10
5 exam questionsMedium Priority
Metes and bounds, rectangular survey, lot and block systems.
Quick Explanation
5 min readLegal descriptions identify property boundaries. Three systems: Metes and Bounds (compass directions), Rectangular Survey (townships/sections), and Lot and Block (subdivision plat). A section = 640 acres. A township = 36 sections.
Key Points — What Matters for the Exam
1
Section = 1 square mile = 640 acres2
Township = 6 miles × 6 miles = 36 sections3
Quarter section = 160 acres (640 ÷ 4)4
Quarter-quarter section = 40 acres (640 ÷ 4 ÷ 4)5
Metes and Bounds = compass directions + distances from Point of Beginning (POB)6
Lot and Block = references recorded subdivision plat map7
Work right to left in rectangular survey descriptionsMemory Trick
640 acres in a section. Divide by 4 for each 'quarter.' NE¼ of SW¼ = 640 ÷ 4 ÷ 4 = 40 acres. Always work right to left.
Common Trap Answers — Don't Fall For These
A section is 640 acres (NOT 160 or 320)
A township has 36 sections (NOT 16 or 64)
Work RIGHT to LEFT in rectangular survey descriptions
Key Terms for This Unit (1)
Section
1 square mile = 640 acres. A township has 36 sections numbered 1-36.