Metes & Bounds Surveys: An Essential Review

This course reviews the definition of metes and bounds land descriptions, looks at the origin of metes and bounds and discusses known problems with this ancient method of describing land for the purpose of conveyance. It defines where metes and bounds is still practiced in North America. The course compares Public Land Survey System (PLSS) surveys to metes and bounds surveys. It discusses the principles and applications of junior-senior rights as encountered in metes and bounds states. The course also looks at so-called quasi metes and bounds descriptions. The emphasis of this course is on gaining a thorough understanding of metes and bounds—an often poorly understood concept—and its proper application. Pitfalls and liability are discussed, along with strategies to avoid the temptation to rely too heavily on the literal use of bearings and distances in metes and bounds descriptions.

• Recall a brief history and origin of this land description system;
• Define metes and bounds for professional land surveyors and engineers;
• List the basic minimum requirements of a metes and bounds description;
• State the importance of exceeding minimum description requirements;
• List best practice benefits that accrue to you and your client, and
• Identify best practice elements of a superior metes and bounds description