Metes and Bounds
A method of describing land boundaries using bearings, distances, and natural or artificial landmarks from a point of beginning.
Detailed Definition
Metes and bounds is a system of describing land boundaries using compass directions (bearings), distances, and references to natural or artificial landmarks. It describes the perimeter of a parcel by following its boundaries.
Components of metes and bounds
Point of Beginning (POB): - Starting point of the description - Must be a fixed, identifiable location - Description returns to POB to close
Metes (measurements): - Bearings: compass directions (e.g., N45°E) - Distances: lengths along each boundary - May use chains, feet, meters, or rods
Bounds (boundaries): - Natural features: rivers, ridges, trees - Artificial features: roads, fences, monuments - Adjoining property boundaries
Example description: "Beginning at an iron pin on the south bank of Jones Creek; thence S45°E 200 feet to an oak tree; thence S30°W 150 feet to a stone monument..."
Usage: - Common in eastern United States (original 13 colonies) - Used for mining claim boundaries - Irregular parcels not fitting PLSS grid - Private land subdivisions
Comparison to PLSS: - PLSS uses predetermined rectangular grid - Metes and bounds follows actual boundaries - PLSS is more systematic; metes and bounds more flexible - Mining claims may use either or both systems
Related Terms
Mining Claim
A parcel of land for which a claimant has asserted a right of possession and the right to develop and extract mineral resources.
PLSS
The Public Land Survey System, a method of subdividing and describing land in the United States using townships, ranges, and sections.
Legal Description
The formal written description of a parcel of land that uniquely identifies its location and boundaries for legal purposes.
Cadastral Survey
An official government survey that establishes and defines the boundaries of land parcels for ownership and management purposes.