In a real estate transaction, the document transferring the real estate interest, describes that property in the deed or easement. Many times, we find that metes and bounds descriptions use “chains” rather than the section lines familiar under the public land survey system (PLSS). While we heavily rely on the geographic information system (GIS), GIS locations are not always accurate. The GIS is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking and displaying data related to positions on the earth’s surface. In a boundary dispute, we require the services of surveyors to locate property lines, especially if the descriptions involve very difficult to interpret descriptions in chains.
What is a surveyor’s chain? It is a measuring device used for land survey. One chain is 66 feet in length and contains 100 links. One link, then, is 1/100 of a chain. This odd length assisted in calculating the area of a tract of land. It was designed and introduced in 1620 by English clergyman and mathematician Edmund Gunter (1581–1626). This introduction was long before the development of the theodolite and other more sophisticated surveying equipment. The surveyor’s chain enabled plots of land to be accurately surveyed and plotted for legal and commercial purposes.
There are also other types of chain measurements, not to be confused with the surveyor’s chain, that differ in length! To dive deeper into this fascinating subject of “chains” see, 5 Types Of Chain In Surveying And Principle Of Chain Surveying | CivilString
If you need assistance in diving into the details of a deed or title report with its many exceptions, Schroeder Law Offices, PC is available to assist. Please contact us at counsel@water-law.com with any inquiries you may have.
