Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

Which legal description system is based on standardized measurements and consistent rectangles?

1. Metes and bounds

2. Rectangular survey

3. Lot and block

4. Deed descriptions

The correct answer is: Rectangular survey

The rectangular survey system, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is a legal description method widely used in the United States. This system is characterized by its use of standardized measurements to organize land into a grid of rectangular parcels, which simplifies the process of describing and identifying real property. The rectangular survey works by dividing land into ranges, townships, and sections, creating a consistent and uniform pattern across large areas. Each township, for example, is typically a square that is six miles on each side and contains 36 sections, each one mile square. This method allows for easy identification of land boundaries and is especially useful in areas where a more irregular land description system, like metes and bounds, might cause confusion. In contrast, the metes and bounds system relies on specific landmarks, distances, and angles to define property boundaries, leading to descriptions that can vary widely and are sometimes less precise. The lot and block system is typically utilized in urban areas and subdivisions but is based on previously recorded plats rather than standardized measurements. Deed descriptions vary widely and depend on the specific language and format used by the parties in a transaction. Thus, the rectangular survey stands out for its systematic approach and the creation of consistent rectangular units, which