What type of legal description uses specific boundaries and measurements?

The type of legal description that uses specific boundaries and measurements is known as metes and bounds. This method describes a parcel of land by detailing its perimeter as defined by physical features, landmarks, and precise measurements. It typically begins at a designated starting point and then follows a series of directions and distances that outline the boundaries, allowing for a clear understanding of the parcel's location and limits.

Metes and bounds are particularly useful for irregularly shaped parcels where other methods may not adequately describe the land's borders. This contrasts with other legal description methods, such as lot and block, which relies on recorded subdivision plots, or rectangular survey, which employs a grid system based on a network of latitude and longitude lines. A street address provides a general location but lacks the detailed specifics required for legal documentation. Understanding metes and bounds is essential for professionals in real estate, as it offers precise information needed for property transactions and legal matters.