Select Units of Measure:

1 U.S. standard foot = 0.3048 meters
1 foot = 12 inches
1 yard = 3 feet
1 link = 7.92 inches
1 rod, pole, perch = 16 ˝ feet
1 chain = 66 feet / 100 links / 4 rods, poles, perches
1 mile = 80 chains / 5,280 feet / 320 rods / 1760 yards
1 acre = 43,560 feet / 10 square chains
1 square mile = 640 acres / 1 section
1 Township = 6 square miles / 36 sections

Select terms:

Angle: A measure of the relationship of two intersecting lines.

Area: The measure of the bounded surface formed by the intersection of real property boundaries and a particular vertical datum.

Azimuth: A definition of the directions of a line based upon the clockwise angle formed between that line and a certain pole of a meridian.

Baseline: A series of points established for the expressed purpose of locating other features or lines.

Bearing: A definition of the direction of a line based upon the clockwise or counterclockwise angle formed between that line and either pole of a meridian.

Boundary line: An imaginary line of demarcation between two adjoining land parcels, distinguishing a separation of real property rights which may or may not be physically marked.

Chord: A straight line drawn between the ends of a curved line segment.

Compass: A devise for detecting the earth’s magnetic field and aligning with the lines of force / A devise for laying out a specific distance or marking an arc / a unit of measure, usually defined as 6 feet.

Contour: A series of lines on a map connecting points of equal elevation.

Control: A series of vertical and/or horizontal survey marks, data, measurements, maps, photographs or other acts specifically performed to serve as the foundation or datum for future surveys.

Coordinate system: A method of identifying a particular point in two or three dimensions by a systematic listing of the distances defined baselines or origins.

Corner: A point of intersection of real property boundary lines, which may or may not be monumented.

Course: The direction of a line segment. In some states, the course also includes the length of a line segment.

Datum: A basis or measurement foundation on which a location can be defined or referenced either vertically, horizontally or both.

Deed: A written instrument that conveys rights or interests in a real property.

Deed description: The part of a deed that identifies and describes the relevant real property parcel.

Easement: A right held by one party to the land of another. (Also referred to as “servitude”.)

Elevation: The distance above or below a vertical datum.

Field notes: The written notes, sketches and computations of a surveyor taken during and at the site of a survey.

Grade: The slope of a surface or structure.

Land description: The exact location of real property parcel in terms of the controlling land record system.

Legal description: That description of a real property parcel sufficient to identify that parcel uniquely without oral testimony.

Latitude: The distance along a meridian / the north or south change in distance experienced in moving from one end of a line segment to another.

Level: A surface that is everywhere perpendicular to plumb / an instrument for measuring differences in elevation.

Longitude: The distance between two meridians.

Mean sea level (MSL): The average elevation of the sea over a 19 year period.

Measurement: An estimation of a quantity or a distance based upon the systematic application of a standardized procedure or device.

Metes and bounds description: A description formed by sequentially reciting the courses and adjoiners of a real property parcel.

Meridian: A north-south line used to reference lines of a survey.

Monument: The physical object that indicates the location of a point, station or real property corner.

Plane: A flat surface such that the shortest route between any two locations on the surface is entirely contained within the surface.

Platted subdivision description: A description based upon a map or plan, usually recorded, identifying a real property parcel by the letter or number designation found on that map or plan.

Point-of-beginning: The first point encountered in the narrative portion of a deed description, especially a metes and bounds description, that is a part of the real property boundary itself.

Range line: A north-south line used to divide public lands.

Recovered corner: A real property corner that has been verified by the discovery of the original monument, accessories, or other physical evidence.

Right-of-way: Land granted (usually to the governing authority) by deed, servitude or easement for the construction of an infrastructure. Rights-of-way may grant limited property rights or full property rights.

Theodolite: An instrument designed to measure precisely vertical and horizontal angles.

Title: The exclusive right to the use and enjoyment of a particular parcel of real property.

Topographic Survey: Graphic delineation in detail of natural and man-made features of a property, showing their relative positions and elevations.

Township line: An east-west line used to divide public lands.

Transit: A theodolite having a vernier read scale for measuring horizontal and vertical angles and having a scope that is capable of being inverted.

Traverse: A systematic series of stations in which the direction and length of line segments formed by consecutive stations is measured.

Vertical: Aligned with the pull of gravity.