Metes and Bounds

Read the description in order

Locate the point of beginning. Follow each call for bearing or direction, distance and any identified monument or boundary. A monument can be natural, such as a marked tree, or artificial, such as a survey pin. A reference point can help locate the point of beginning without being part of the perimeter.

For example, start at a survey pin, then go east 100 feet, south 150 feet, west 100 feet, and north 150 feet to return to the pin. Opposite distances cancel, so the example closes. Actual surveys identify the bearing basis and referenced monuments.

A lot-and-block description refers to a recorded plat. A rectangular survey description uses township, range and section. When boundary calls conflict, applicable law and survey evidence determine which controls.