Metes and Bounds

Overview

Metes and bounds is one of the oldest and most traditional methods of describing real property boundaries in surveying. The term derives from "metes" (measurements) and "bounds" (boundaries), representing a descriptive approach to land parcels that predates modern coordinate-based systems.

Historical Background

The metes and bounds system originated in colonial America and has roots in English property law. Before modern surveying instruments and coordinate systems were developed, this method provided a practical way to identify and convey land boundaries. It remains prevalent in the eastern United States and many older property descriptions still rely on this traditional approach.

Components of Description

A metes and bounds description typically includes:

Point of Beginning (POB): The starting point of the description, usually referenced to a known landmark or intersection

Distances: Measured lengths along each boundary line, historically in chains (66 feet) and links, now typically in feet or meters

Directions: Compass bearings or azimuths indicating the direction of travel along each boundary

Physical Features: References to natural or man-made features such as trees, stones, rivers, roads, or existing structures

Adjoining Properties: References to neighboring parcels or their owners

Practical Application

A typical metes and bounds description might read: "Beginning at the iron pin located at the intersection of Main Street and Oak Road, thence north 45 degrees east 150 feet to the large oak tree, thence south 200 feet to the creek, thence following the creek westerly 175 feet to the original point of beginning."

Advantages

Describes land in relation to visible, recognizable features

Accommodates irregular property shapes easily

Provides detailed boundary information useful for physical identification

Remains legally valid and widely recognized

Limitations

Ambiguity can arise when landmark features change or disappear

Inconsistencies may develop in bearing notations or measurements

Difficulties arise when original monuments are lost or moved

Requires skilled interpretation and often survey verification

Can be complex and time-consuming to interpret for modern transactions

Modern Use

While metes and bounds descriptions remain legally valid and are still recorded in many jurisdictions, modern surveying increasingly incorporates coordinate-based systems and GPS technology. However, metes and bounds continues to be used alongside these systems, particularly in areas with older land records or irregular property shapes that don't fit standardized grid systems.

Relationship to Other Systems

Metes and bounds differs significantly from the rectangular survey system (Township and Range), which uses a grid-based approach. The rectangular system, developed for western U.S. territories, divides land into uniform sections and ranges. Many states use hybrid approaches, combining both methods depending on when and where properties were originally surveyed.

Modern Surveying Practice

Contemporary surveyors must understand metes and bounds descriptions for interpreting historical deeds and identifying existing property boundaries. Professional surveys often convert older metes and bounds descriptions into modern coordinate systems while maintaining reference to the original description for legal purposes.

Conclusion

Metes and bounds remains a fundamental surveying concept essential for understanding land description, particularly in the eastern United States. Despite technological advances in surveying, its principles continue to influence property conveyancing and boundary identification practices today.