These are typically older or used in rural areas. Number one is called a metes and bounds description, which gives a physical description of the property. An address is what our property is commonly called and is established by the post office, however, it is not a legal description. Often the safest marker is a pin, which is simply a rod that is driven into the ground.There are several legal ways of giving a property description.

This description may also refer to monuments or markers, which are fixed physical objects used as reference points. Then the property boundaries are described in terms of directions and distances, ultimately returning to the POB. The point of beginning (POB) is where the property line measurement begins. A metes and bounds description is a legal description that starts at a benchmark (a stake or brass pin) where a surveyor would set up his tripod. A permanent marker placed in the ground serves as an artificial monument, while a natural monument might be a tree or a boulder. All other countries use metes and bounds surveys. In fact, the United Sates and Canada are the only countries in the world that have rectangular systems of survey. For example, Texas uses metes and bounds to describe all property within that state. Metes and bounds descriptions are still used in the United States. Before the rectangular survey system was established, all land was described by measurements and boundary markers (usually called metes and bounds descriptions). Elevation is also used to describe the extent of subsurface rights. These, too, can be described by elevation. Column lots that are essential for the structural support of air lots are called caissons. Elevation would be used, for example, as part of the legal description for the air lots of condominiums that are located on different floors of the same building. Many cities and other local government's have established their own local datum for official use. A surveyor can start at any benchmark to find the elevation of a given parcel of land or the height of a building. A benchmark is typically a brass marker that is permanently embedded in a rod, concrete, or rock, as on the summit of a mountain. Geological Survey (USGS) are called benchmarks. The national datum has been defined as the mean seal level at New York Harbor. A datum is a point, line or surface from which elevations are measured and they have been established throughout the country. The standard elevation points are called datums. An elevation is a vertical measurement above or below a fixed reference point. To describe property located above or below the earths surface, a surveyor must know the property's elevation. The owner needs to know exactly what he or she is conveying and the buyer/recipient needs to know exactly what they are buying or receiving. The legal description provides accuracy and consistency over time, facilitates transfer of ownership and prevents boundary disputes and future problems with title. A legal description of real property accurately locates and identifies the boundaries of the subject property which is acceptable by courts of law in the state where the property is located. Describing the boundary of a piece of land as accurately as possible in a deed is extremely important. In many areas, vacant parcels of land don't have addresses. Additionally, addresses don't specify the boundaries of the land. If there is ever a discrepancy between the legal description and the surveyors findings, the surveyors findings takes precedence. However, this informal method is not acceptable in a court of law because it lacks permanence and sufficient information for a surveyor to locate the property.

Addresses are a common way of describing property.

Metes and bounds vs lot and block