Metes and bounds meaning. Metes, Bounds & Meanders 2022-10-18
Metes and bounds meaning Rating:
6,9/10
236
reviews
Metes and bounds is a method of land surveying and description that has been used for centuries to define the boundaries of land plots. The term "metes" refers to the physical measurements of the land, while "bounds" refers to the boundary markers or landmarks that are used to define the limits of the plot.
The metes and bounds system is based on the concept of a "starting point," which is a fixed point on the land that serves as the reference point for all subsequent measurements. From this starting point, the surveyor will take a series of linear measurements, or "metes," in a specific direction, using a tool such as a surveyor's chain or tape measure. These measurements are then recorded in a written description of the land, along with the direction and orientation of each line.
The bounds of the land are then established using natural or artificial landmarks, such as trees, rivers, or stone walls, which serve as physical markers for the boundaries of the plot. These landmarks are described in the written description of the land, along with their relative position to the metes.
The metes and bounds system is still used in some parts of the United States, particularly in rural areas where land plots have not been divided into a regular grid pattern. It can be a useful way to precisely define the boundaries of a piece of land, but it can also be more time-consuming and complex than other systems of land surveying and description.
One advantage of the metes and bounds system is that it allows for the creation of irregularly shaped land plots, which may be more suitable for certain purposes. However, it can also be more difficult to visualize the boundaries of a piece of land using the metes and bounds system, as the written description may not always accurately reflect the physical layout of the land.
Overall, the metes and bounds system has played an important role in the history of land surveying and continues to be used in certain parts of the United States. It provides a precise and detailed method for defining the boundaries of a piece of land, but it also has its limitations and can be more complex than other systems.
Understanding the Role of Metes and Bounds in Your Deed
If you plan to do a lot of land platting, then you may want to purchase a round surveyor's compass also known as a land measure compass , available from specialty supply stores. Latin: In old English law. West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. Unit Unit Measures These well know units of length are accepted. Some smartphones are more accurate and consistent than others. In some areas where land was deeded before 1593, the lengths given predate the changes to the length of the furlong and landmarks such as the large oak tree which could disappear; or be confused with a different tree that had grown later. Basis of Bearing Bearing A Basis of Bearing is used instead of true north or magnetic north as the reference for the Courses.
Because of their descriptive nature in identifying a parcel of land, metes and bounds allow people to designate property lines and determine a value for that property based on its shape, size, location, and characteristics. This basic tool, found in most office and school supply stores, is an easy-to-obtain tool for land platting on the fly. In addition to the easily identifiable abbreviations that are used in the metes and bounds survey, technology has also made it possible to include more precise images. There are obviously specific signs for many words available in sign language that are more appropriate for daily usage. By metes and bounds.
The formal description is described in plain speech describing the distance and direction of property lines in progressive order around the borders. In these cases, the reliability of the monument or starting point of the course will be given precedent over the course itself. This usually meant that the surveyor did not attempt to pinpoint all of the changes in directions of the creek, instead noting that the property line followed the meanders of the waterway. In the metes and bounds system, corners, distance, direction, monuments and bounds are always carried back to the original intent regardless of where they are now. Westbrook, to survey the land forming the property line between lot 76 and lot 77.
Metes and Bounds legal definition of Metes and Bounds
These are found by using these fill-in-the-form programs Link Area Grid Name Example USA Public Land Survey System S2 T35N R21W Chisago County, Minnesota Section 2, Township 35 North, Range 21 West, Fourth Principal Extended Canada Dominion Land Survey SW 24-12-20-W4 Southwest Quarter of Section 24, Township 12, Range 20, West of the 4th Meridian. This might be the intersection of a road or a post. Some work better on a specific part of the earth, like the area around Mount Everest. Because Google Earth is already installed, clicking the KML file will automatically start Google Earth and import your KML file. Metes and Bounds Example Involving a Transfer of Land An example of metes and bounds problems involved a transfer of land, which had never been properly measured. These courses will be specified until there is an established boundary that is completely enclosed back to the designated starting point. In 1942, when a piece of land was sold to In 1955, Ruth hired a land surveyor, N.
Although the difference is small, across the distance of an entire state, it becomes significant. . These units of measurement are still used today. Metes and bounds are also important because of their inherent descriptiveness. BY THE NUMBERS: The magnetic north pole is offset by 500 kilometers from the geographic north pole.
What Does Metes and Bounds Subdivision on Multiple Listing Service Mean?
In descending order starting with the most reliable: 1 natural monuments, 2 artificial monuments such as roads and marked or surveyed lines, 3 adjacent tracts or boundaries, 4 courses or directions, 5 distances, and 6 area or quantity. Monuments and other identifiable terrain features serve as recognition aids for the survey. My land will always be there. Origin 1275-1325 late Middle English What are Metes and Bounds Metes and bounds are the limits or boundaries of a piece of property as identified by its natural landmarks. The system has been used in England for many centuries, and is still used there in the definition of general boundaries.
Coupled with a compass heading, a surveyor used these tools to identify survey lines. Latitude and Longitude are entered in decimal degrees, with longitude being a negative number in the Western Hemisphere. Streams might dry up, meander or change course. Court cases are sometimes required to settle the matter when it is suspected the corner markers may have been moved. If your deed description uses poles, rods, or perches, then divide each distance by 4. Distance Length Length is a positive number with up to 8 decimal places.
Sales Pitch 'Check' is free and does not consume any credits. A meander can also be used to describe any line noted in a survey which does not provide both direction and distance - even if there is not any water involved. The description then gives distance, direction and various boundary descriptions as if one were walking the bounds pacing off the distance to the next corner where there is a change of direction. One suggestion is to try the Bing and Leaflet overlays and also download the KML file into Google Earth. The Forgotten History of Metes and Bounds. All information available on our site is available on an "AS-IS" basis. For decades, we have been providing our clients with reliable and accurate services.
It is not a substitute for professional legal assistance. How about making these measurements? Referencing adjoining parcels of land is not uncommon. By custom, it was applied in the original Thirteen Colonies that became the United States, and in many other land jurisdictions based on English common law. The original measure method might surprise you. GPS signals bounce off big hills and tall buildings. Metes and Bounds Survey The following is an actual example of a metes and bounds survey that was recorded in Superior Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan. This system of describing direction was, by its very nature, imprecise and, luckily, was also rarely used.
Source: Metes and bounds are determined first by identifying markers or monuments, such as distinct rock formations or artificial structures like roads. Some phones work better in the city than others. As a default, the plotter uses WGS84, which is the current "standard". This adequate description could be provided through sections and townships, recorded lot numbers or what are called metes and bounds. It cannot ever move. Metes and Bounds exist for this exact reason, i was on the point last Saturday and used my hand held GPS and my trucks GPS to confirm my land is above the water line and was blending with the point just as I predicted. Throughout all of human history, the importance of land boundaries has never been in doubt.
