Which surveying method is used to define boundaries?

• A. Metes and bounds survey.
• B. Rectangular survey.
• C. Geodetic survey.
• D. Topographic survey.

Answer: (A)

Defining property boundaries is about describing the exact limits of a parcel. Metes and bounds does this by starting at a fixed point, then describing a sequence of directions (courses) and distances along the boundary, often referencing natural or fixed monuments, and returning to the starting point. This method is ideal for irregularly shaped parcels because it directly delineates where the boundary lies, which is why it’s commonly used in legal descriptions and deeds.

In contrast, the rectangular survey provides a grid framework (townships and ranges) for locating parcels within a region but not the precise, sometimes irregular, boundary line of a specific lot. A geodetic survey focuses on large-scale measurements accounting for the Earth’s shape and curvature, not the exact boundary of a single parcel. A topographic survey maps surface features, elevations, and terrain, not legally defined boundaries.