Surveying this way may also be restricted by natural obstacles. There are times when the given descriptions in metes and bounds may be ambiguous, inconsistent, or erroneous, especially when the landscape has changed. Source: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign These units of measurement are still used today. For example, resolving property limit disputes will often require both parties to refer back to the legal description of the property, identified by the metes and bounds.īY THE NUMBERS: Surveyors used to carry chains (measuring 66 feet long) and poles (16.5 feet high) to measure boundary lines. Metes and bounds are also important because of their inherent descriptiveness. Why Are Metes and Bounds Important?īecause of their descriptive nature in identifying a parcel of land, metes and bounds allow people to designate property lines and determine a value for that property based on its shape, size, location, and characteristics. Some parts of Ohio also use the metes and bounds system. Here are states that continue to use metes and bounds in combination with (or sometimes in place of) the more modern expression: Officially known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), the rectangular survey is a more modern way to plat or divide property for sale and settling. In the United States, the usage of metes and bounds was largely replaced by the rectangular survey via the Land Ordinance of 1785. Which States Use the Metes and Bounds System? Today, this system is typically used for large properties where pinpoint accuracy is unnecessary or when describing irregularly shaped properties. Back then, metes and bounds were the most reliable way of recording the shape, size, location, and dimensions of property.Įven though the method is very old, metes and bounds paved the way for better land legislation and a better process for keeping track of ownership records. Landmarks have been used to identify property boundaries since ancient times, especially in Europe, where people had no concept of street addresses.

Historically, “metes” referred to distance, and “bounds” referred to direction. Because they are descriptive in nature, they can be considered accurate characterizations of that particular land. Metes and bounds constitute just one part of the legal description of a parcel of land.

Real estate metes and bounds