Methods of Legal Description

Question 1

Legal Description

Answer 1

A description of a parcel of property which is accurately locates and identifies the law boundaries of the subject parcel to a degree acceptable by local courts of law

Question 2

Metes and Bounds

Answer 2

A method of legally describing property which utilizes boundary markers and compass directions for describing the perimeter of a parcel

Question 3

Point of Beginning

Answer 3

(POB) The origination and termination point in a metes and bounds legal description.

Question 4

Monument

Answer 4

A fixed, artificial or natural landmark used as a reference point in a metes and bounds legal description

Question 5

Landmark

Answer 5

Fixed reference points, or monuments and landmarks, may be natural and artificial. Natural landmarks include trees, rocks, rivers, and lakes. Artificial landmarks are typically surveyor stakes

Question 6

Rectangular Survey

Answer 6

A method of legally describing real property which uses longitude and latitude lines to identify rangers, tiers, and townships. Also called government surgery system

Question 7

Meridian

Answer 7

A north-south line used in the rectangular survey system of legal descriptions

Question 8

Parallel

Answer 8

An imaginary latitude line within the rectangular survey system that is designated in relation to a principle meridian for purposes of identifying townships

Question 9

Range

Answer 9

A north-south area bounded by consecutive meridians

Question 10

Tier

Answer 10

An area between consecutive parallels, as defined in the rectangular survey system

Question 11

Township

Answer 11

An area six miles square, bounded by two consecutive parallels and two consecutive meridians in the rectangular survey system. Contains 36 sections

Question 12

Section

Answer 12

An area defined by the rectangular survey system and consisting of 1/36 of a township. or one square mile

Question 13

Lot and Block

Answer 13

A method for legally describing in a subdivision where lots are identified by block and number. A recorded metes and bounds or rectangular survey description of the subdivision underlines the lot and block system .

Question 14

Plat of Survey

Answer 14

A map of one or more properties indicating each parcel’s lot and block number, boundaries, and dimensions.

Question 15

Datum

Answer 15

A standard elevation reference point used by surveyors to measure elevations of property in an area.

Question 16

Benchmark

Answer 16

A registered marker denoting an official elevation above sea level; used by surveyors to identify other elevations in the area