Lot-and-block (recorded plat) descriptionĪ method of describing real property that identifies a parcel of land by reference to lot and block numbers within a subdivision, as specified on a recorded subdivision plat.Ī legal description of a parcel of land that begins at a well-marked point and follows the boundaries, using directions and distances around the tract, back to the place of beginning.įixed natural or artificial objects used to establish real estate boundaries for a metes-and-bounds description.Because monuments can be moved, surveyors give their final metes-and-bounds reference in terms of cardinal points and distance.Ī map of a town, section, or subdivision indicating the location and boundaries of individual properties. Large cities have local official datum that is used instead of the USGS datumĪ legal description is a detailed way of describing a parcel of land for documents such as deeds and mortgages that will be accepted in a court of law. The United States Geological Survey (USGS), datum is defined as the mean sea level at New York Harbor.

The main imaginary line running east and west and crossing a principal meridian at a definite point, used by surveyors for reference in locating and describing land under the rectangular (government) survey system of legal description.Ī permanent reference mark or point established for use by surveyors in measuring differences in elevation.Ī horizontal plane from which heights and depths are measured. An air lot, like surface property, may be transferred. A designated airspace over a piece of land.

Metes and bounds description must