#Metes and bounds vs rectangular survey software#

Starting at the POB, the length of each boundary is described and the angle that it forms with the previous boundary. A mete is a boundary line and bounds is the area enclosed by the metes - hence, the name. A metes-and-bounds description uses lengths and angles of boundaries starting at the point of beginning ( POB). Metes-and-bounds descriptions were used in the original 13 colonies before the rectangular survey system was developed. There are 3 independent methods that can be used to determine the exact location and boundaries of a parcel of land: Legal descriptions always note the county and state in which the property is located.

#Metes and bounds vs rectangular survey software#

The Federal Bureau of Land Management and the USDA Forest Service are developing a National Integrated Land System (NILS), using common methods nationwide based on new technology and software to record the survey data and other information for land records. Today, the accuracy of property descriptions is greatly enhanced using computers, satellites, lasers, and global positioning systems (GPS). If the location, size, and shape of buildings on the lot are also given, then it is called a spot survey. The surveyor prepares 2 documents: a survey that gives the property's description and a survey sketch that shows the location and dimensions of the parcel. Only a licensed surveyor should prepare property descriptions, since inaccuracies can cause title problems later. Legal descriptions are generally prepared by a licensed surveyor, who is trained and authorized to locate and determine the legal description of any property.