What method identifies the boundaries of real estate using reference points, distances, and angles?

The correct choice, which is the metes and bounds method, is a traditional system used to describe the boundaries and surface area of a parcel of land. This method relies on physical features of the geography, combined with precise measurements of distance and angles, to create a detailed description of the property boundaries.

In metes and bounds, "metes" refers to the measurement of the distance of the boundary line, while "bounds" refers to the descriptors of the boundary, such as natural landmarks (like rivers or trees) or artificial markers. The description creates a compass direction for each boundary line, allowing surveyors to create an accurate and complete picture of the property layout.

Other methods, such as legal descriptions, may include various forms of the metes and bounds but are typically not as detailed. The rectangular survey system, often used in the U.S., divides land into a series of squares and rectangles based on specific longitudinal and latitudinal lines, which is different from the more descriptive nature of metes and bounds. Geographic coordinates provide a numerical location but do not describe property lines and boundaries in the same descriptive manner as metes and bounds does. Thus, the depth and specificity of the metes and bounds system uniquely identify real estate boundaries effectively