This book, originally written by William C. Wattles, is the classic reference for the practitioner. Revised by late Gurdon H. Wattles, this book belongs on every surveyors bookshelf. A partial list of the topics covered include: General and essential features of descriptions; Forms and Types of Descriptions; Sectional Property; Easements and Vacations; Tide Lands and Water Boundaries; Mining Location; Interpretation of Descriptions; Words and Phrases; Description Variance; and Values of the Vara.

The only modern guide to interpreting and writing real property descriptions for surveyors Technical land information is no longer the exclusive domain of professional surveyors. The Internet now houses a multitude of resources that nontechnical professionals—such as attorneys and realtors—access and implement on a daily basis. However, these professionals are trained in aspects of law and commerce that do not provide the proper education and experience to interpret and evaluate their land boundary information discoveries correctly. As a result, their analysis is often erroneous and the data misapplied—ultimately leading to confusion and costly litigation. Professional Surveyors and Real Property Descriptions attempts to bridge the ever-widening gap between the users of land boundary information and the land surveyors who produce it. An expert team of authors integrates the historic and legal background of real property interests with fundamental concepts of the surveying profession in a manner accessible for average readers. These provide the basics for both properly comprehending older descriptions and competently constructing complete and modern real property descriptions that foster better communication. Highlights in this book include: An in-depth exploration of historic descriptions and how to read them Coverage of the widely accepted ALTA/ACSM Land Boundary Survey standards and associated property descriptions A diverse collection of examples and practice scenarios An overview of the latest issues related to the use of GPS and GIS Written in easy-to-understand language, this practical resource assists nontechnical professionals in understanding exactly what a surveyor does and does not do, and serves as a valuable tool for obtaining the most satisfactory, accurate, and complete real property descriptions.

This book is a must for anyone who works with or writes legal descriptions. Each of the fourteen chapters is structured for the self teaching student or for class participation. Each chapter concludes with assignments, exercises, questions and answers. Supported by extensive court citations, the author presents the material in a concise style which can be understood by the student, practitioner or attorney. The text is supported by samples, recommended forms and extensive illustrations.

This manual provides a review for land licensing examinees, a reference for surveyors and students, and a summary of the profession of surveying for others. Multiple choice questions follow the review of each subject. At the end of each chapter, these questions and problems are explained and/or solved. The explanations often have additional teaching points. A unique feature is discussion of the many 'logical distractors' in the multiple choice questions. The purpose of this is to develop skills in analyzing multiple choice questions as well as provide additional teaching points.

The genealogist trying to locate families, the surveyor or attorney researching old deeds, or the historian seeking data on land settlement will find Pennsylvania Land Records an indispensable aid. The land records of Pennsylvania are among the most complete in the nation, beginning in the 1680s. Pennsylvania Land Records not only catalogs, cross-references, and tells how to use the countless documents in the archive, but also takes readers through a concise history of settlement in the state. The guide explains how to use the many types of records, such as rent-rolls, ledgers of the receiver general's office, mortgage certificates, proof of settlement statements, and reports of the sale of town lots. In addition, the volume includes: cross-references to microfilm copies; maps of settlement; illustrations of typical documents; a glossary of technical terms; and numerous bibliographies on related topics.