How to Convert an LSD to GPS Coordinates

A Legal Subdivision (LSD) code describes a square of land on Western Canada's Dominion Land Survey grid, but GPS devices, mapping tools, and spreadsheets want latitude and longitude. Converting between the two is quick — here's how.

The fast way

Open the LSD lookup tool, type your code (for example 08-15-052-04W5), and press Convert. You'll immediately see the location's latitude and longitude, a map of the parcel, and options to copy or export the result. No account is needed to start.

Step by step

• Enter the LSD code. Any common format works — 08-15-052-04W5, 08-15-52-4W5, or with spaces.
• Convert. The tool returns the centre-point coordinates in decimal degrees along with the parcel polygon.
• Copy or export. Grab the coordinates as text, or export to CSV, GeoJSON, or KML for use in GIS software and mapping apps.

How accurate is the result?

There are two ways to place an LSD on the map, and the tool tells you which one it used:

• Survey-accurate (±3 m). For Alberta, results come from the official Alberta Township System (ATS v4.1) survey fabric — the same coordinates surveyors and regulators rely on.
• Calculated (approximate). For Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the BC Peace River Block, coordinates are computed from the DLS grid geometry. These are close but not survey-grade, because the ground never matches the ideal grid exactly.

Either way, coordinates are for general reference and mapping — not for legal boundary or survey purposes.

Converting many at once

If you have a list of LSDs, the batch converter turns the whole list into coordinates in one go and exports them to CSV or GeoJSON. For applications and automated pipelines, the developer API returns the same data as JSON.

Going the other way

You can also reverse the process: click anywhere on the map in the lookup tool and it will tell you which LSD that point falls in. That's handy when you have a GPS reading and need the legal land description.

Learn more

New to the terminology? Start with what a Legal Subdivision is, or read how the underlying Dominion Land Survey grid is laid out.