western states. All Eastern states use different description methods (metes and bounds). Understanding STR: it's precise but requires interpretation. STR system divided U.S. into standardized grid, enabling consistent property identification across state lines. Property maps based on STR show systematic grid layout.
Pro Tip
If your deed uses STR description, verify it matches your survey. STR errors are mathematical and create boundary problems. Have an attorney verify descriptions before finalizing purchases.
Example
Property described as: 'NE 1/4 of Section 16, Township 3 North, Range 2 East.' This identifies specific property within township grid.