Understanding Non-Township and Range Systems: When Traditional Methods Won't Do

When dealing with UTM coordinates, it's not uncommon to encounter situations where traditional township and range systems are insufficient. This is particularly true when working with complex geographic areas or those that have undergone significant changes over time. In such cases, an alternative system like the Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) can be a valuable tool.

The MGRS grid is a special type of measured grid that shows UTM coordinates in a unique way. It's designed to provide more precise and detailed information than traditional township and range systems, making it ideal for situations where accuracy is crucial. By using the MGRS grid, you can gain a better understanding of your area of interest and ensure that your coordinates are accurate and reliable.

One example of a complex geographic area is Stockholm, Sweden, which is divided between two UTM zones. This can make it challenging to work with traditional township and range systems, as they may not account for the zone changes. Similarly, areas with unique surveying history or anomalies, such as Washington state's townships and section data, can require special consideration.

In some cases, sections may deviate from their nominal size or shape due to various factors, including rugged terrain, fraudulent survey reports, or incomplete initial surveys. For instance, in Washington State, half-townships were added to 'fill in the gaps' between different survey projects that didn't properly meet up.

To further complicate matters, there are other types of subdivisions beyond sections, such as donation land claims, federal tracts, and protracted blocks. These variations can make it difficult to work with traditional township and range systems, especially when trying to account for all potentialities.

In conclusion, while township and range systems are widely used in many parts of the world, they may not always be sufficient for complex or unusual geographic areas. By understanding alternative systems like the MGRS grid, you can gain a better appreciation for the nuances of UTM coordinates and ensure that your work is accurate and reliable.

Non township and range systems