Which method of describing real estate is the oldest and involves using reference points, distances, and angles?

The method of describing real estate that is recognized as the oldest utilizes reference points, distances, and angles, and that is the metes and bounds system. This approach dates back to ancient times and involves specifying the boundaries of a piece of land by detailing the direction and distance from one point to another.

Metes refer to the distance measurements (usually in feet or meters), while bounds refer to the physical boundaries, often described using recognizable landmarks such as rivers, trees, or roads. This system requires a point of beginning from where measurements are taken and is particularly useful for irregularly shaped parcels of land, allowing a precise description of property boundaries.

In contrast, the other methods, such as lot and block, rectangular survey, and coordinates system, are more modern techniques that rely on different principles and are commonly used today for more uniform and easily managed properties. Understanding metes and bounds is crucial for grasping the historical context of land description and how it has evolved over time.