Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

What method uses directions and distances to describe a parcel of land?

1. Lot and Block System

2. Rectangular Survey System

3. Metes and Bounds

4. Geographic Coordinates

The correct answer is: Metes and Bounds

The method that uses directions and distances to describe a parcel of land is known as metes and bounds. This system is one of the oldest forms of land description and relies on physical landmarks and compass directions to define the boundaries of a piece of property. In metes and bounds descriptions, 'metes' refers to the measurement of the distances between points, often expressed in feet or miles, while 'bounds' describes the direction in which these points lie with reference to nearby landmarks or features. This approach allows for a highly detailed and flexible description of land that can accommodate irregular shapes and complex property lines, which might not fit neatly into other systems. As a result, it's particularly useful in areas where property can vary significantly in shape and size. Other methods, like the Lot and Block System and the Rectangular Survey System, employ different techniques. The Lot and Block System divides land into numbered lots within a recorded subdivision plan, making it more suited to urban areas with a grid layout. The Rectangular Survey System (also known as the Public Land Survey System) divides land into squares, using a grid based on meridians and baselines. Geographic Coordinates, while accurate and useful for mapping locations, do not offer traditional land description but instead provide a system