USGS topo maps (section lines)
The most common general base maps covering the entirety of Wisconsin, the U.S. Geological Survey's topographic map series, all depict the PLSS. The sources from which these compilations were constructed are varied both in spatial accuracy and time, and the resulting mapping does not meet a single standard. At the largest scale (1:24,000) these maps show section (and quarter-section) corners (and, implicitly, most meander corners) and section lines; all sections are numbered, and towns and ranges are labeled. Corners for which the best information was available are identified with a point symbol. In places where the water in reservoirs has covered land originally surveyed, submerged corners and lines are shown.

At smaller scales (1:100,000 and 1:250,000), USGS topo maps have a simpler representation of the PLSS. Information quality for corners is not symbolized. Only sections 1, 6, 31, and 36 are labeled. In the best case, the accuracy of PLSS depiction is limited by the map scale. (In the context of map accuracy standards, note that PLSS corners do not qualify as "well-defined points" and that only rarely can evidence of their precise location be seen in aerial photographs).

Derivatives of USGS paper maps
The USGS topo map series are commonly used as source material for other maps. A more straightforward derivative is the DRG, a scanned version of the USGS topo map. In both paper and in digital form, private companies have used information (including the PLSS) from USGS maps to construct value-added products. Examples include DeLorme's paper Atlas and Gazetteer series as well as digital products (e.g., TopoUSA), and the National Geographic's TOPO! digital series.

County maps
The Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation's set of black-and-white county road maps include a rudimentary representation of PLSS sections. Only sections 1, 6, 31, and 36 are labeled. Town and Range numbers are included. County maps that are designed for general purposes often include at least a basic representation of the PLSS. Such maps are produced by counties or private mapping firms.

Plat books
Probably the most widely used maps that rely heavily on the PLSS are those that make up plat books. Typically, there is one page devoted to showing the real property parcel layout in each PLSS township.

Parcel maps
This group of maps has the single purpose of showing the layout of real property parcels. The PLSS plays a fundamental role in constructing these maps and appears in detail. Parcel maps do not adhere to a single accuracy standard and some are rather dated. There may be situations where more than one location is shown for a single section corner, as markers in the field and even professional land surveyors can indicate a disagreement over the true location.

Property boundary maps and subdivision plats
Maps of individual land parcels may be constructed by surveyors or engineers, and may show a nearby section corner or line; these maps may be officially "recorded" at the county courthouse, thereby becoming a matter of public information. As part of the land subdivision process, plat maps are produced. Ties to the PLSS are required.

Section corner tie sheets
As PLSS corners are remonumented, maps called tie sheets are made that show the immediate vicinity of each corner and nearby visible objects.

Original PLSS plat maps
Shortly after the original PLSS field work was completed, the surveyors' notes were used to produce the first plat maps—essentially layouts of the PLSS with a few additional geographic features shown. These historical documents have been scanned and are available.

Coordinates of PLSS corners
Mapping coordinates can be determined for a PLSS corner. Since the range of accuracy in coordinate values can be large, users of the information need to understand clearly how the values were produced in order to avoid misuse. Search for metadata, and contact the producer if questions remain.

The highest accuracy PLSS-corner coordinate values are typically a result of work using "survey-grade" GPS receivers. Contact the County Surveyor or County Land Information Office. (Prior to the 1990's much of this work would have been done through traditional traverse work).

Less robust GPS equipment (e.g., "resource-grade") can deliver approximate values, as can a process called analytical aerotriangulation which relies on the location of a ground object being visible on aerial photographs. Once the aerotriangulation is done for a small number of points in an area, somewhat lower-accuracy coordinate values can then more quickly be determined for additional points (e.g., section corners marked on the ground prior to the photography acquisition) through photogrammetric methods.

Low-accuracy coordinate values can be derived from maps such as the USGS topo maps. A statewide digital version of these points has been compiled from the 1:24,000-scale map series into a GIS data layer called the LandNet which includes not only PLSS section corners and lines but further has been mathematically subdivided down to nominal 1/4 section polygons (nominally 40 acres each). Analysis by several county surveyors has found that LandNet coordinates are typically within 50 feet of their true positions. This level of accuracy meets standards for the USGS top maps.

Another base map that might be used to derive PLSS corner coordinates is a digital orthophoto. Here, visual clues to the corner location are critical, and the inherent accuracy level of the orthophoto must also be taken into account.

Status of remonumentation (WLIB survey)
Remonumentation of PLSS corners is an ongoing project across the state although a number of counties have completed this work. An annual survey of land information modernization provides an overview of remonumentation status by county.

Original survey records & maps
The PLSS was put in place on the land by the federal government's General Land Office (GLO). Surveyor's hired by the GLO were required to record their work in notebooks of which only a few copies were made. These historical documents are maintained by the state's Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) and by the Wisconsin State Historical Society (SHS). (The GLO was later absorbed into the modern agency called the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which today manages large areas of land in the western states, retains mineral rights to some lands in Wisconsin, and is the custodian of the "patents" which are the legal documents indicating conveyance of ownership from the Federal Government to the first private owner).

GLO Field notebooks
The notebook pages have been available as microfilm from the SHS and copies of these are known to exist in some county surveyor' offices. A recent project involving BCPL has resulted in the digital scanning of all of the notebook pages. These scanned images are available over the Internet through a site developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's General Library System .

GLO Plat maps
Shortly after the field surveys were completed in an area, the notebook contents were used by GLO staff in Chicago to draft plat maps showing the layout of the PLSS in context of noted geographical features such as rivers, lakes, trails, and settlements. These maps have been scanned by the BCPL and made available, one CD-ROM per county. These digital image files may be linked into the web-based notebook contents project described immediately above.

Records at Nat'l. Archives office in Chicago
During the 1930's, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) did some field work in support of finding and/or marking of PLSS corners. These projects were primarily in northern forested areas, and the first place to search for records of this work is at the county courthouse. The State Archivist at the Wisconsin State Historical Society is a seconary source and can assist with searches of the National Archives.

Finding modern PLSS monuments in the field

Who to ask for advice; trespass issues
Professionals are the best source for assistance in locating PLSS monuments. Land surveyors work in private practice and many counties and cities have a staff surveyor. Each county has a land information office. Be aware that in reaching the location of some monuments you may be trespassing on private land.

Protecting/reporting disturbance
If you become aware of a PLSS monument that has been disturbed, report this immediately to the county (surveyor or land information office) or municipality (surveyor or engineer). Do not attempt to "repair" or "restore" any such damage as you may actually make matters worse.