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accuracy : degree of conformity
with a standard. Accuracy relates to the quality of a result, and is
distinguished from precision, which relates to the quality of the
operation by which the result is obtained. see Accuracy and Precision
for further information.
easement : areas of land
owned by the property owner, but in which other parties, such as
utility companies, may have limited rights granted for a specific
purpose.
encroachment : a structure
or part of a structure that occupies the property of another.
encumbrance : an interest or
partial right in real property which diminished the value of
ownership, but does not prevent the transfer of ownership. Mortgages,
taxes and judgments are encumbrances known as liens. Restrictions,
easements, and reservations are also encumbrances, although not liens.
error : the difference
between a measured value and the true value. Error in measurement is
inherent, but is separate and distinct from a blunder (a mistake).
exception : from a title
insurance policy, portions of the land containing encumbrances and in
which free and clear title is subject to certain conditions. from a
legal description, portions of land which are included in the
description of a larger parcel of land but then excluded from it by a
subsequent legal description.
improvement : usually some
sort of manmade structure, although perhaps not always a literal
"improvement".
legal description : a
method of describing a particular parcel of land in such a way that it
uniquely describes the particular parcel and no other. A legal
description may be a simple reference to a lot as shown on a
subdivision plat, or be described by metes and bounds. To be adequate,
it should be sufficient to locate the property without oral testimony.
measurement : an estimated
value that is, by its nature, subject to error. A person can count (an
absolute value) one hundred beans and get the same quantity as someone
else counting one hundred beans. However, if two people each measure
(an estimated value) a cup of beans , it is likely that they will have
a different quantity of beans. Two surveyors measuring the same
distance may obtain different values. Both of the values should be
similar, but they will only approach the true theoretical value
through repetition and statistical analysis.
monument : an object placed
to mark the physical location of a position. A property corner
monument is often a length of iron rod driven vertically into the
ground so that the top is at or below natural grade. A cap identifying
the registration number of the surveyor responsible for placing the
monument may be placed atop the monument.
offset : in boundary: a
point located at the extension of a line and marking the direction of
the line. An offset monument may be placed on the extension of a line
because the offset position can provide a more durable monument. A
common practice is to place offset monuments in a sidewalk or curbhead,
as these monuments are less likely to be disturbed than a monument
marking the actual position. in construction: a short distance usually
measured at a right angle to a line, to preserve the position of the
line when it is anticipated that points marking the line itself would
be disturbed.
precision : the degree of
refinement in the performance of an operation, or the degree of
perfection in the instruments and methods used when making
measurements. An indication of the uniformity or reproducibility of a
result. Precision relates to the quality of an operation by which a
result is obtained, and is distinguished from accuracy, which relates
to the quality of the result. see Accuracy and Precision for further
explanation.
right-of-way : a parcel of
land granted by deed or easement for construction and maintenance
according to a designated use. This may include highways, streets,
canals, ditches, or other uses.
subdivision plat : a legal
instrument intended to take a large parcel of land and divide it into
smaller parcels of land. A subdivision plat may also create public
rights-of-way or easements, and is usually filed with the public real
estate records of the county.
surveying : a blend of
several disciplines, from mathematician and law scholar, to expert
measurer and translator. By interpreting the legal description and
applying the science of measurement, the surveyor translates a legal
description or construction plans into tangible positions on the
ground. These positions then become the basis for construction or for
the establishment of a particular location, possibly to show lines of
ownership or to document change over time.
title commitment : a
commitment to provide title insurance to a parcel of land. The
surveyor is interested in the legal description and the exceptions.
tolerance : a mathematical
term indicating the allowable variation from a standard or from
specified conditions. It is an indication of the accuracy and the
precision of a measurement.
XYZ coordinates : a grouping
of three numbers which designate the position of a point in relation
to a common reference frame. In common usage, the X and Y coordinate
fix the horizontal position of the point, and Z refers to the
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