![]() ![]() Today, however, we use sophisticated GPS units, mobile devices, and high-end GIS software to help us efficiently collect, analyze, and visualize our field data. ![]() Surveyors and cartographers can decipher these descriptions and use geometry (which comes from the Greek “earth measurement”) to find property boundaries in the field, or draw and chart the measurements on to paper, thus creating maps.Įxample of Metes and Bounds description from Powdermill Nature Reserve Source: Westmoreland County, PA, Recorder of DeedsĪt the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Lab at Powdermill Nature Reserve, we spend a lot of our time collecting scientific data for research in the field so that it can be mapped and analyzed. The image below is an example from one of Powdermill’s metes and bounds descriptions. Metes and bounds were originally used in England, and it is still used today, even in Pennsylvania. This system also incorporates physical features, such as trees, stones, and streams, to describe the boundaries. Surveyors would also use sophisticated instruments such as zenith telescopes, sextants, or octants to determine the positions of the sun or stars which could also help with determining latitude and longitude.īy recording the measurements and angles or bearings from these instruments, surveyors would describe the land using a system called metes and bounds. ![]() The Theodolite contains an optical telescope with cross-hairs that is used to sight direction and then the angle or bearing can be read off a scale. Further, an acre is defined as a one chain by one furlong (66 by 660 feet), which is 43,560 square feet (Are you able to follow all that math?). This chain could be used to measure many other lengths, for instance a rod (aka a pole or perch) equaled 25 chain links (16.5 feet), 10 chains equaled a furlong (660 feet or 1/8 mile), and 80 chains equaled one mile (5,280 feet). The Gunter’s Chain measured 66 feet long and contained 100 links. Surveyors would use chains, rods (which were literally poles of a fixed length), and a surveyor’s compass or a Theodolite to quickly measure distances and angles. However, Washington and his fellow surveyors of antiquity used much different techniques than we use today. It truly is a great mix of science and art. R., George Washington, 1766 Source: Library of CongressĪs I look in awe at Washington’s map, I can’t help but wonder how surveyors and cartographers collected and visualized their geospatial data before computers and GPS were around. Around the time when Washington was surveying land, the profession was gaining more ground as the industrial revolution was taking shape and the US was expanding.Ī plan of my farm on Little Huntg. The map below is of one of Washington’s many farms near Mount Vernon, VA, which shows off his stellar map-making skills. Other famous Americans, such as Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and both Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, were also surveyors. The above is an excerpt only from an Underwriting Manual.Did you know that George Washington was a cartographer? Well, technically his training was in surveying, but back in his time, surveyors would typically create beautiful maps to show off their surveys. Note: No legal advice or suggestions are being given. These forties are further subdivided, and subdivided, and subdivided. Each section is then divided into 16 forties. The same process of establishing corners and running lines from the southeast corner of the township is used. Note that the range lines converge in the north but the township lines remain parallel, always 6 miles apart.Įach township is then divided into 36 sections, a piece of land roughly one mile by one mile, or roughly 640 acres. From these corners, range lines are run true north to the next standard parallel, and township lines are run west to the next guide meridian. Beginning in the southeast corner of the 24-mile tract, corners six miles apart are established along the E-W standard parallel and the N-S meridians. A township is roughly 6-miles by 6-miles. Each 24-mile tract is divided up into 16 townships. Sections, Townships, and Ranges identify the parcel’s location. Arcs and Curves are used for irregular shaped parcels or lines. In addition, the description may call out the measurements of the boundary of the parcel. For another example, a parcel identified as the W1/2 of the S1/2 of the S1/2 of the NW1/4, would be located as approximated in green. ![]() For example, a parcel identified as the NE1/4 of the NW1/4 of the SW1/4 of the SE1/4, would be located as approximated in red above. This allows you to identify where the parcel is located. When faced with a lengthy metes and bound description, the best way to read it is backwards. “Metes” refers to distance and “Bounds” refers to direction. ![]()
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