PLSS Original Surveys and tally errors

I posted the following on LinkedIN and figured it would be beneficial here too.

💥Proper & accurate retracement is fundamental in boundary surveying to avoid significant future complications. A thorough evaluation of ALL elements of the original survey is critical when conducting a retracement💥

Original topographic calls play a vital role in recovering original monuments. Exercise caution and avoid offhandedly dismissing topographic calls, even if they appear largely inconsistent with perceived locations, whether based on record dimensions or proportioned positions.

Tally errors (5 chain/330 feet increments) in original surveys often cause substantial discrepancies. While some errors are easily identified and remedied, others may not clearly indicate whether they affect only the topography or the corner’s actual position. A meticulous retracement and analysis are therefore necessary. For further details on tallies, refer to Process of Chaining: 1851 A Manual of Field Operations, p. 8, & 1855 A Manual of Instructions, p. 3.

👉Attached is a PDF illustrating an example of a case where prior surveys failed to utilize an original topographic call for evidence recovery, highlighting key lessons learned.