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A chain stretched to its length 80 times would define the length of a mile. A Gunter chain was 66 feet long, and each of the 100 iron links in that chain was 66/100 of a foot (7.92 inches) in length. The units were traditional English measures, with land measured by the acre (43,560 square feet). Surveying in Virginia was not based on the metric system. Chains and compasses were used to mark lines from a starting point, typically a natural feature such as a large white oak tree. Source: Library of Congress, George Washington survey - Plat of survey for John Lindsey of 223 acres in Frederick County, Vaįrom colonial times, individual Virginia properties were surveyed according to the metes and bounds system. Simple rectangular metes and bounds survey in Shenandoah Valley, 1750 for the line S32E - align your protractor with the circular side facing east).Surveying in Virginia Surveying in Virginia If you're using a semi-circular protractor, orient it so that the circular side faces toward the east or west direction of the call (e.g. Place the center of your protractor on top of the dot, making sure that it is aligned with the grid on your graph paper and that north is on top.This will help you remember that this was your starting point, as well as including the markers which will help you possibly match it up with adjoining plats. Beginning at a white oak in Michael King's line). Next to it write down the description of the corner (e.g. Draw a solid dot on your graph paper to indicate your starting point.If your deed description uses poles, rods, or perches, then divide each distance by 4.8 for an easy conversion. If you plan to overlay your plat onto a modern day USGS quadrangle map, then convert all distances to USGS scale and include them on your chart.Check off each line or corner on the photocopy as you work to help prevent errors.
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Create a chart or list of the calls for easy reference as you play, including only the pertinent information or facts.Land platting experts Patricia Law Hatcher and Mary McCampbell Bell suggest to their students that they underline the lines (including distance, direction, and adjoining owners), circle the corners (including neighbors), and use a wavy line for meanders.
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METES AND BOUNDS SYSTEM FULL
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If you plan to do a lot of land platting, then you may want to purchase a round surveyor's compass (also known as a land measure compass), available from specialty supply stores. Protractor or Surveyor's Compass - Remember that half-circle protractor that you used in high school trigonometry? This basic tool, found in most office and school supply stores, is an easy-to-obtain tool for land platting on the fly.