Surveying

Base and Meridian
Base and meridian are imaginary reference lines used by surveyors to accurately describe the location of land. These lines form part of the Government Rectangular Survey System, with the baseline running east-west and the meridian running north-south.
Benchmark
A benchmark in real estate serves as a reference point for measuring site elevations and comparing performance standards. It is critical for surveyors and institutional real estate performance assessments.
Boundary (Property Line)
A boundary, often referred to as a property line, defines the physical extent of a parcel of land, delineating ownership and legal rights. They are crucial for determining land use, development, and resolving disputes.
Chain
A chain is a linear unit of land measurement historically used in surveying. It is 66 feet in length and consists of 100 links.
Contour Map
A contour map is a type of map that highlights the topography of a site using contour lines to indicate various elevations. It helps in understanding the terrain by representing how slopes and elevations are distributed across an area. Often used in real estate and land development, contour maps are crucial for planning before construction and making informed decisions regarding land use.
LINK
A LINK is a unit of distance commonly used by surveyors, where 100 links form a surveyor’s chain. One link is equivalent to 7.92 inches or 0.66 foot.
Meridian
A meridian is a longitudinal reference line that traverses the earth in a north-south direction. All meridians circle the earth through the equator and converge at the north and south poles. They are used by surveyors in describing property under the government rectangular survey method.
Metes and Bounds
Metes and bounds is a legal method used to describe the boundaries of a piece of land using physical features, directions, and distances. It is often employed before land has been subdivided or platted.
Monument
A fixed object and point established by surveyors to determine land locations and boundaries. Monuments serve as crucial reference points in the legal description of a property.
Plat
A plat is a detailed map or plan of a specific land area that outlines property boundaries, lot sizes, easements, utility locations, and streets. It is often used in real estate to provide a clear depiction of a subdivision or parcel of land.
Point of Beginning
The 'Point of Beginning' (POB) is a crucial term in a Metes and Bounds survey. It refers to the specific location where the survey starts and ends, ensuring the accurate description and enclosure of a land tract.
Principal Meridian
Principal Meridian is a fundamental concept in the Government Rectangular Survey method of land description used to locate range lines accurately.
Property Line
The defined boundary which delineates the edge of a plot of land, typically legally recognized and recorded in public land records.
Rectangular Survey System (Government Rectangular Survey System)
The Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Government Rectangular Survey System, is a method used in the United States to divide and describe land using a grid system based on principal meridians and baselines. This system was established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 to simplify and standardize land descriptions.
ROD (Real Estate)
A 'rod' is a linear unit of measurement in real estate that is equal to 16½ feet. It is often used for describing land dimensions and road frontage.
Township
A township is a 6-mile square tract delineated by a government rectangular survey system used primarily in the United States to specify land ownership and real estate bounds.
U.S. Government Survey System
The U.S. Government Survey System, also known as the Government Rectangular Survey System, is a method used historically in the United States to divide and describe land.

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