Description
A Monument in real estate is a permanent, fixed object used by surveyors to establish accurate land location and boundaries. These objects can be natural like trees, streams, or rocks, as well as man-made objects like metal rods, concrete posts, or specially designed markers. Monuments are crucial for the precise delineation of property lines and help maintain consistency and clarity in legal descriptions of land parcels.
Examples
-
Natural Monument:
- A large, old tree referenced in the legal description of a property.
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Artificial Monument:
- Concrete markers placed at the corners of a land parcel during a survey.
-
Geodetic Marker:
- Specialized markers used in geodetic surveys to ensure accurate global positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why are monuments important in real estate surveying?
- A1: Monuments provide unmistakable, permanent references that ensure the accuracy of land boundaries, legal descriptions, and help prevent disputes over property lines.
Q2: Can a monument be replaced if it is damaged or moved?
- A2: Yes, if a monument is damaged or moved, it is typically replaced by a licensed surveyor who updates the survey record to reflect the new location or restores it based on previous survey data.
Q3: What is the difference between a natural and an artificial monument?
- A3: A natural monument is a naturally occurring object, like a tree or rock, while an artificial monument is man-made, such as a metal rod, concrete post, or plaque purposefully placed to mark land boundaries.
Q4: How are monuments identified in a modern digital survey?
- A4: Modern surveys often use GPS coordinates to precisely locate and identify monuments, integrating traditional surveying methods with advanced geographic information systems (GIS).
Related Terms with Definitions
- Surveying: The process of measuring and mapping out the position, elevations, and boundaries of an area of land.
- Landmark: A recognizable natural or artificial feature used to mark a location and guide navigation, closely related to but not as formally defined as a monument.
- Legal Description: A written statement that precisely describes a parcel of land for legal purposes, often referencing monuments.
- Boundary: The defined edges of a property, often marked by monuments in accordance with survey documentation.
- Geodetic Survey: A type of survey that accounts for the curvature of the Earth, often involving the use of special monuments for large-scale mapping projects.
Online Resources
- National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
- American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - Surveying
References
- BLM’s Survey Manual
- “Manual of Surveying Instructions” - U.S. Department of the Interior
- “Boundary Control and Legal Principles” by Curtis Brown and Walter Robillard
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Evidence and Procedures for Boundary Location” by Curtis M. Brown, Donald A. Wilson, and Walter G. Robillard
- “Interpreting Land Records” by Donald A. Wilson
- “The Role of Monuments in Land Surveying” by Richard B. Hall
Real Estate Basics: Monument Fundamentals Quiz
### What is the primary purpose of a monument in real estate?
- [x] To establish land location and boundaries.
- [ ] To decorate the entrance of properties.
- [ ] To serve as historical markers for tourists.
- [ ] To provide shade and landscaping features.
> **Explanation:** The primary purpose of a monument in real estate is to establish land location and boundaries, providing accuracy and clarity in legal land descriptions.
### Which of the following can be an example of a natural monument?
- [ ] A metal post
- [ ] A concrete slab
- [x] An ancient oak tree
- [ ] A GPS device
> **Explanation:** An ancient oak tree is an example of a natural monument, serving as a permanent, naturally occurring marker referenced in the legal description of a property.
### What steps should be taken if a monument is damaged or moved?
- [ ] Ignore it, it wasn't important.
- [ ] Paint it and leave it in place.
- [ ] Remove it entirely.
- [x] Contact a licensed surveyor to replace and document it.
> **Explanation:** If a monument is damaged or moved, a licensed surveyor should be contacted to replace and accurately document it to maintain the integrity of the survey.
### How are monuments typically identified in modern surveys?
- [ ] Using only maps and compasses.
- [x] Using GPS coordinates and GIS technology.
- [ ] By casual visual inspection.
- [ ] Through metal detection devices.
> **Explanation:** In modern surveys, monuments are identified using GPS coordinates and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to ensure precise and reliable location data.
### What type of monument might be used in a geodetic survey?
- [ ] Small fence posts
- [ ] Painted rock markers
- [x] Specialized geodetic markers
- [ ] Garden statues
> **Explanation:** Specialized geodetic markers might be used in a geodetic survey for accuracy in mapping accounting for the Earth's curvature.
### Why are both natural and artificial monuments used in surveys?
- [x] To provide a variety of reliable reference points.
- [ ] To confuse property owners.
- [ ] To enhance the aesthetic value of a property.
- [ ] To deter trespassing.
> **Explanation:** Both natural and artificial monuments are used in surveys to provide a variety of reliable and permanent reference points necessary for accurately delineating property boundaries.
### What might be mentioned in the legal description of a property using a monument?
- [ ] The color of nearby flowers
- [ ] The location of a swimming pool
- [x] The position of a large boulder or man-made marker
- [ ] Directions to the nearest mall
> **Explanation:** The legal description of a property might mention the position of a large boulder or man-made marker such as a concrete post to define a boundary.
### Which of the following is NOT commonly used as a monument in surveying?
- [ ] Trees
- [ ] Concrete posts
- [ ] Metal rods
- [x] Household furniture
> **Explanation**: Household furniture is not commonly used as a monument in surveying due to its lack of permanence and stability, which are essential qualities for reliable survey markers.
### What is the difference between a monument and a landmark in surveying?
- [x] A monument is a precisely established survey marker, while a landmark is a recognizable feature not necessarily used for legal documentation.
- [ ] A monument is temporary, while a landmark is permanent.
- [ ] A landmark is specifically for navigation, while a monument is for decoration.
- [ ] There is no difference; the two terms are interchangeable.
> **Explanation:** A monument is a precisely established survey marker used for legal boundaries, while a landmark is a recognizable feature that serves various purposes but is not necessarily used for legal documentation.
### What organization offers resources and standards for modern land surveying practices?
- [ ] National Park Service (NPS)
- [x] National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)
- [ ] American Council of Real Estate (ACRE)
- [ ] United States Geological Service (USGS)
> **Explanation:** The National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) offers resources and standards for modern land surveying practices, helping ensure accuracy and consistency in methods.
