Which method uses distance and directions to define and describe the shape and boundaries of a property?

The method that employs distance and directions to define and describe the shape and boundaries of a property is known as Metes and Bounds. This surveying technique involves determining property lines by specifying the direction (compass bearing) and distance from a starting point, often marked by a physical landmark or marker, and includes details such as angles and distances to create a precise perimeter of the property.

Metes refer to the actual measurements of the distance between points, while bounds describe the physical boundaries based on recognizable landmarks or natural features. This method is particularly useful in irregularly shaped plots or when distinct natural markers can be utilized to define property lines. It is an older and more descriptive method compared to more standardized systems like the Rectangular Survey System, which focuses on a grid pattern.

The other methods mentioned, such as Property Lines, provide a more general understanding of property boundaries but do not detail how those boundaries are calculated or described in terms of exact metes and bounds. Conversely, the Rectangular Survey System is a structured grid method used primarily in the United States that does not rely on the specifics of distance and direction as Metes and Bounds does.