In the context of land description, what do metes and bounds refer to?

Metes and bounds refers to a method of describing land that uses a detailed narrative of distances and directions to outline the boundaries of a parcel. This technique relies on physical features of the geography as reference points, often starting from a known point and proceeding with specific measurements (metes) and angles or directions (bounds) until the description returns to the starting point.

The use of metes and bounds is particularly significant because it provides a clear and precise means of defining property lines, especially in areas where the grid system may not be applicable or in rural settings where landmarks can be utilized. Understanding this method is crucial for real estate transactions, land surveying, and legal matters related to property ownership.

Other choices do not align with the definition of metes and bounds. For instance, established legal benchmarks do not constitute a description method based on measurements; property valuation systems focus on tax assessments rather than defining boundaries; and zoning tools pertain to land use planning rather than the specific methods of land description.