Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 4
Basic Technical Concepts
4.1 Distance and Direction
The accurate description of boundary lines requires that each boundary be
described as having a certain finite length, and a known direction. In a deed, the
description of boundaries is referred to as the
Metes and Bounds
. Metes are the
courses and distances of the boundary lines. Bounds are the natural or record mon-
uments which fix the lines.
The direction of a boundary line may be fixed using
Angles
,
Azimuths
, or
Bearings
. Bearings are the most commonly used form of direction. Angles are
sometimes used. Azimuths are less commonly used. In some cases, no distance
or direction is given, and boundaries are simply described by reference to monu-
ments at the beginning and end of one or more lines.
4.2 Distances
In boundary surveying, distances are always Horizontal Measurements, usually
measured in feet. In very old surveys, distances are sometimes stated as Rods, Chains
or Links. In the Public Land Survey System, the official units of measure are chains
and links. In the metric system, the standard length used in surveying is the meter.
In boundary surveying, distances are always Horizontal Measurements
In boundary surveying, division of the foot (or meter) is made using the decimal
system not the fractional system. For example, a distance of 100.50 feet would be
equal to one hundred feet, 6 inches. Inches are almost never used by surveyors. If
you run across a deed having dimensions described in inches you would probably
