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North Carolina Property Mappers Association

Fundamentals of Property Mapping Basic Class Revised January 2013

EDUCATION COMMITTEE NORTH CAROLINA PROPERTY MAPPERS ASSOCIATION This course is presented by the education committee of the North Carolina Property Mappers Association. It consists of 25 hours of classroom instruction and a final examination. Instructors will guide you through the course using lectures, discussions, problems, and demonstrations. NCPMA The North Carolina Property Mappers Association was formed in October 1980 to help meet the needs of the State and Local government officials whose work involves mapping and land records management. To receive further information about the Association please see an instructor or an executive board member. REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION To be certified by the North Carolina Property Mappers Association, a person must:

1. Be a Regular member in good standing of the North Carolina Property Mappers Association.

2. Within the last 5 years have completed two years of experience in mapping with an agency of state or local government or equivalent experience approved by the Certification Board.

3. Have completed 24 hours of instruction in subjects and passed the Mappers Certification Exam on the subjects covered. This annual Property Mapping School presented by the NCPMA meets the requirements; other courses must be approved by the Certification Board. There is a separate Exam for those students attending the Property Mapping School who are not eligible for the Mappers Certification Exam.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PROPERTY MAPPING

SECTION 1: BASIC SURVEYING

1.1 History of Land Surveying and Mapping 1.2 Types of Surveying 1.3 Basic Equipment 1.4 Distance Measurement 1.5 Direction of Measurement 1.6 Azimuths 1.7 Bearing 1.8 Interior Angles 1.9 Units of Measure 1.10 Area 1.11Exercises

SECTION 2: DEED PLOTTING

2.1 Metes and Bounds Description 2.2 Deed Plotting Exercise

SECTION 3: ORTHOPHOTO INTERPRETATION SETION 4: PARCEL IDENTIFIERS

4.1 Longitude and Latitude 4.2 State Plane Coordinate System

4.3 Parcel Identification Number SECTION 5: PARCEL ASSEMBLY

5.1 Assembly Process 5.2 Types of Base Maps 5.3 Photogrammetric Base Mapping Process

SECTION 6: MAP MAINTENANCE

6.1 Introduction 6.2 Documents recorded with Register of Deeds 6.3 Maintenance Process 6.4 Key Points

SECTION 7: INTRODUCTION TO GIS SECTION 8: MAPPING TERMS & DEFINITIONS SECTION 9: QUESTIONS

N.C.P.M.A. ANNUAL MAPPING SCHOOL

HOMEWORK Monday

This reading assignment is to prepare you for the Tuesday morning session “Legal Aspects of Property Mapping” It will be most beneficial if you read this prior to this session. Reading Assignment “Guidebook for North Carolina Property Mappers” Pages 1-34 NOTE: understand the exception for gift deeds

Tuesday

1. Complete Exercises on pages1-19 and 1-24 in your notebook 2. What is the azimuth of the bearing N20W? 3. What is the bearing of the azimuth 135? 4. Define the following:

Azimuth Bearing True Bearing Magnetic Bearing

5. Give the formula for finding the sum of the interior angles of any closed polygon.

6. Complete exercise on page 1-31 Calculate the area in square feet and acres.

7. Complete exercises on page 1-32

Wednesday

1. Read through Section Eight Mapping Terms and Definitions (pages 8-1 through 8-19).

2. Answer the following questions

a. Given the following coordinates E=1,009,790 and N=649,211

what is the 14 digit PIN.______________________________ b. Given the PIN 00-9598-56-2357-00, what are the Y and X

coordinates? Y=______________________ X=______________________

c. Name the parts of the following pin : 9663 – 72 - 1548 _____ - _____ - _____

3. Finish plotting and labeling any unfinished deeds

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INTRODUCTION Courts of law interpret the evidence, meaning, and intent of legal documents used to describe land ownership and land boundaries. If property mappers are to correctly map out boundaries, they must know what the courts have defined as the meaning and intentions of words and phrases used in land descriptions. Property mapping includes (1) the science of measurements, (2) knowledge of the laws and customs that define the boundaries of real property, and (3) the evaluating of evidence to place a boundary on a map. This course was designed to assist cadastral mappers to develop those skills for a career in mapping. SECTION 1 BASIC SURVEYING 1.1 History of Land Surveying and Mapping No one knows where surveying began. However, what is known is that the Egyptians brought the measuring of land into an art. They first referred to surveying as "rope stretches." Each year the rains in the Nile River watershed caused the river to over- flow her banks. The resulting floods either washed away their boundary marks or buried them under the fertile silt deposits. The "rope stretchers" job was to re-establish the markers prior to the flooding. In Greece, this art was for a long time called Geodaesia, and later Geometry, which is still the basis for surveying today. The Romans used a very elaborate rectangular system to lay out their boundaries. In fact the Roman military concluded that a man was incapable of commanding a legion if he did not at least know enough Geometry to lay out and measure a field. Prior to the migration of Europeans to America, the land was held in common by Indian tribes. The right of these tribes to land was extinguished by purchase or conquest by, among others, English, French, Spanish and finally the newly created US government. Although there was an early preference for laying out land in rectangular form, Virginia and most colonies adopted a metes and bounds system which allowed the prospective land owners the privilege, prior to survey, of selecting a particular piece of land to be patented, that was neither required to be contiguous to settled lands nor to be of any regular shape. These early settlers used two systems. One was called Mete which means to measure or to assign measure, and the other was Bounds which means the boundaries of the land or the limits and extent of the property. A metes description is a perimeter description reciting measurements, but not bounds. Very often metes descriptions are included within the meaning of metes and bounds description.

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A boundary description is written or interpreted as if one was in the center of the parcel looking out, and recites information regarding the sides of the tract in sequence, either in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner as, "Bounded and described as follows: Westerly by the land of Long; Northerly by the land of Whitley; Easterly by the Catawba River; Southerly by Smith. The term COURSE is not to be confused with Metes. Course is used to mean direction only. Early measurements of land was in terms of work-time. Strips of open fields were apportioned among tenants on the basis of how long it took to plow soils of varying heaviness or lightness. An acre was originally the amount of land a yoke of oxen could plow in a day. Gradually, the surveying profession improved. One of the most important improvements was the Gunter's Chain. This early colonial unit of linear measure was 66 feet, invented by Edmund Gunter an English astronomer of the seventeenth century. In addition to the chain, many of the early grants made by the English crowns were in terms of "pole", four poles being equivalent to one chain. In later usage the term "pole" gradually assumed the name "perch" then "rod". Because of the early usage of the chain, the Continental Congress logically adopted the chain as the standard unit of linear measure. One acre, being 10 square chains or 43,560 square feet, is used as the standard unit of area measurement. The rod (16½ feet) in the sixteenth century was established as the length of the left feet of the first 16 men out of Church on a certain Sunday. 1.2 TYPES OF SURVEYING Surveying is the science and art of making measurements of distance and direction necessary to determine the relative position of points on, above, or beneath the surface of the earth, or to establish such points. Land surveying is one of the oldest skills known to the human race. From earliest civilized times it has been necessary to make boundaries and to divide land. The ancient Egyptians developed surveying and used it to divide land into plots for boundary relocation and taxation. Surveying advanced rapidly during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as the need to make maps grew. Rapidly increasing land values and the demand for public improvements such as railroads and roads made accurate surveying necessary. The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey was established by an Act of Congress in 1807 and charged with surveying lands of the United States.

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The surveying process has four phases:

• Field work - making and recording measurements in the field • Computing - making the necessary calculations to determine the location of

points and size or area • Mapping - plotting the measurements and drawing a map or plat • Monumentation - setting physical markers to define points (and thus to delineate

boundaries) Some types of surveys having an influence on cadastral mapping are:

• Plane Surveying, in which the curvature of the earth is disregarded. • Geodetic Surveying, in which the curvature of the earth is considered; used

for large areas and to locate points suitable for controlling other surveys. • Land or Boundary Surveys, used to establish property corners and land lines;

usually closed surveys (start at one point and end at the same point) • Route Surveys, used to establish the center line ( and right-of-way) for roads,

railroads and other transportation lines. 1.3 BASIC EQUIPMENT The scales used in the compilation of cadastral maps are engineer type, usually triangular or flat in design and either 6" or 12" in length. The division of a scale enables the mapper to measure a distance given in a deed description onto a map. The division can be used on a variety of scales. DIVISION SCALES__ _____

10 1" = 10' 1" = 100' 1" = 1000' 1" = 10,000' 20 1" = 20' 1" = 200' 1" = 2000' 1" = 20,000' 30 1" = 30' 1" = 300' 1" = 3000' 1" = 30,000' 40 1" = 40' 1" = 400' 1" = 4000' 1" = 40,000' 50 1" = 50' 1" = 500' 1" = 5000' 1" = 50,000' 60 1" = 60' 1" = 600' 1" = 6000' 1" = 60,000'

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As shown in the following figure, a division of 10 can be used on a scale of either 1"= 10', 1" = 100', or 1" = 1,000'. That is, on a scale of 1" = 100', an inch on the map is equal to 100 feet on the ground. On a scale of 1" = 400', an inch on the map is equal to 400 feet on the ground. MEASUREMENT IN INCHES 0 1" 2" 3" 4" SCALE 1" = 100' 0 100' 200' 300' 400' 1" = 200' 0 200' 400' 600' 800' 1" = 300' 0 300' 600' 900' 1200' 1" = 400' 0 400' 800' 1200' 1600' 1" = 500' 0 500' 1000' 1500' 2000' 1" = 600' 0 600' 1200' 1800' 2400' EXERCISE: DETERMINE THE LENGTH OF THE FOLLOWING LINES 1. 1" = 100' 2. 1" = 200' 3. 1" = 400' 4. 1" = 200' DETERMINE THE PROPER SCALE (inches to feet) FOR THE FOLLOWING LINES 1. 295' SCALE = 2. 1200' SCALE = 3. 960' SCALE = 4. 775' SCALE =

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The triangles used by mappers are usually identified as either 60° or 45°. A 60° triangle consist of a 60°, 30°, and 90° angle. A 45° triangle has two 45° angles and one 90°.

A protractor is an instrument used to measure degrees in angles. Protractors are either circular or semi-circular and are divided into degrees and half degrees.

45° Triangle 60° Triangle

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A land measure compass is constructed on the principle of the surveyor's compass - 360° divided into four 90° quadrants.

A bow compass is an instrument consisting of two pointed legs connected at one end by a pivot, used for drawing an arc or circle.

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1.4 Distance Measurements Distance can be measured directly by pacing, optically by use of stadia, electronically by instruments that transmit light or radio waves, or by taping. Pacing simply involves counting steps or paces while walking naturally along the line to be measured. The pace length is then multiplied by the number of paces counted. The basic principle for stadia distance is that you must have a transit or theodolite with cross hairs. The perpendicular distance between a rod and the instrument is equal to 100 times the difference between value of the top cross hair and the bottom cross hair. Modern electronic distance measuring devices basically transmit either a low-power laser light or invisible infrared light that is reflected back to the EDMI by a mirror. The instrument then records the distance on a liquid crystal display. Taping involves the use of a steel tape most commonly 100 feet in length. When taping horizontal distances (formerly called chaining) it is necessary to hold the tape as close to a horizontal position as possible. Two types of chains were used. One was the engineer's chain which was 100 feet long, with 100 links, and distance were recorded in feet and decimals. The other was the surveyor's (or Gunter's) chain, it was 66 feet long, divided into 100 links (each 7.92 inches), and distances were recorded in chains and links. The surveyor's chain was convenient for land surveying because of its relation to the units of land measurement ( 1 chain = 4 rods: 80 chains = 1 mile; 10 square chains = 1 acre).

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In surveying, the desired distance between two points is always the horizontal distance. The slope distance may be measured and then reduced to the horizontal by determining the difference in elevation between the two points and calculating the reduction (using trigometric relationships). The horizontal distance can be directly measured even on a steep slope by using tape and plumb bob and following the procedure known as "breaking tape." The tape is always held horizontally, and as many increments as needed are measured and then added to get the total distance.

1.5 Direction Measurement A lines direction is determined by its relationship to, or deviation from, the direction of another line. An angle is the difference in direction of two intersecting lines. The value of an angle is defined in the degree, the minute and the second. The direction of a line may be given by its angle from an established line of reference called a meridian. The reference line can be the True (geographic ) meridian, the magnetic meridian, or a grid meridian, The True Meridian for any one place on the surface of the earth is a line that passes through the observer's position and the North and South geographic poles. Most early boundary surveys within the United States were made by reference to the magnetic meridian. Magnetic north is a line directly to where the compass points (the magnetic north pole). The first surveyors had a mariner's compass to provide orientation. Today the transit or theodolite has superseded the compass, but, because of the numerous early compass surveys, it is necessary to understand the earth's magnetic field. The North pole and the magnetic north pole are not in the same position. Within the United States magnetic north varies from 24° east of north to 22° west of north. Magnetic declination is the horizontal angle between true north and magnetic north. Declination changes with time. The amount of change within a one year period is called annual change. As an observer moves either

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easterly or westerly from the line of no declination (the agonic line) the declination increases. For example: VALUES OF MAGNETIC DECLINATIONS OF LATITUDE 34° N LONGITUDE 80° W as prepared by the National Geophysical Data Center. YEAR 1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 1985

DEGREE 1 3 2 0 1 5

MINUTES 20 E 30 E 23 E 36 E 52 W 27W

If an attempt is being made to retrace a survey, it is necessary to know if magnetic north or true north was used. Because magnetic north changes through time, it maybe necessary to know the year of the survey and the magnetic declination for that year at that location. The surveyor must retrace the footsteps of the initial survey. 1.6 AZIMUTHS Azimuths are angles measured clockwise from the meridian (either from due north or from due south) to a line being described. The armed services commonly use north as the datum; geodetic azimuths are usually from the south. In plane surveying they are usually measured from north. Azimuths range from 0° to 360°.

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1.7 BEARING The bearing of a line is the angle between the meridian and the line measured from the north point or from the south point, never from the east or west points and are always read in degrees and minutes (plus seconds if fractions of a minute are involved). There are 360 degrees in a circle, 60 minutes in a degree, and 60 seconds in a minute. This is best explained in reference to the four quadrants of a surveyor's compass. The following figure shows a surveyor's compass with the four quadrants identified. QUADRANTS OF A SURVEYOR'S COMPASS

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Direction is identified by the letters N or S, the degrees, and the letters E or W, for example, N 45° E. In the next figure the line is in the NE quadrant, 45° from north in an easterly direction. LINE BEARING N 45° E (NORTHEAST QUADRANT)

A true bearing is measured from the geographic meridian (true north); magnetic bearings are measured from magnetic meridians (magnetic north). The opposite of a bearing is referred to as the reverse of the bearing. The process of using the opposite bearing to find the bearing in question is termed "reversing a bearing." When a bearing is reversed, the degree stays the same while both directions are changed. The reverse of N 76° W is S 76° E. This is often helpful when a call has been left out of a description. It is sometimes possible to reverse one or more of the bearings and find the one that has been omitted.

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DIRECTION OF BEARINGS

Bearings may be given in degrees, minutes, and seconds. Each degree is divided into 60 minutes and each minutes into 60 seconds, so that a given bearing might be: N 59° 30' 15" E (°=degrees, '=minutes, and "=seconds). Although surveyors must be precise in their work, the equipment sometimes used by property mappers often makes it impossible to plot a bearing more accurately that the nearest half degree. For example, in N 59° 30' 15" E, it would be practical to ignore the 15" and plot only N 59° 30' E. If N 59° 55' E is given, it would be practical to round to N 60° E Many angle observations in the field were turned by the deflection method, that of sighting on a given line and turning the angle to another line. They may be right or left.

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When plotting a metes and bounds legal description where bearings are given you must first calculate the angles between the various calls so as to be able to plot the courses using a protractor. There are three (3) different rules or methods depending on the bearings given. The following are examples of the three methods:

1. Calculating the angle between two (2) courses (lines, tangents, etc) when bearings are given for the courses and the bearings are in the same quadrant (i.e. NE, NW, SE, SW). See Example 1.

2. Calculating the angle between two (2) courses (lines, tangents, etc.) when bearings are given for the courses and the bearings are in different quadrants and by going from one to the other you would cross the South or North line (i.e. going from the NE to NW or SE to SW, etc.) See Example 2.

3. Calculating the angle between two (2) courses (lines, tangents, etc.) when bearings are given for the courses, the bearings are in different quadrants and by going from one to the other you would cross the East or West line (i.e. going from the NE to NW or SE to SW, etc.) See Example 3.

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Exercise 1

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Exercise 2

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Exercise 3

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Exercise 4

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1.8 INTERIOR ANGLES Interior angle is the measurement between the two intersecting lines on the inside of a polygon. In any closed polygon the sum of the "interior" angles will be (N-2) times 180°, where N represents the number of sides.

A= 120° B= 117° (N - 2 ) 180° C= 83° (5 - 2 ) 180° = 540° D= 130° E= 90° ________ 540°

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Exercise 1

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Exercise 2

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1.9 UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

COMMON UNITS OF MEASURE USED IN DEED DESCRIPTION 7.92 INCHES 1 LINK 1 CHAIN 4 RODS 1 CHAIN 66 FEET 1 CHAIN 100 LINKS 1 LINK .66 FEET 25 LINKS 1 ROD 1 ROD 16.5 FEET 1 POLE 1 ROD OR 16.5 FEET 4 RODS 1 CHAIN OR 66 FEET 10 SQUARE CHAINS OR 160 SQ. RODS 1 ACRE 1 ACRE 43,560 SQ. FEET 640 ACRES 1 SQUARE MILE 1 SQUARE MILE 640 ACRES 1 MILE 5,280 FEET 1 CIRCLE 360° 1° 60' ( MINUTES) 1' 60"( SECONDS) 1 METER 3.2808333 FEET (US SURVEY FOOT) 1 FOOT 0.304801 METERS 1 KILOMETER 0.62137 MILES 1 MILE 1.609 KILOMETERS

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1.10 AREA The area of a parcel may be calculated by tracing the exterior boundary using a planimeter or electronic digitizer. A planimeter is a mechanical measuring device used in calculating the area of a plane figure. Area of a parcel may also be calculated mathematically by using one of the following formulas:

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1.11 Exercises

Exercises in Area Calculation

1) A rectangular lot has dimensions of 175’ in width and 200’ in depth. What is the square footage of the lot? ______________ What is the acreage? _________

2) How many square feet would a 1.80 acre parcel of land contain?

________ 3) What is the formula for calculating the area in a triangle? __________ 4) What is the area in square feet of the figure below? _____________ 5) What is the acreage of the figure? _____________ 6) If a parcel is described as being a rectangle 10 poles by 7 ½ poles what

would the acreage of the parcel be? ______________ 7) If the tie down of a deed states that the beginning point is ½ mile from a

known intersection what is the distance in feet? _____________ 8) How many acres are contained in a square mile? _____________

200’

100

180’

180’

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Exercises in Calculating Bearings and Angles

For the following figures calculate the bearings of the two lines and the angle at their intersection. 1) 2) 3)

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2.1 Metes & Bounds Descriptions Original Concept The earliest known type of land description is the "bounded" description, based on the land's relation to its natural and cultural features. Originally, adjacent landowners, trees, rocks, rivers, traveled ways, and so forth were used to describe the extent of property. Development of metes and bounds description was augmented by the evolution of surveying technology and equipment. A few hundred years ago a buyer and seller would walk the perimeter of a tract and observe the monuments or place new ones and consummate the transfer with the seller picking up a stone or twig from the land and handing it to the buyer. Later they would describe the land in a document (because people are forgetful) and walk the lines. The walking and transfer of objects from the land involved was called the action of “livery of seizin.” It was common in England but was not continued by the colonists of the New World. This was the “bounded” portion of the metes and bounds description. Originally, adjacent landowners, trees, rocks, rivers, traveled ways and so forth were used to describe the perimeter of the property. With the development of better equipment, that equipment’s reduced cost, the evolution of surveying techniques, and the desire of the public to more accurately define what they were doing, the addition of the “metes” portion to the metes and bounds description became feasible. By the time of the break with England, the metes and bounds description was prevalent in, what was to become the United States. The system of metes and bounds is and was used to survey and describe land in the original thirteen colonies. Corners were usually artificial landmarks not of a permanent character. Tree, stumps, bends in creeks, etc., were used and they tend to disappear or change over a time span of several generations. Items of a permanent nature were seldom used and the surveyor and mapper’s notes of a survey of land were often incomplete. People simply didn’t have the concept in their minds of permanent as far as descriptions were concerned. They knew what they were transferring and that was as far as their minds would carry it. Also, while considerably better than earlier equipment, the surveying equipment of the time was less than accurate. Metes and bounds property descriptions must have a point of beginning, usually a physical feature such as a stake, fence post, or road intersection. In recent years, artificial permanent monuments such as metal pipes, steel pins, or concrete posts have replaced natural features. Early descriptions, with lengths shown in chains, poles, and rods, are being replaced by measurements in feet and decimals. Bearings may be to magnetic north or to true north, the latter being preferable. Current descriptions, although developed with modern surveying technology and equipment, will still often refer to the natural features found. This enables someone other than the surveyor to locate the points and trace the description on the ground. When the lines of an old survey are being relocated, or a discrepancy exists between two tracts, the following precedence (weight of importance) usually applies:

1. Monuments (natural and man-made) 2. Adjoining owners 3. Distance 4. Direction

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5. Size Monuments Monuments are classified as either natural or artificial. Naturally occurring monuments such as rivers, lakes, oceans, cliffs, trees, hills, and large boulders are permanent objects found on the land as they were placed by nature and are usually considered controlling over artificial monuments (man-made) such as iron stakes, wooden stakes, rock mounds, stones, and wooden fences. Some man-made monuments, because of the certainty of location, visibility, stability and permanence, are considered equal in rank to natural monuments. In this classification would fall sidewalks, street paving, curbs, wells, canals, concrete buildings, and concrete fences. A good monument should possess the quality of being easily visible, clearly identifiable, stable in location, permanent in character, and nondependent upon measurement for its location. An artificial monument possess the qualities of a natural monument to a lesser degree. Thus a stake placed in the ground will rust or rot with time and is less permanent than a large boulder. A stake is easier to move than a boulder and is therefore less stable. The following example shows how a call for one item takes precedence over another. A description states that a certain line goes from the road a distance of 500 feet to a stream. If the distance from the road to the stream is actually 1,000 feet, the line should go to the stream and the distance given should be ignored. (A call for a monument takes precedence over a call for a distance.) ADJOINING OWNERS Adjoining owners are the owners of property adjacent to the subject property. The adjoining owners’ deed controls the location of the common boundary between the two. DISTANCE Distance is the length of the line between two points. Direction is the line or course between two points. SIZE Size refers to the acreage. For example some old descriptions state: twelve acres of land in the Northwest corner of Alexander Jones property. "INTENT" is a term used to describe the probable intentions of the grantor and grantee. Surveyors, lawyers, and occasionally non-specialists write descriptions. A single error, such as an improper numerical value or a misplaced word or punctuation mark, may result in litigation for several years or more if the intentions of the grantor and grantee are not fulfilled. Every attempt should be made to interpret what the actual intent was. A correctly written metes and bounds description of a parcel of property should contain:

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• Reference point (not a corner of the property), easily located and identified, permanent, and near the property.

• Point of beginning, the first and last corner of property described. If the point

of beginning is a prominent point, a reference point is not needed. • Definite corners (clearly defined points are preferable, monuments such as iron

pins). • Lengths (preferably in feet and decimals) and directions (by bearings) should be

given. Omitting a distance or bearing, even one to the point of beginning, can throw calculations. The date of the survey is important, especially if the bearings are computed from magnetic north.

• Names of adjoining property owners, to avoid claims for land in case an error

in the description leaves a gap. • Area, to help identify the property and specify the land conveyed.

• Lines, a line in a description is assumed to be the shortest horizontal distance

between the point called for unless the contrary is indicated by the writings. To be absolutely correct, a straight line curves with the surface of the earth; but the curvature is so slight that it is not considered in land descriptions. A line to be identified must have a positive definition of its starting point, a direction, and length. Free lines are not terminated by an adjoiner or monument as “beginning at a 2-inch iron pipe; thence N 60° 00 W, 200.00 feet to a blazed sycamore tree,” the terminus of the line is fixed by the tree; the line is not free. Many of the lines described in deeds are dependant upon monuments and are not free lines.

The metes and bounds system is useful in describing irregularly shaped parcels that could not be described by other accepted methods. The main disadvantage is that it may produce inadequate location of ownership due to inaccuracies of measuring methods and reliance on natural and cultural land features of a temporary rather than permanent nature.

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Format of a Description (In General) Just as a letter or book has various named portions, so does a description of the metes and bounds style. Since there are no formal requirements, the various authors have tended to be rather free in their use and terms of the various portions of a metes and bounds description. Generally however, the basic parts of a metes and bounds description are as follows.

Caption-This is the part that is normally used to ordinate the reader to the general area of the lands to be included with in the description. The words in the caption can limit or control the words that follow.

Heading-After one has gotten the reader to the proper general location, this portion gets the reader from the point of Commencement (if any) to the Points of Beginning. Remember, in a metes and bounds description, one does not have to have a Point of Commencement, but a Point of Beginning is necessary.

Body – This portion generally contains all the various calls around the lands to be

included within the description. The word “call” is important because we will refer to each line in the metes and bounds description body as being a “call”. The calls are written in sequence as if you were walking around the perimeter of the property. Usually, but not always, the traverse will be in a clockwise direction

Closing (also known as Qualification) Section-After one is returned to the Point of

Beginning or the Point of Termination is reached, sometimes the author may feel that various statements are necessary to make the reader more knowledgeable of the author’s intent of the extent of the land included or of the control items under which the description was prepared. Words or phrases like the size of the parcel involved, the method of treating the beginning and starting “cutoff” lines of a strip description, the bearing basis etc.

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DESCRIPTION:

A parcel of land lying within Block 44, Decoster’s Addition to Harborview, a subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 1 on Page 24 of the Public Records of Charlotte County, Florida; said parcel being more specifically described as follows:

From the intersection of the Easterly right of way line of Date Street as shown on said plat and the Southerly right of way line of Harbor View Road (AKA Lime Street, State Road 776 and County Road 776) as shown on the right of way maps of State Road 776, Section 01560-2601 (being the same point of commencement as the description contained within Official Records Book (ORB) 0558 on Page 0892; thence continue N89’29’37”E along said Southerly right of way line a distance of 86.00 feet more or less to a point which lies S89’29’37” a distance of 114.00 feet from the Northeast corner of those lands as described with in said ORB 0558 on Page 0892 and to the POINT OF BEGINNING:

Thence continue N89’29’37”E along said Southerly right of way line a distance of 114.00 feet to the Northeast Corner of those lands described within said ORB 0558 on Page 0892; thence S00’22’54”E along the Easterly line of those lands as described within said ORB 0558 on Page 0892, a distance of 99.66 feet more or less to the intersection thereof with a line which lies 30 feet Northerly of and parallel with the Southerly line of those lands as described within said ORB 0558 on Page 0892; thence S89’28’56”W, along said parallel line, a distance of 114.00 feet; thence N00’22’54”W, parallel to the said Easterly line of those lands as described within said ORB 0558 on Page 0892, a distance of 99.88 feet more or less to the POINT OF BEGINNING.

Containing 0.261 acres, more or less.

The bearings as shown herein are based on the centerline of Harborview Road being N89’29’37”E

Caption

Heading

Body

Closing

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2.2 Deed Plotting Basic Equipment The scales used in the compilation of cadastral maps are engineer type, usually triangular or flat in design and either 6” or 12” in length. The division of a scale enables the mapper to measure a distance given in a deed description onto a map. The division can be used on a variety of scales.

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2.2 Deed Plotting Exercise DEED NUMBER 1 DEED BOOK: 1056 PAGE: 480 DATE: 3/14/1972 GRANTOR: RICHARD K. BLAIR AND WIFE, LINDA SUE BLAIR GRANTEE: RICHARD N. McCRACKEN AND WIFE, KAREN P. McCRACKEN BEGINNING at an iron stake in the center of a 60 foot public right of way, said iron stake being situate at the Northwest corner of that property heretofore conveyed by Marvin S. Mann and wife, Betty Jean W. Mann to Corlus B. Goodson and wife by deed dated the 31st day of January 1967 and duly recorded in Deed Book 955 at page 251, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Buncombe County, N.C. and runs thence with Goodson's western property line South 23° 43' 20" East 367.84 feet to an iron stake, Goodson's southwest corner; thence South 68° 32' 40" West 100.54 feet to a white oak (Justice and Man corner); thence South 79° 07' 47" West 54.97 feet to an iron stake; runs thence North 23° 43' 20" West 351.86 feet to a point in the middle of said 60 foot right of way; thence North 66° 21' 40" East 153.95 feet to the point of BEGINNING. BEING a portion of that property conveyed by deed recorded in Deed Book 819 at page 155 and being also a portion of that lot conveyed by deed recorded in Deed Book 959 at page 319, in said Registry Office.

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DEED NUMBER 2 DEED BOOK: 1143 PAGE: 641 DATE: 6/10/1976 GRANTOR: MYRTLE I. EVANS AND HUSBAND WILLARD EVANS GRANTEE: ROBERT B. ROBINSON AND WIFE CLARISE C. ROBINSON BEGINNING at a stake, the common corner of the Harris property and the Grantor's property, which said Grantors property is particularly described in Deed Book 988 at page 475 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Buncombe County, North Carolina and which said iron pin stands in the center of an unnamed road and running thence with the center of said road North 59° 18' 45" East 28.43 feet to a stake; thence North 72° 8' 26" East 182.27 feet to a stake in said road; thence leaving said road and passing an iron pin at 30 feet South 29° 26' 5" East 325.03 feet to an iron pin; thence South 77° 22' 31" West 180.14 feet to an old fence line in the Harris-Evans property; thence with said Harris-Evans old fence line, North 35° 45' West 310.81 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING. Being the westernmost portion of the property of the Grantors. Together with full rights to water from the well, which exists on the property of the Grantors, so long as the Grantees own said property. This conveyance is subject to all existing utility easements presently encumbering said property and further subject to the widening of the road on the Northern boundary of this property to its full legal width.

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DEED NUMBER 3 DEED BOOK: 1202 PAGE: 416 DATE: 10/13/1978 GRANTOR: CLYDE J. ROGERS AND WIFE MARJORIE ROGERS GRANTEE: DENNIS H. TIPTON, AND WIFE, BEVERLY B. TIPTON BEGINNING on an existing iron pin, said existing iron pin being the Southern most corner of that tract or parcel of land as conveyed to Clyde J. Rogers and wife, Marjorie Rogers, by Deed dated the 15th day of March, 1970 from Marvin S. Mann and wife, Betty Jean W. Mann, said Deed being recorded in Deed Book 1015, at Page 415, Buncombe County Register of Deeds Office. Said Beginning corner also being the Northwestern corner of the Richard McCracken tract as recorded in Deed Book 1056, at Page 480, Buncombe County Register of Deeds Office. Thence from the Beginning point thus established North 66° 21' 40" East 326.58 feet to an existing iron pipe; thence North 50° 47' 40" East 150.50 feet to an iron stake; thence North 20° 45' West 297.42 feet to an iron stake; thence North 87° 30' West 203.62 feet to an iron stake; thence South 00° 14' West 271.48 feet to an iron stake; thence South 23° 40' West 263.80 feet to the point of BEGINNING. CONTAINING 2.63 acres more or less as set forth on an unrecorded Plat designated property of Clyde Rogers dated September 22, 1978 by Ray E. Anders, R.L.S. AND BEING part of that tract or parcel of land described in that Deed dated the 13th day of March, 1970 from Marvin S. Mann and wife, Betty Jean W. Mann to Clyde J. Rogers and wife, Marjorie Rogers, said Deed being recorded in Deed Book 1015, at Page 415, Buncombe County Register of Deeds Office. Together with an easement for egress, regress, and ingress, said right-of-way being set forth on a survey and plat entitled Marvin S. Mann, et al, Upper Hominy Township, Buncombe County, North Carolina, bearing date of September 22, 1978 by Ray E. Anders, R.L.S.

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DEED NUMBER 4 DEED BOOK: 1227 PAGE: 479 DATE: 9/27/1979 GRANTOR: CLYDE J. ROGERS AND WIFE MARJORIE ROGERS GRANTEE: DENNIS H. TIPTON AND WIFE BEVERLY B. TIPTON BEGINNING on an iron stake, said iron stake being the Northeast corner of that tract or parcel of land as conveyed to Dennis H. Tipton and wife, Beverly B. Tipton by deed dated the 13th day of October, 1978, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Buncombe County in Deed Book 1202 at Page 416; thence from the Beginning corner thus established and with the Northernmost line of the aforedescribed tract North 87° 30' West 43.82 feet to an iron stake; thence North 2° 15' East 49.51 feet to an iron stake; thence South 87° 30' east 43.82 feet to an iron stake; thence South 2° 15' West 49.5 feet to the point of Beginning. AND BEING a part of that tract or parcel of land conveyed to Clyde J. Rogers and wife, Marjorie Rogers in a deed dated the 13th day of March, 1970, said deed having been recorded in Deed Book 1015 at Page 415, Buncombe County Registry.

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DEED NUMBER 5 DEED BOOK: 1492 PAGE: 695 DATE: 9/28/87 GRANTOR: GULSHAN K. SETHI AND WIFE NEELAM SETHI & BLAIR WILLIAMS AND WIFE ELLEN WILLIAMS GRANTEE: DENIS W. DELAGE Lying and being in Upper Hominy Township, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the center of a 60 foot road right of way which point stands South 66° 21' 40" West 153.95 feet from a stake at the Northeast corner of the property which was conveyed by deed recorded in the Buncombe County Register's Office in Deed Book 959, Page 319, and runs thence South 23° 43' 20" East 351.86 feet to a stake; thence South 79° 07' 47" West 95.43 feet to a stake; thence South 76° 01' West 30.39 feet to a stake; thence North 23° 43' 20" West 329.08 feet to a stake; thence North 66° 21' 40" East 123 feet to the point of Beginning. Being the same property as shown in Deed Book 1296, Page 704, and Records of Buncombe County, North Carolina. This conveyance is made subject to an easement for ingress, egress and regress to that certain road situate over the West portion of the above described property, said roadway being 60 feet in width, 30 feet of which is on the western margin of the above described property, said road being dedicated as a public right of way.

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DEED NUMBER 6 DEED BOOK: 1542 PAGE: 349 DATE: 12/5/88 GRANTOR: SHIRLEY SPENCER HANEY AND WIFE SARA J. HANEY GRANTEE: MC ELRATH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. BEGINNING AT an iron pipe located in the western property line of the property described in a Deed from Marvin S. Mann and wife, to Gertrude Allison Brewster, dated December 9, 1966, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deed for Buncombe County, North Carolina in Deed Book 952 at page 106, it being the northwestern corner of the tract of land retained by the said Gertrude A. Brewster and the southwest corner of that tract of land conveyed by her to LanSell Corporation by deed dated November 3, 1976 and runs thence with said western line north 17° 23' 12" east 602.73 feet to an iron pipe at the northwestern corner of property described in said Deed Book 952 at Page 106, and also located in the southern line of the property described as tract two in deed from E. L. Surrett land wife Gertrude Allison Brewster, dated January 31, 1961, and recorded in said Registry's office in Deed Book 840 at page 379; thence south 88° 56' east 174.64 feet to an iron pipe, the northeastern corner of that property described in said deed recorded in Deed Book 952 at Page 106, the northwestern corner of the Clyde J. Rogers tract as described in Deed recorded in Deed Book 1015 at page 415 of said Registry; thence with the eastern line of the property described in said Deed Book 952 at Page 100 two calls: South 4° 50' 15" east 271.67 feet to an iron pipe and south 21° 59' 46" east 249.78 feet to the northern margin of a road leading in a westerly and southerly direction to Justice Ridge Road; thence with the northern margin of said road south 70° 45' 14" west 392.86 feet; thence with the northern boundary line of the said Gertrude Allison Brewster tract, north 59° 10' 08" west 116.78 feet to the point of BEGINNING, containing 4.14 acres more or less, according to survey of Ashley Engineering Company, dated February 16. 1977.

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DEED NUMBER 7 DEED BOOK: 1743 PAGE: 140 DATE: 4/30/93 GRANTOR: MYRTLE I. EVANS unmarried GRANTEE: BILLY J. RYAN AND WIFE DOROTHY J. RYAN BEGINNING at a point located in the center line of the 60' right of way of Justice Ridge Terrace, said point being the northwestern most corner of the Denis W. Delage property as described in Deed Book 1492 at page 695, Buncombe County Registry, and runs with the western boundary of said Delage property South 23° 43' 18" East 335.78 feet to a 5/8" iron pin, said pin being located South 75° 42' 07" West 183.62 feet from a White Oak stump; thence South 77° 24' 58" West 180.21 feet to a 3/4" iron pin; thence with the eastern boundary of the Robert B. Robinson property as described in Deed Book 1143 at page 641, Buncombe County Registry, North 29° 26' 05" West 321.94 feet to a point; thence with the center line of said road, North 71° 34' 39" East 209.76 feet to the point and place of Beginning, containing 1.44 acres more or less and being shown on a survey dated April 28, 1993, prepared for Billy J. Ryan and Dorothy J. Ryan by Freeland-Clinkscales & Associated, Inc.

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DEED NUMBER 8 DEED BOOK: 1015 PAGE: 415 DATE: 3/13/70 GRANTOR: MARVIN S. MANN, ET UX., BETTY JEAN MANN GRANTEE: CLYDE J. ROGERS, ET UX., MAJORIE ROGERS BEGINNING on an iron pin, said iron pin being N. 18° 15' E. 1284.6 feet and S. 87° 30' E. 279.98 feet from the BEGINNING point on a deed dated September 10, 1959, from George W. Laster, et ux., to Marvin S. Mann, et ux., said point also being in the center of Justice Ridge Road as shown on survey and plat hereinafter referred to and runs thence with the outside line of the parent tract of which this is a part, S. 87° 30' E. 370.02 feet to a stake; thence continuing outside line two calls as follows; N. 02° 15' E. 49.5 feet; S. 87° 30' E. 43.82 feet to a point in said outside line; thence leaving said outside line of said parent tract S. 02° 15' W. 49.5 feet to an iron pipe; thence S. 20° 45' E. 297.42 feet to a point in the center of a 60-foot right-of-way as shown on said survey and plat; thence with the center of same two calls as follows; S. 50° 47' 40" W. to a point in the center of said right-of-way and S. 66° 21' 40" W. 326.58 feet to a point in the center of said right-of-way; thence leaving said right-of-way N. 20° 5' W. 274.78 feet to an iron pin; thence N. 01° 53' W. 264.36 feet to the BEGINNING. CONTAINING 4.47 acres, more or less, and BEING a part of that certain tract of land described in a deed dated September 10, 1959, from George W. Laster, et ux., to Marvin S.Mann, et ux.

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SECTION 3

ORTHOPHOTO INTERPRETATION

Photo interpretation is the identification of the nature and significance of features and objects

contained in photographic images. In cadastral mapping, the major goal of photo interpretation

is to determine where property lines should be placed. It is also important to be able to identify

various types of buildings, transportation and communication routes, and other cultural facilities.

Up-to-date aerial photographs can also be useful for appraisers, particularly in the valuation of

rural land and in jurisdictions where property characteristic data is lacking or incomplete.

Aerial photo interpretation in cadastral mapping is also used to locate and draw the right-of-way

lines between transportation routes and parcels of property. Fences are often located on property

lines. Road pavement generally is located near the center of the right-of-way. Major utility

transmission lines and pipelines are usually in the center of their right-of-way even in unfenced

(however, this is usually not the case in residential areas where lawns extend to the street.)

The mapping of property lines between private property owners is more difficult. Aerial

photography is valuable for showing "occupational lines," observable features on photographs

that indicate potential ownership boundaries. These lines may be actual physical features or may

result from an abrupt change in contiguous land use. Examples of occupational lines include

fences, ditches, streams, ridge lines, shrub rows, tree lines, lanes, grassy strips between adjacent

driveways, and breaks between adjacent fields or lawns. Such evidence must be used carefully

and in combination with other available data such as deed or plats. For example, not all fences

are property lines; however, most property lines (except in recently subdivided property) are

fenced.

When you interpret an aerial photograph your mind will analyze the following features:

Size - you will classify an object by comparison; for example a house

Shape - the vertical view of an object can inform as to its structure,

composition, and functions; for example the cloverleaf highway, baseball

diamond.

Shadows - are useful in interpreting vertical aerial photographs because they

provide a side view of vertical features that could otherwise be seen only from

the ground; for examples smokestacks, tall buildings, power poles. In forested

terrain shadows reveal the location of ridges and valleys.

Tone - result because objects of different color reflect light differently and

thus register differently on a photograph; for example water will usually be

lighter or darker than the surrounding land. Gravel, asphalt and concrete

roads have different appearances due to tone.

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Texture - is the degree of coarseness or smoothness of the

photographic image. For comparative purposes, texture can be used to

distinguish between objects or areas in the same photograph; for

example, the texture of a field of grass is much smoother than that of a

field of corn. Texture is particularly useful in determining the location

of property lines in farming areas where differences in adjacent field

use can indicate a different owner.

Pattern - is the spatial arrangement of objects; for example orchard

trees, natural streams versus man-made canals or ditches.

ORTHOPHOTO INTERPRETATION EXERCISE

USING YOUR PARCEL ASSEMBLY ORTHOPHOTO AND THE METADATA

PLEASE IDENTIFY AND LOCATE THE FOLLOWING FEATURES:

1. DATA QUALITY

2. FENCES

3. ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHIC FIRMS NAME

4. DATE OF PHOTOGRAPHY,

5. GROUND CONTROL POINT TARGET (PANELED)

6. GRID COORDINATE SYSTEM

7. CONTACT FOR CUSTOM DATA SETS

8. INTERSTATE HIGHWAY & ROAD SIGNS

9. VEHICLES TRAVELING WEST ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY

10. PAVEMENT MARKINGS ON HIGHWAY

11. EDGE OF PAVEMENT & DRIVEWAYS & DRIVEWAY COLUMNS

12. CUL-DE-SACS

13. DECIDUOUS TREES (LEAVES FALL OFF ANNUALLY)

14. EVERGREEN TREES

15. HAY FIELD

16. SCALE OF INITIAL ORTHO IMAGERY

17. SWIMMING POOL

18. HOMEOWNERS GARDEN

19. HEDGEROW

20. DISCLAIMER

21. POWER POLES

22. BUILDING LEAN

23. SINGLE & MULTI-STORY HOMES & OUTBUILDINGS (BARNS)

24.SEAMLINES OF COLOR CONTRAST

25. HORSE

26. SMALL BRANCH

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SECTION 4 PARCEL IDENTIFIERS 4.1 LONGITUDE AND LATITUDE Most maps must be drawn in such a way that points and areas can be located accurately on the earth's surface and described objectively. A uniform locational system made exploration and mapping of the earth possible. The most commonly used locational system for large areas is the geographic grid----latitude and longitude. Because the earth rotates, the axis of rotation intersects the spheroidal surface of the earth at two natural reference points, the poles. The equator is an imaginary line halfway between the poles, separating the earth into a northern and a southern hemisphere. Latitude is the distance in degrees of arc measured north and south of the equator. Lines of latitude, called parallels, run east and west and measure distance north and south. The equator is zero degrees latitude, the north pole is ninety degrees north latitude and the south pole is ninety degrees south latitude. There is no natural reference point for the east/west component of the geographic grid, longitude. In 1884, however, an international conference agreed that an imaginary line extending from the North Pole to the South Pole and passing through the Greenwich Observatory (near London) would be the zero degree meridian of longitude, called the prime meridian. Longitude is measured in degrees of arc east and west of the prime meridian. Meridians are north-south imaginary lines extending from pole to pole. The 180 degree meridian is called the International Date Line.

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4.2 STATE PLANE COORDINATE SYSTEM Because the earth's surface is curved and irregular, it was necessary to develop a projection to cover the area that would provide a plane surface for surveyors and property mappers. Such a system had to provide a common datum, an assumed plane, for referencing the horizontal control of all surveys. The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey fulfilled this need by developing a state plan coordinate system for each state. A rectangular grid was created and superimposed on the plane surface and the positions of points in the plane located by means of X and Y coordinates. Two projections are used in the United States for state plane coordinate systems: The Lambert Conformal Conic Projection and the Transverse Mercator Projection. North Carolina uses the Lambert Conformal Conic Projection system.

4.3 PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Parcel identification numbers are based upon the North Carolina State Plane Coordinate system. They are composed of an X, or east-west, designation and a Y, or north-south, designation. The location of a single point is thus defined. Although the exact center of a parcel can be determined by computer, the identification point for each parcel is usually the approximate center, or paracentroid, of the parcel.

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The following steps should be followed when assigning a parcel identification number (PIN):

• After establishing the visual center, centroid, of the parcel read the geographic coordinate values using a manual scale or computerized digitizer. Fourteen digits are necessary - 7 east/west (x axis) and 7 north/south (y axis).

"X" coordinate (easting) E 2,715,569 "Y" coordinate (northing) N 0,756,737

• The digits in coordinate value are paired by taking each digit separately from the

east coordinate and matching it with the corresponding digit of the north coordinate.

20 77 15 56 57 63 97 EN EN EN EN EN EN EN

• With the arrangement, the above example of a parcel identifier may be sorted as follows:

20 7715 56 5763 97 Redundant Number of Block Lot or Utilized only to

lead number basic map number parcel extend the for any one module number capacity of

county* ( 1" =400') system

• The North Carolina "Parcel Identifier Number" or "PIN" is obtained by recording the middle three sets of numbers (ten digits) and is written with dashes as follows:

7715-56-5763

• Condominiums or other cases of diverse ownership on one parcel of land will be further identified by the use of a decimal at the end of the PIN with three (3) digits to the right of the decimal. The record for a condominium unit or units built on the above parcel could be assigned a suffix number to the PIN of .001 through .999. For example, a condominium unit could have the following PIN:7715-56-5763.008.

*not redundant in jurisdictions where a million mark is reached.

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The following steps create a parcel identification number (PIN):

1. Establish the visual center, or centroid of the parcel (this calculation is now calculated by the GIS software)

2. Read the geographic coordinate values using a scale. 14 digits are required 7 easting and 7 northing. (Note: 6 digit readings are preceded by 0.) NC State Plane is in feet.

“X” coordinate (EASTING) E 1,025,565 feet east of 0 “Y” coordinate (NORTHING) N 0,636,735 feet north of 0

3. Taking each digit separately from the east coordinate and matching it with the

corresponding digit of the north coordinate, pair the digits by coordinate value. Remember; EAST FIRST!

10 06 23 56 57 63 55 EN EN EN EN EN EN EN

4. With this arrangement, the above example of a parcel identifier may be sorted as follows:

10 – 0623 – 56 – 5763 - 55 Note: although most tax systems will only store the center 10 digits as the PIN, to have a truly unique PIN across the NC state plane, the lead # or millions makes the PIN unique. This was extremely important for counties who had a million mark grid when this geographic data was stored in a tabular database. This allowed the capability to perform radial (geographic) queries. Geographic Information systems have eliminated this need to store the millions lead numbers.

Millions

10 Thousands

& 100 Thousands

Thousands

Hundreds &

Tens

Ones - MAP - BLOCK - LOT -

10 - 0623 - 56 - 5763 - 55 Lead number. Will change

when a million mark

in reached

Number of basic map module

(1’=400’)

Block number

Lot number, centroid of parcel

To extend the capacity of the

system i.e.: manufactured

homes*

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PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WORKSHEET

1. East ___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___

2. + ___ ___ ___

3. E ___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___

1. Read the easting or X coordinate from the top or bottom margin of

the map, this reading is taken from the west side of the block of where the pin dot lies. enter the number here, right adjusted, any

remaining spaces on the left can be padded with 0’s as place holders.

2. Using your scale measure the distance in feet from the west line of

the block over to the pin dot. This reading can be to the nearest 10th.

Enter the result.

3. Add the two measurements together. The result is an “easting” or “X”

coordinate.

4. North ___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___

5. + ___ ___ ___

6. N ___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___

4. Now read the northing or Y coordinate from the left or right margin

of the map. This reading is taken from the south line of the block that the pin dot is in. Remember to right adjust your reading and pad

the left with 0’s.

5. Using your scale measure the distance in feet from the south line of

the block up to the pin dot. This reading can be to the nearest 10th.

Enter the result here.

6. Add the two measurements together. The result is a “northing” or

“Y” coordinate.

7. E ___, ___ ___ ___, ___ ___ ___

8. N ___, ___ ___ ___, ___ ___ ___ 100 10 One

Millions Thousands Thousands Hundreds Tens Ones

9. ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___

7. & 8. . Rewrite the East and North

measurements here. Remember these are measurements in feet from the point of origin (0,0), for North Carolina the point of origin is in Tennessee!

9. To make a PIN, the numbers are put together every other one starting with the EAST or X coordinate. To remember which one comes

first, X or Y or East or North, remember they are always in alphabetical order, East (X) first then North (Y).

Write the 14 digit PIN here from left to right alternating from top to bottom always starting with the million digit of the east or X

coordinate.

____ ____ - ____ ____ ____ ____ - ____ ____ - ____ ____ ____ ____ - ____ ____

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1. East ___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___

2. + ___ ___ ___

3. E ___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___






Enter the result.


coordinate.

4. North ___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___

5. + ___ ___ ___

6. N ___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___








“Y” coordinate.

7. E ___, ___ ___ ___, ___ ___ ___

8. N ___, ___ ___ ___, ___ ___ ___ 100 10 One


9. ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___






coordinate.

____ ____ - ____ ____ ____ ____ - ____ ____ - ____ ____ ____ ____ - ____ ____

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1. East ___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___

2. + ___ ___ ___

3. E ___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___






Enter the result.


coordinate.

4. North ___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___

5. + ___ ___ ___

6. N ___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___








“Y” coordinate.

7. E ___, ___ ___ ___, ___ ___ ___

8. N ___, ___ ___ ___, ___ ___ ___ 100 10 One


9. ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___






coordinate.

____ ____ - ____ ____ ____ ____ - ____ ____ - ____ ____ ____ ____ - ____ ____

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SECTION 5 5.1 ASSEMBLY PROCESS A cadastral (property) work map is the graphic compilation of the property data sources. Parcel assembly involves data collection and organization, map compilation, area calculation, assignment of parcel identifiers, storage and filing. A parcel is defined as a single distinct piece of land having defined physical boundaries and capable of being separately conveyed. The quality of the parcel assembly work maps will depend on the collection and organization of property ownership data from the following sources: Assessment Records - Existing assessment records provide a basis to work from. The tax roll or ownership roll lists all known owners in the jurisdiction. Existing maps, property record cards, and tax scrolls can be used to locate owners. Such records may also give the location of property lines, the size of the property, and recorded deed information. Old tax maps are very useful in parcel assembly, but exercise caution in relying too heavily on the old maps. The county should not receive back the same maps from a contractor with the new orthophoto base map being the only new product. Some counties produced tax maps on Soil Conversion Service (SCS) maps and these maps may be useful in locating the parcels for a new mapping project. Public Records - A systematic search must be made of the public records to find copies of all useful recorded documents. With existing assessment records as a guide, the search will produce a deed or a will with information such as property description, grantor and grantee, transfer dates and recording data. Also, public records will provide plats of subdivisions and copies of recorded surveys. Such records include:

• Recorded deeds • Recorded plats • Recorded special proceeding records (Clerk of Court & Register of Deeds Offices) • Recorded land divisions • Recorded subdivisions

Government Records - Government agencies should be contacted for highway right of way maps, annexation maps, zoning maps, public land boundary maps, and other special maps as needed. Private Records - Local surveyors, abstractors, and utility companies should be contacted and attempts made to secure any useful data they have. Unrecorded surveys should be used as additional information and they should be viewed as boundary information or deed plots. If the surveyor is available, he/she should be consulted before the unrecorded survey is used on the parcel map. Also, the unrecorded survey should not be indexed on the subdivision index. Many unrecorded surveys will have notations regarding the reason for its development. An example is "this survey has been prepared as a boundary location and is not intended for recording."

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Once all useful data is collected, it must be organized for ready reference. The reference system used must enable the mapper to find data as needed. MAP COMPILATION Plotting ownership lines and placing them in the proper location on base maps is map compilation or parcel assembly. It requires these steps:

1. Organize the work by township, district, or ward, using the existing ownership roll as a guide.

2. Plot all road right of ways, government boundaries, corporate limit lines, and so-forth.

3. Plot individual properties by existing records, using field verification where necessary.

4. Complete each map sheet, accounting for entire base map area. 5. Resolve all entries on ownership roll.

5.2 TYPES OF BASE MAPS Aerial Photograph Enlargement - An uncontrolled aerial photograph enlargement is essentially the enlargement of a contact print to a desired scale. Tilt and relief displacement have not been removed, therefore, this base is relatively inaccurate. Rectified Aerial Photograph - Rectified aerial photography, in which the effects of tilt displacement have been eliminated, represents a compromise between the aerial photograph enlargement and sterographically prepared bases. Although relief displacement has not been removed from rectified photography, in areas of relatively flat terrain rectified photography provides acceptable base map accuracy. Orthophotograph Base - An orthophoto is a photograph that has images of ground feature in their true map positions, just like a vector map created as two tools in one: a picture and a scalable map. At first glance, an orthophoto looks just like a photo enlargement. But photo enlargements have varying scales because of aircraft tilt, terrain relief and camera lens distortion. Orthophotos have a consistent scale because the effect of tilt, relief, and lens distortion have been removed through a photogrammetric process that creates a new photo negative using the original images "connected" position.

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Planimetric Map Base - The planimetric mapping base is sterographically created from aerial photographs but is not aerial photography. Like the orthophoto base, it is very accurate. Topographic Map Base - It is essentially a planimetric or orthophoto base with contour lines. 5.3 PHOTOGRAMMETRIC BASE MAPPING PROCESS Flight plan The flight line map is the intended track of the aircraft and the center of each film exposure. Overflight The aircraft flies at a designated altitude and exposes the film negatives. Common altitudes are 6,000 feet and 12,000 feet. The film exposures are timed to produce a forward overlap between 60 percent and 80 percent. Sidelap between adjacent flight lines is between 15 percent and 35 percent. Two items affect the film exposure:

Tilt - the tilt of the camera axis from vertical orientation should be within reasonable tolerances. Crab - Crab is the horizontal displacement, or twisting, of a photograph from the flightline axis. It is commonly caused by the pilot turning the aircraft into the wind in order to stay on the flightline.

Photo control and aerialtriangulation Photo control is the paneling of known monuments prior to the overflight. Aerialtriangulation is the measurement of those points on the photograph. Compilation and interpretation In the production of orthophotographs a photogrammetrist must sterographically remove distortion as a result of tilt and relief displacement. Almost all vertical aerial photographs are somewhat oblique (tilted) despite the use of aerial camera stabilizers. Because the camera axis is not directly vertical at the time of the exposure, the image received on the negative is distorted (in shape) and therefore inaccurate (in scale). This is called tilt displacement.

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RECTIFICATION A rectified aerial photograph is one in which the distortions caused by tilt displacement have been removed. Rectification is done by projecting the photo image onto a plane that is adjusted to take out the effects of the original tilt in the negative. Distortions due to relief displacement cannot be eliminated by the rectification process. STEREO TECHNIQUES Photogrammetrist use sophisticated equipment to eliminate relief displacement. Parcel Assembly Assemble the nine parcels that you plotted in exercise 2.2 onto the orthophoto print.

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SECTION 6 MAP MAINTENANCE 6.1 INTRODUCTION Each county in North Carolina is required to list and bill real property owners for the amount of land owned as of each January 1st. (GS 105-285) This mandated task is required whether the county has maps or not. Mapping and listing are the first steps taken towards taxation. Taxation creates revenue. Revenue can’t be collected without the appraiser placing a value on property. The appraiser can’t do that without knowing the property’s location, size & restrictions. This process repeats each and every year as real property is bought and sold continuously, affecting the size and boundary configuration of parcels that were previously mapped during an initial mapping program. A plan for maintenance and timely completion of work is imperative in allowing the Land Records offices to meet the public demand for:

• Updated ownership records that reflect current legal “owner of record” • Current (almost real-time) boundary line locations

As well as the state’s demand for:

• Improved quality of original mapping using current surveys • Protection of its initial investment of the original mapping program

A county can work in a manual or digital environment or a combination of both, however, the same basic principles must be followed to maintain an accurate cadastre’. Maps are not static, they change daily, even if there were no deeds recorded that changed property lines, ownership would still be transferring. It is important for the same principles to be followed in maintaining maps following their initial compilation to ensure consistency. (What constitutes a parcel? When is a subdivision mapped, at the time of recording or at the first sale? How are changes documented? When is a new PIN assigned? How are changes tracked?) And we must acknowledge the old tax maps became a multi-purpose tool and are now being referred to as “Cadastral maps,” as opposed to “tax maps,” as they are no longer localized. We certainly have a greater responsibility now, more than ever, to map according to “the record.”

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6.2 MAINTENANCE PROCESS The following steps should be taken in a cadastral map maintenance program:

• Get deeds and plats from the Register of Deeds office daily. Extra care should be given to

prevent a “missed document.” Count the page numbers and make sure they are consecutive. You need to view every document regardless of its title to determine if it affects taxation in any way. Deeds are separated as straight or complete transfers - (transfers of entire parcels, from one owner to another.), or splits (transfers in which an existing parcel is divided) by checking grantor, township, and legal description. All deeds are compared with the maps.

• Have someone compare each recorded document’s information to what is currently in your database. They should compare listing names and compare legal descriptions. The person reviewing/comparing should be extremely familiar with and have an excellent understanding of all types of recorded documents affecting title.

• PIN numbers are placed on the copied deed and straight transfers are keyed directly into the database(s).

• Splits are worked and maintenance forms may be filled out for all changes to the property ownership (name change, address, deed book/page, acreage, situs address, taxable/exempt status, annexation, street closings, new plat book, correction of property lines, new parcels, notes about chain of title). The action or document necessitating the change should also be shown.

• Plats are worked showing the new interior boundaries and any external boundary changes. Have an NCPMA certified mapper, who is also state certified, complete the redrawing of property boundaries on the map.

• Get Estate files, often containing a Will, from the Clerk of Courts office periodically. Have someone check any real property that is bequeathed, existing parcels of land may be divided up and given to multiple new owners. Other documents found in the Clerk of Superior Court that may transfer ownership are Special Proceedings including private Condemnation actions, Deed of Trust foreclosures and Boundary Line Agreements. The county clerk’s office also indexes Judgments, Leins and Lis pendens.

• Check for annexations and other special district changes with the City Clerk and/or Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. Annexations should be recorded in the Register of Deeds but may be days or even weeks after the annexation has been officially made effective.

• Check with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for changes to the state road network within your county. NCDOT now has a web interface where most counties can download digital plans.

• All changes should be made on the map AND in the corresponding database. A change in the database may affect the map and vice-versa. The map and the database must be in sync.

• ALL CHANGES SHOULD BE EXTENSIVELY DOCUMENTED. You should have a printout or digital record of what the map looked like before you change it (with its size, owner, parcel number, etc noted). You should make note of any correspondence concerning a parcel. Do not forget to note the date and who visited, called, e-mailed, etc,

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and be sure to briefly sum up the conversation. Co-workers and predecessors will refer to these notes many times over the years so be clear in your writing. You may be on the stand in a courtroom and your notes will save the day!

6.3 DOCUMENTS RECORDED WITH THE REGISTER OF DEEDS These are just some of the documents that may affect taxation. Each would need to be read as a documents title may be misleading. Read it and see just what it does. Warranty Deeds Non-Warranty Deeds Quit Claim Deeds Gift Deeds Correction Deeds Deeds of Trust Release Deeds (could be releasing restrictive covenants) Commissioner's Deeds Right of way (DOT) deeds Estoppel Deeds Declaration of Taking Memorandum of Action Consent Judgments Final Judgments Executor/Personal Representative Deeds Renunciations (when person named in an estate as inheriting property rejects the inheritance) Trustee's Deed & Substitute Trustee’s Deed Sheriff's Deed Street closings Deed (with partial release of lien from the City) document transfers ownership and alters a lien Street closings/Withdrawals Easements (from Conservation to sewer, appraisal may need these, too) Annexations Resolutions Terminations Condominium Declarations Name Changes and Assumed Names ( assumed names to business personal property section.) Articles of incorporation (for business section) Certification or partnership (for business section) All Plats Unit of Ownership Plats Declaration of Intent to Affix the Manufactured Home to Real Property

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6.4 KEY POINTS IN A MAP MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

• Maps are public record and are an invaluable asset to various users. A strong maintenance program is crucial to the integrity of the government producing them.

1. Documentation - maintain a written record of when, what, why and how changes were made and by whom, as you must be able to defend and explain actions taken 2. Consistency - all documents/problems must be handled and processed by all in same manner. 3. Follow a set time schedule - your maps are important to users and they must know and expect map maintenance to be on a known time schedule for the information to be of value 4. Thoroughly read and understand all documents - primary source documents are technical and sometimes difficult to interpret - one must be thorough, obtain any other documents referred to, obtain expert assistance or opinions when there are doubts.

Introduction to GIS

Purpose: It is the purpose and intent of this course to expose property mappers to some of the

underlying fundamentals associated with the tools of our trade (more specifically the primary tool of GIS). What is GIS?

Acronym for Geographic Information System (not to be confused with MIS or IS)

Definition: automated system for the capture, storage, retrieval, analysis, and display of spatial data

Spatial Data: (locational information) Two Dimensional: a perspective on space that provides for the concept of area- composed of width and length. Today it is the most commonly used

perspective in cadastral mapping. Three Dimensional: a perspective on space that provides for volume- utilizes the

added dimension of height. Commonly used in such things as video games, flow and plume analysis, as well as terrain modeling.

Non-map spatial data: data that pertains to space or location but in itself has no geographic value, examples would be tax information about a structure. It has no value until it is associated with a point in space.

Discipline is a member of Geographic Information Sciences which also includes: Remote Sensing, Cartography, GPS and Surveying and Spatial database creation and maintenance.

Map and Non-map data structure

Data structure can be defined as the logical organization of information to preserve its integrity and facilitate use. In order to facilitate use of the information we have to have a way to organize and store data physically on some storage medium with a method of representation which allows for symbolization of cartographic objects on maps with relative ease and within a reasonable length of time. Data Models

Raster: the screen or input device is divided into discrete pieces called pixels (short for picture elements) which have a finite size and associated attribute such as color. It is particularly suited for situations where areal definition is paramount. These might include soils, land-use or cover, etc.

Vector: control of the output device is driven by software which moves a pen (plotter) or

point of light (monitor) across a finite field leaving a mark. Particularly suited for maps on which lines are necessary such as topography, pressure isolines, or cadastral maps.

Entity-by-Entity: each object is treated as its own entity without concern for its

neighbor

Topology: each object stores additional data on line direction and adjacency (what is on the other side of the line)

Combination Uses- situations where both raster and vector modeling are incorporated to yield a result. Often a conversion of vector data is utilized to speed up mathematical calculations yielding a less precise result at much greater speed. Strictly vector calculations can be time consuming and CPU intensive yielding a level of precision that is unnecessary.

Non-map data - these data are ‘attached’ or ‘linked’ to graphical objects to facilitate analysis or understanding. Things such as acreage, soil types, land cover types, owner names and values all are representative of non-map data that allow for greater understanding of the map or to allow calculations such as total acreage of each soil and cover type in a single parcel. Geodesy, Map Projections, and Coordinate Systems

Geodesy: The geologic science of the size and shape of the earth

Map projections: The method by which geospatial location is transferred from one surface to another.

Transformations: The process by which data from one projection is converted to data of another projection or different datum.

Coordinate Systems: A grid construct that allows for positioning of an object in space within the context of the projection utilized. Internationally these are generally metric constructs however in the U.S. the use of feet/mile remains very popular and has been difficult to displace as the scale of choice. Metric constructs remain the method of choice in scientific study. Data Capture (Digitizing and Cogo)

Digitizing: (4 Steps)

Preprocess: A paper or other media (mylar is preferred) source map is tailored from specific thematic information consistent with end purpose.

Georegister: The source map is registered to the capture instrument by assigning the appropriate coordinates of at least 2 (two) points (usually the upper right and lower left ‘neat’ corners), collecting both the northing and

easting of each. Through the establishment of these registration points your system can now compute the affine transformations necessary without you having to perfectly orient the map each time you digitize. These registration points must be identified to the appropriate coordinate system (state plane, UTM, Military Grid, Lat./Long., user defined, etc.)

Digitize: The digitizing process begins with defining “control points” and their

coordinates as described above. It is critical that the source be securely located on the digitizer tablet, smoothed and taped. If the map should be moved for any reason it must be reregistered. Ideally, all digitizing should be done at one time, but in most applications this is not possible. Be careful and make sure that proper steps are taken in georegistration because a small error here can lead to complex systematic problems later. Line entry forms include line, chain and node, and are entered from the cursor or ‘puck’ using motion across the map and keys on the device. You add attribute information as you go to each object that you produce. Point information such as text or symbols are then added also using the puck. Most systems also allow direct input from the computer keyboard based on coordinates. You can also choose entry modes such as point mode, stream mode or point select mode to create your chains. These are often dependent on whether you are mapping natural or manmade features. Additional features such as ‘snap’ and ‘join’ are used to assist in space closure and facilitate polygon production.

Edit and Proof: Methods for edit and proof vary greatly depending on the end product desired. This phase must be tailored to each individual project giving appropriate consideration to such things as color/shading, fit, accuracy and precision. Appropriate techniques insure a quality product and should not be neglected. If a contractor is being used a close working relationship should be cultivated to facilitate resolution of errors and inconsistencies.

COGO: Coordinate geometry, plotting from directly inputting point data - can be directly placed into complex maps that are georegistered (note: complications can arise depending on projection systems that do not preaccount for declination variability, as well as incompatible projections or Datum). COGO is better suited for entity-by-entity data structures where each object stands alone and no attention is placed on superfluous polygons and slivers. If used in topological structures significant cleanup effort is generally required to remove duplicate lines, slivers and superfluous polygons.

The practical value of using GIS to manage Land Records

GIS capability and cadastral data: GIS’s are capable of extremely high degrees of precision. This however, should not be confused with accuracy. Accuracy is dependent directly on source material. In most cases, especially when source material is manually produced, the base is not as accurate as the system is capable of producing. For instance, one may, by using COGO, create a closed polygon ‘exactly’ like a surveyor produced and to ‘exactly’ the same precision. However, if a mapper then drafted that onto a source map and digitized it from there the associated precision is gone but the necessary ‘accuracy’ remains. It is important to remember that precision and accuracy are two different things. But,because of its capability in that regard GIS is well suited to create images within necessary accuracy ranges. Data maintenance and volume: Over time the demand for Geographic information has increased dramatically. At the same time (particularly recently) work force size has often remained stagnant or in some cased even been reduced. In this environment the only way to keep up is to automate functions to increase productivity. This is what GIS has done for the Property Mapping community. We can capture, retrieve, display and reproduce geographic information at speeds never before achieved. Could you imagine having to do a days mapping using pen and ink! How about maintaining tax data on paper with pencil! Impact of permanent listing: In the old days, it was the responsibility of the taxpayer to list his or her real estate annually. Permanent listing has changed all that. For those of us that work in counties where permanent listing has been enacted, the responsibility of maintaining the cadastre is solely ours. Modern GIS allows us the speed required to keep a dataset current and within the annual tax window. Data access and output: Quick data access and output allow us to much more quickly answer questions, diagnose problems and deliver maps than was possible in the past. This is a double edged sword. On the one hand it allows us to be more efficient, on the other it encourages heavier use of the system further increasing work loads. Data analysis- decision support: GIS tools and capability are greatly enhanced. Point-in-polygon (PIP): An analytical tool that is commonly used today with cadastral data is the PIP. With the onset of present use valuation the need to quickly run overlay analyses with soils and cover has become extremely important as these are ingredients required by the program. The ability to quickly locate, stack and merge various layers is critical and has been addressed with this tool. Non-map data integration: The ability to link information to the map sheet allows end users to more quickly gather pertinent information in regard to the subject on a single desktop. Query and computational capability: The databases described above also allow for extended computational and query capabilities of importance in decision support situations. Database administrators can develop tremendous capabilities as far as data use. The neat thing is that because the data is linked to the digital map an image of the data can then be produced. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. Modern networking and information availability

on the desktop: Modern computational environments now allow us to ‘pipe’ data all over the place. We use this capability for traffic control and internal efficiency. System design and implementation (time permitting)

Demonstrated need:

Platform Selection

Database Creation Non-map Data

Map Data

Reconciliation

Abstract - A brief statement of facts written in abbreviated words; a statement of the important parts of a deed, deed of trust, or other legal instrument; colloquialism for abstract of title Abstract of Title - A summary of all conveyances, such as deeds, wills, or legal pro9ceedings, giving the names of the parties, the description of the land, and the agreements, arranged to show the continuity of ownership. Abut - To touch, as in "contiguous with," along a border; as his lot abuts the school yard. Abuttals - The boundings of land, showing to what other land, highways, or places they belong, or are abutting. Sometimes used to express the end boundary lines as distinguished from those of the sides. Abutter – Property that touches other property or the owner of property that touches another’s land. Access Rights – The right of ingress or egress from or onto a property which abuts a street or road. Access rights are usually denied to property abutting an Interstate Highway. Accretion – (ə-ˈkrē-shən) – The act of growing land due to natural causes – gradual and imperceptible accumulation out of the sea or a river. There are two kinds of accretion: 1) alluvion – the washing up of sand or soil to form firm ground & 2) dereliction – the shrinkage of the sea to below the normal water level to expose additional land. Acknowledgment – A formal declaration by a person before some public official stating an act or deed is in fact his. Usually done before a notary public. Acre – A measure of land area that is 43,560 square feet in whatever shape (also 160 square rods and 4,840 square yards). Originally described as the amount of land one man could plow with one ox from sunrise to sunset on the summer solstice in Olde England. Acute angle – An angle of less than 90 degrees. Ad Valorem Taxes – Literally means “according to value.” In North Carolina, the taxes imposed by the counties and municipalities on real and personal property “according to the value” of the property at a certain rate. Property Taxes. Addition – In land development, an extension of an existing subdivision which is to be developed at a later date. Adjoiner – Land in contact with the property in question. Can be used to describe the land owner of land in contact with the property in question or the deed for that land. Adverse claim – Assertion of title, right of beneficial use by one party in opposition to the claim of another party where a court opinion may be needed to make a final decision. Adverse possession – method of acquiring title to property by possession for a statutory period of time. Possession must be actual, continuous, open, notorious, exclusive, and hostile. The title can only pass once a judge has ruled thusly. Payment of taxes alone is not sufficient to establish adverse possession.

Aerial Mosaic - An assembly of aerial photographs whose edges have been cut or marked to form a continuous photographic representation of a portion of the earth's surface. Usually assembled from rectified photographs. Aerial photogrammetry – Photogrammetry with the aid of aerial photography. (see photogrammetry) Aerial photography – The art and science of taking aerial photographs of the earth’s surface by cameras mounted in an aircraft. Today’s methods use digital cameras for use in digital orthophotograhs in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). First aerial photographs were taken from balloons, in the 1860’s, during the War of Northern Aggression to ascertain location and troop strengths of the opposing army. Affidavit – A statement or declaration reduced to writing, and sworn to or affirmed to before some officer who has the authority to administer an oath or affirmation, usually a notary public. The person making the “statement” is called the “Affiant.” Affidavit of Recombination – A “Subsequent Instrument” recorded in the Register of Deeds office that allows the owner of two or more contiguous tax parcels to be combined into one tax parcel. Agreement Deed – Usually a written document (a contract) executed by two or more parties or adjoining land owners on the location of their common boundaries, defined in the exercise of good judgment by the parties to the stipulation s as needed for interpretation by disinterested persons, including one qualified in land surveying and as ordinarily required in a deed, subject to judicial opinion in the event of ambiguity or controversy. Agonic line – Line along which the magnetic declination is zero. The line where magnetic north and true north coincide. Alley – A narrow dedicated street. Commonly a way through the middle of a block to give access to the real of properties. Alluvion – ( ə-ˈlü-vē-ən) – Where, from natural causes, land forms imperceptibly on the bank of a river or stream, by either the accumulation of deposits of sand, silt, mud etc. or by the recession of the stream. Such land, called alluvium, belongs to the owner of the bank subject to any existing easements over the bank. The process of land formation is called alluvion or accretion. Along – “Along a line” means on and in the direction of the line. “Along the road” means along the center line or “thread” of the road unless qualifiers are included such as “Along the east side of the road.” “Along the line of someone’s tract” may have changes in direction. Angle – Junction of lines coming from two directions. Angle to left – Angle measured in a counter-clockwise direction from the preceding line to the following line. Angle to the right – Angle measured in a clockwise direction from the preceding line to the following line.

Annexation – Act of attaching, adding, or joining one thing to another. Adding new territory to an incorporated town. Appraisal – An opinion or estimate of value, usually in writing, of an adequately described property, as of a given date. Appurtenance –( ə-ˈpərt-nən(t)s, -ˈpər-tə-nən(t)s) – That which belongs to another thing as principal and passing as incident to it, such as a right of way or other easement to land, a right to the common areas in a subdivision or condominium. In a strict legal sense, land cannot pass as an appurtenance to land. Arbitrary Map – An office “subdivision” map or map made by a title company, tax assessor, or others for their own convenience in locating property in an area in which all descriptions are by metes and bounds and the lots or parcels are given arbitrary numbers. The deeds and other instruments affecting these “lots” are posted to what is called an “arbitrary account.” Arc – Part of a mathematically defined curve. An arc can be curved, elliptical, or straight. A line. Arc length – The measured distance along a curved element. Area – In general, any aggregate of plane spaces to be considered in an investigation; especially the quantity on a horizontal plane enclosed by the boundary of a polygon. Artificial Monument – see Monument, Artificial Assessed value – The value on which property taxes are based. Assessment – A levy of tax against property, also the amount of the tax. Assume Plane Coordinates – A local plane coordinate system set up at the convenience of the user. At – The word “at” when applied to the place or location of an object, is not treated as a definite location. It denotes nearness or proximity, and is less definite than “in” or “on.” A boundary line described as “at a road” without any qualifying terms means to the center of the road. “To,” “on,” “at,” and “by” as stream without qualifying terms means to the limit of private ownership. The word “at” may have elasticity of meaning, depending on how it is used. Avulsion – (ə-ˈvəl-shən) – The sudden and perceptible tearing away or separation of land by violent action of water. The act preformed by a stream when it suddenly breaks through its banks in an unexpected manner, and forms another channel or cuts off a large quantity of land from one owner and adds it to another. Rapid erosion of the shore from waves during a storm. Azimuth – (ˈaz-məth) – The direction measured in a clockwise from a given meridian. The army uses North as the assumed meridian; the Lambert system uses South. If an azimuth is used in a description, the assumed meridian must be defined.

Bank of a Stream – The continuous margin along a river or stream where all upland vegetation ceases. (Right or Left) – When one is facing downstream, the right hand side of the stream is the “Right Bank” and the land hand side of the stream is the “Left Bank.” Base Map – A map showing certain fundamental information, copies of which are used to compile additional data of specialized nature, a source map. Bathmetric Map – A map portraying varying water depths with different colors of blue. Lighter shades indicating shallow depths to the bottom and darker blues indicating deeper depths. Batture – Term used to denote a bed of sand, stone or rock rising toward the surface of a body of water. As used in Louisiana, it applied to portions of the bed of the Mississippi River that are exposed at low water and covered at high water. Beach – Used in conjunction with boundary lines, the word “beach” may mean the seaside or the landside of the beach. The meaning intended in a deed depends on the other words used in the deed and upon the surrounding circumstances. In the absence of qualifying terms, “beach” often conveys to the limit of private ownership, this giving the greatest advantage to the buyer. Bearing – The direction of one point or object, with respect to another, where the direction of the line is expressed by the acute angle with respect to the reference meridian. The reference direction can be North or South and the meridian may be assumed, grid, magnetic, astronomic, or geodetic. Typical bearings are N30° 25' 54"E or S17° 48' 09' 17"W. Being – Usually denotes a secondary call as “to the northeast corner of Brown’s land, being also a 2" iron pipe.” The 2" iron pipe is usually the secondary or informative call, whereas “Brown’s corner” is the superior call. A “being clause” is frequently a controlling call. Being Clause – The “being clause” of a deed denotes the origin or history of the present deed, such as “being the same land conveyed to Brown in Deed Book 864, at page 752, of the ______ County Registry.” If a change is made in the wording of a deed, a being clause should always be included. Reference to a being clause generally does not operate to enlarge or restrict a particular and sufficient description of land conveyed. Blaze – A mark on a tree caused by cutting off the bark and a porting of the live wood. Block – A portion of a town or city enclosed by streets (usually square or rectangular shaped). A block can be completely vacant, partially vacant and partially occupied by structures, or totally occupied by structures. Boundary – A line of demarcation between adjoining parcels of land. The parcels may have the different ownership or the same ownership but distinguished, at some time, by a separate legal description. The boundary may be marked on the ground by monuments placed for the purpose of showing the edge of ownership (fences, hedges, ditches etc) or may not be visible on the ground.

Boundary Line Agreement – An agreement between two property owners fixing the location of a boundary line when the descriptions of the parcels are vague or imprecise or there is a conflict in the descriptions such as an overlap by the descriptions. A “deed” of the agreement must be filed in the Register of Deeds office following any survey to affect the title of the parcels involved. Only recording a plat showing the agreement does not constitute the agreement itself and has no impact on the title of the parcels. The plat is simply a graphic depiction of the agreement and is null until the plat is called for in a duly recorded deed or boundary line agreement. Boundary Survey – A survey made to establish or to re-establish a boundary line on the ground. The term is generally restricted to surveys of boundary lines between political divisions. The term “land survey” is preferred for surveys between privately owned parcels. Bounds – Refers to the adjoiner or that adjoining a parcel of land. Usually referred to in legal descriptions as “being bounded by . . . “ By – In a deed, “by a road” is construed to mean including the land to the center of the street or road, but “by the east side” means along the east side and not along the center line. CAD – Computer Assisted Drawing, process for interactively creating, modifying and manipulating spatial data or information. Cadastral Map – (kə-ˈdas-trəl) – A graphic representation or map of the Cadastre. A map showing the boundaries of subdivisions of land or parcels, usually with length of property lines and may include bearings of the individual tracts for the purpose of describing and recording ownership. May also show culture, drainage, easements, and other features relating to the value and use of land. Cadastre – (kə-ˈdas-tər) – The official records of quantity, value, and ownership of real estate. The records are found in the Register of Deeds Office and in the Clerk of Courts Office – includes deeds, easements, wills, estate files, and judgments used in apportioning taxes. Calculated Acreage – The area of a parcel as calculated by the GIS as being inside the boundary line of the parcel. The Attorney General issued an opinion that land owned by an individual but was inside the road right-of-way should not be taxed. Without a survey to definitively determine the acreage inside or outside the right-of-way, the acreage in a parcel would have to be calculated. Call – The designation of visible natural objects, monuments, courses, distances, or other matter of description as the limits of the boundaries. Locative calls are particular or specific calls exactly locating a point or line. Descriptive calls are general or directory calls which merely direct the attention to the neighborhood in which the specific calls are to be found. Cardinal Direction – Either due north, due east, due south, or due west. Cartographer – (kär-ˈtä-grə-fər) – One who practices the science and art of cartography. Cartography – (kär-ˈtä-grə-fē) – The art and science of expressing graphically, by maps and charts, the known physical features of the earth. Mapping.

Center Line – street – the line midway between the edges of or sidelines of the street pavement or the street right-of-way. Stream – the line midway down the stream equal distance from the right and left banks. Can be different from the main channel of the stream. Chain – A land surveyor’s tool to measure land. A chain is 66 feet long and consists of 100 links each measuring 7.92 inches. Chain of Title – The chronological list of documents which comprise the history of title of a specific parcel or piece of real estate. Chattel – (ˈcha-təl) – An item of tangible movable or immovable property except real estate and things (buildings) connected with real property. Chord – (ˈkȯrd) – A straight line connecting two points on a curve. Chord (route surveying) – Chord used in highway and other surveys to indicate a straight line between two points on a curve, regardless of the distance between them Chord, long – On a simple curve, the chord or straight line, extending from the point of curvature to the point of tangency. Clear Title – Good title; marketable title; one free from encumbrance, obstruction, burden or limitation. Cloud on Title – An outstanding claim or encumbrance which if valid will affect or impair the owner’s title; a judgment or dower interest. Color of Title – If a claim to a piece of real property is based upon some written instrument, although a defective one, the person is said to have color of title. Commencing At – A deed description beginning with “Commencing at” means that the description is starting at a reference point that is not part of the boundary being described and is used as a locator for the boundary. Common Law – Represents the determination of what is right and wrong as found by the courts to which various cases have been submitted by parties to legal actions. (see Unwritten Law) Commissioners’ Deed – Deed from court appointed commissioners usually to settle a land dispute. Concave – The inside of a curve; towards the center of the circle (if the curve were to make a complete circle). Conditions – Restrictions created by a qualification annexed to the estate by the grantor of a deed, upon breach of which the estate is defeated and reverts to the grantor or his designee. Consideration – The inducement to a contract or other legal transaction, usually money but can be anything which moves a party to enter into a contract. Contour Line – An imaginary line on the ground connecting all points of the same elevation above or

below some point. Contour Map – A topographic map portraying surface relief by using contour lines. Convex – The outside of a curve. Convey – To pass or transmit title of property from one individual or entity to another; to transfer property or title to property by muniment, or instrument of title ie: deed or will. Conveyance – A written instrument which passes an interest in or title to property from one person to another. Coordinates – Linear or angular quantities that designate the position of a point in a given reference system. Correction Deed – (See Deed of Correction) Course – 1) The bearing of a line; also the bearing and length of a line. 2) The azimuth and length of a line, considered together. Covenant – A promise, incorporated in a trust indenture or other formal instrument, to perform certain acts or to refrain from the performance of certain acts such as restrictive covenants. Cul-de-sac – Dead-end street which widens enough at the end allowing automobiles to make U-Turns. Cultural Details – Features of the terrain that have been constructed by man. Included are items such as roads, buildings, and canals; boundary lines; and, in a broad sense, all names and legends on a map. Curtesy – (ˈkər-tə-sē) – The right or rights which a man has in his wife’s estate at the time of her death – compare to “Dower.” Curves – (1) Center of line of a Curve is the mid-point along the arc of the curve and is not the “center of the circle” describing the curve. (2) Parallel Curves are curves that are arcs of circles that are concentric. (3) Radius of a Curve stops at the arc of the curve. A description intending to extend beyond the arc should state “and on the prolongation of the radius”. (4) Reverse Curves are tangent at the point of reversal. (6) Tangent Curves have a common tangent where the curves meet. (7) Spiral Curve have varying radius connecting a circular curve and a tangent, or two circular curve whose radii are, respectively, longer and shorter than its own extreme radii. Datum – Any numerical or geometrical quantity or set of such quantities which may serve as a reference or base for other quantities. For a group of statistical references, the plural form is data – as geographic data for a list of latitudes and longitudes. Where the concept is geometrical and the particular, rather than statistical and inclusive, the plural form is datums, as, for example, several datums have been used in the United States in recent years. Decedent – A deceased person. Decree – A judgment by the court in a legal proceeding.

Decree of Distribution – The judicial decision made by a probate court determining who is legally entitled to the real estate and personal property of a decedent. Deed – An instrument in writing which, when executed and delivered, conveys an estate in real property or an interest therein. There are numerous types of deeds. Warranty Deed, Non-warranty Deed, Quitclaim, Special Warranty Deed, Commissioners Deed, and Trustee Deed, Deed of Trust to name a few. In North Carolina, a valid deed must have: 1) A competent grantor, 2) A grantee capable of holding title, 3) Sufficient description of the property, 4) Operative words of conveyance, 5) Proper execution by the grantor, 6) Proper delivery, and 7) Acceptance by the grantee that is adequate in law. Deed Book – A book of public record, part of the Cadastre, found in the Register of Deeds Office containing all property transfer deeds, easements, deeds of trusts, power of attorney forms. Old records were actually in large ledger-sized books. Most Register of Deeds offices keep these records digitally but still use a “Deed Book” and “Page” number as a reference to the document. Deed Description – The exact location of a piece of property stated to make it unique from any other parcel stated in terms of plat reference; metes and bounds; lot, block and tract; or section, township and range. Deed of Correction – A deed recorded to correct a scrivener error. Care should be exercised to ensure that a Correction Deed or Deed of Correction is not used to try and “clear up” some error in title made by a mistake in describing of property. For instance, if a deed for a parcel of land referenced the wrong parcel of land, the grantee would actually own the wrong parcel of land, if the grantor actually owned the parcel described in the deed. Title to the parcel may have vested with the grantee and a correction deed would not change his ownership. Deed of Trust – A deed which establishes a trust. It generally is an instrument which conveys legal title to the property to a trustee and states his authority and the conditions binding upon him in dealing with the property held in trust. Generally used to secure lenders against loss. – a mortgage. Deed Stamps - An excise tax imposed on any instrument conveying any interest in real property. The selling price of the property can be determined from the amount of the stamps placed on the document. GS 105-228.30 states one dollar for each $500 or fractional part thereof. It is easier to determine the declared sales price by using two dollars per $1,000. For example, a deed with stamps of $68 would indicate a selling price of $34,000. Divide 68 by 2 then multiple by 1,000. Following is a partial Excise tax stamp history in North Carolina: (source: North Carolina Guidebook for Registers of Deeds 10th edition – Charles Sypszak)

The deed stamp excise tax, as it exists today in North Carolina, began in 1968. Prior to 1968, it was a federal tax. From 1968 through July 1991 the county retained the entire tax. Since August 1991, when the excise tax was doubled, the county retains 51% and 49% goes to the state. This 49% is split between Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources. Degree – The measurement of the width of an angle. One degree is equal to one 360th of the circumference of a circle. Degree of a Curve – Along railroads the degree of curve is the central angle of a curve subtended by a 100-foot chord on the said curve. Along highways, the degree of curve is usually, but not always, defined as the central angle subtended by a 100-foot arc of said curve. Delta – Angle at the center of a circular curve where the radii from the points of tangency intersect. Digital – Anything in a computer-readable format, usually stored electronically on a hard drive. Can be stored on magnetic tape, or disk. Spatial or attribute data stored in an electronic format, digital units, on a hard drive. Discrete numerical representation of information vs. analog representation. Digital Elevation Models – Digital cartographic representation of a terrain surface or a subsurface feature as defined by a series of three-dimensional coordinate values. Also referred to as “DEM” Distance Between Points – Always assumed to be the shortest possible horizontal distance unless otherwise specified.

District – An area within a city, county, or state, set off from the surrounding territory for special reasons, such as a school district, historic district, or a voting district. Dower – That portion of, or interest in, the real estate of a deceased husband which the law gives to his widow during her life – compare to “Curtesy”. Due – Where monuments or other deed terms do not limit the calls, “Due north” means “astronomical north.” “Due north” as originally used meant “true north” as determined by a declination correction to a magnetic reading. The word has become ambiguous in meaning because of carless usage. If astronomical north is meant in a deed description, “astronomical north” should be used not “true north.” Easement – Interests in land created by grant (deed), reservation, dedication, or prescription which confers a right or restricts a right to a property or parcel. There are two types of Easements: “Easement Appurtenant” and “Easement in Gross.” An easement must have a Dominant Tract – parcel benefited – and a Servient Tract – a parcel subject to the easement. An easement cannot be given to oneself. An easement must be recorded in the county or counties where the land lies to be effective. Easement Appurtenant – Attached to and passes with the benefited property as an associated right of ownership. Easement passes even without reference to the easement in a muniment. An example of an Easement Appurtenant is driveway to a landlocked parcel across another person’s property. Easement by Dedication – Certain rights granted to the public, typically in the form of a street right-of-way. Proposed easements shown on a plat have no effect until a muniment has been recorded in the Register of Deeds Office that makes reference to that particular plat. Before an easement by dedication is created, the landowner must make an offer of dedication and a public agency must accept the offer. Many offers of dedication are make expressly by showing dedicated streets on a subdivision plat and that plat being used as a description in muniment or document of title. Easement by Grant – The owner of the servient tract executes a document similar to a deed, often called a deed of easement, and gives the easement rights to another. Easement by Reservation – An easement created when the owner of a parcel of land transfers ownership of the parcel to another person and keeps or reserves an easement to the parcel by language in the deed of transfer. Easement by Prescription – A right to use another’s property which is not inconsistent with the owner’s rights and which is acquired by use. The use must be open, notorious, adverse, and continuous. In North Carolina the statutory period is 20 years. Easement in Gross – A personal interest or right to use the land of another person that usually ends with the death of the grantee. It is not appurtenant to any estate in land and not belonging to any person or entity by virtue of their ownership of an estate in other property. An example of an easement in gross is power line easements held by a utility or the right of Farmer Brown to use a cartway to access a fishing pond.

Easterly – In an eastern direction. Without any other information, this can be anywhere from Northeast to Southeast. If plotting a deed with a call using “easterly” start by using due east then make adjustments to best approximate the intended call. Egress – Act or right of going out from a place or parcel. Eminent Domain – The right or power of a governmental entity to take private property for public use by paying the owner a just compensation for the property. Encroach – (in-ˈkrōch) – To intrude or advance beyond the proper or usual limits, such as one property moving onto an adjoining property with a building, driveway, or fence etc. Encumbrance – (in-ˈkəm-brən(t)s) – Any right to, or interest in, land which may subsist in another to diminution of its value but consistent with the passing of the fee. A claim, lien, charge, or liability attached to and binding real property; e.g. mortgage, judgment, lien, lease, easement, accrued and unpaid taxes are all examples of encumbrances. Escheat – (is-ˈchēt, ish-ˈchēt) – The reversion of property to the state when there are no legal heirs of the decedent. Escrow – A deed delivered to a disinterested person to be delivered to the grantee upon the fulfillment or performance of some act or condition. Also money or something of value deposited with a disinterested person to be released ot another person upon the fulfillment or performance of some act or condition, or to be returned to the depositor if those acts or conditions are not performed or fulfilled. Estate by the Entirety – Property owned concurrently by a husband and wife. Estate by the entirety can only exist with a husband and wife. Estate by the entirety can be created by: 1) a named man “and wife” or 2) a named woman “and husband” or 3) two named persons not identified in the conveyance as husband and wife, if at the time of the conveyance are legally married; unless a contrary intention is expressed in the conveyance. Also called Tenancy by the Entirety. At the death of either spouse, the surviving spouse automatically becomes the sole owner of the property. Estate File – File in the Clerk of Court’s Office holding the last will and testament and documents dealing with the estate of a decedent. The file indicates the executor or executrix, the heirs of the decedent, an inventory of the property of the decedent and how the property of the decedent is to be divided. In North Carolina, estate files are numbered by the year in which the file was created in the Clerk’s Office using the last two digits of the year, followed by an “E” to indicate “Estate” then numbered numerically starting at the first of each year. The first number of the estate file is often the same as the year in which the decedent died, but not absolute. Files are generally created about a month after the person dies. Persons dying in December would have the next year on their estate file. An estate file can also be created years after the person died. In North Carolina, estate files have been established in the Clerk of Courts office for each person with an estate to be settled. Estoppel – (e-ˈstä-pəl) – A legal bar to alleging or denying a fact because of one’s own previous actions to the contrary. If a Billy Bob makes a deed as the grantor to land which he did not own to Sadie Mae , then the land is deeded to Billy Bob at a later date, the land would automatically belong to Sadie Mae. Because Billy Bob’s deed to Sadie Mae would “estop” Billy Bob from selling or claiming any rights to the land because of his previous action of deeding it to Sadie Mae.

E t al – An abbreviation of “et alius” meaning “and another. The plural is “et ali” meaning and others. Masculine form is “et alii,” feminine is “et alia,” and the neuter form is “et alia.” Et ux. – An abbreviation of “et uxor” meaning “and wife.” Et Sec. – Latin phrase meaning “and the following.” Et Vir. – Latin phrase meaning “and husband.” Examiner – A person who analyzes the chain of title to land and passes on validity of instruments and then renders an opinion. Executor’s Deed – Deed from the executor (or an executrix) of an estate to settle the estate of a decedent. Exception - Excepting – An exception withdraws a part of the thing described as granted, and which would pass but for the expecting clause. The word “except” mean “not included.” “Lot 12 excepting the east 30 feet” clearly conveys all of Lot 12 west without the eastern 30 feet. “Lot 12 and 13, except the east 30 feet” is not clear since the exception could apply to only one of the lots or to both lots. “Lot 12 and lot 13 except the east 30 feet of lot 13” is better since it stipulates where the 30 feet is located. Exception Doubled – Doubled exceptions should always be avoided. “Lot A, except the east 50 feet, except the south 50 feet” can be construed to have two meanings. One meaning could be the east 50 feet of lot A and the south 50 feet of Lot A. The second meaning could be that the south 50 feet of east 50 feet is reserved by the grantor. In a double exception, the second exception may refer to the lot or to the exception itself. Extrinsic Evidence – Extrinsic evidence is evidence of matter not contained in the writings, but offered to clear up ambiguity. Fee – An estate of inheritance in land. Fee Simple – An absolute fee; a fee without limitations to any particular class of heirs or restrictions, but subject to the limitations of eminent domain, escheat, police power, and taxation. An inheritable estate. Foreclosure – To shut out or to bar. A termination of all rights of the mortgagor or his grantee in the property covered by the mortgage. The process by which a mortgagor of real property subject to a lien is deprived of his interest therein. Procedure by which mortgaged property is sold on default of the mortgagor in satisfaction of mortgage debt. Free Boundary – A boundary that is not limited by a call for a monument as “thence north 12° East 210 feet. The call “Thence North 12° East, 689 feet to Brown’s south line” is not a free boundary since it calls for the “monument “ of Brown’s south line.

General Warranty Deed – A deed where the grantor warrants, or guarantees, the title to the property has been transferred to the grantee. The grantor, in effect, stands behind the title and will make good to the grantee any loss incurred from a defect in or encumbrance on the title, regardless of when the defect or encumbrance occurred. Geocode – A code (numerical) used to locate or identify a point, such as the center of a parcel. Geographic Position – Geographic coordinate, a system for defining the position of points on the earth, such as a northing and an easting position based on a state plane coordinate system. Georeferencing – Connecting map features to actual points on the earth. Gift Deed – A deed to a parcel or parcels of land given for love and affection without monetary compensation to the grantor from the grantee. Given to the grantee as a gift. A gift deed must be recorded in the Register of Deeds Office within two years of the signing of the deed by the grantor(s) to be effective. Any gift deed not recorded within the two year period is invalid and will not transfer the property from the grantor to the grantee. GIS – Geographic Information System (1) an overall term encompassing the entire field of computerized mapping. (2) Also considered as a specific subset of the overall field. According to “Understanding GIS” (ESRI, Redlands California) a true GIS can be used to perform each of the following functions:

1) The GIS can answer what exists at a specific location. The location can be described using place name, ZIP code, latitude and longitude, or other location system (such as state plane).

2) The GIS can find locations satisfying specific conditions (e.g. undeveloped parcels of land zoned for light industry, at least 10 acres in size, within railroad access).

3) The GIS can spot changes in an area over a certain period of time. 4) The GIS can find patterns. For example, it could test the hypothesis that proximity to PCB-laden

transformers is a factor in the incidence of cancer in children. 5) The GIS could model various scenarios. For example, if 10 inches of rain fell in a certain

watershed, where would flooding occur and at what hour? Global Positioning System (GPS) – The Navigation Satellite Timing and Ranging (NAVASTAR) GPS is a passive, satellite-based system operated and maintained by the Department of Defense (DOD). A GPS receiver is simply a range measurement device: distances are measured between the receiver point and the satellites, and the position is determined by the intersections of ranger vectors. These distances are determined by a GPS receiver which actually measures the time it takes a signal to travel from the satellite to the station. GPS coordinates – A system of locating any position on or above the earth by the triangulation of satellite signals. Gore – An irregularly shaped tract of land, generally triangular, left between two adjoining surveyed tracts because of inaccuracies in one or both of the boundary surveys or as a remnant of a systematic survey.

Government Survey – (US Rectangular Land Survey) In 1785, the US Congress authorized the first land survey of the United States. It specified that this survey should divide the unsettled land into rectangles approximately 6 miles square. These rectangles were referred to as townships. The townships were to be surveyed from an east-west base line and from north-south principal meridians. Using this method, most land west of the original 13 colonies was divided for sale to settlers. To identify the townships, each was given an identification in which it was referred to by it relation to the base line and meridian. Horizontal tiers of townships were laid off north and south from the base line and numbered consecutively. Vertical columns of townships were called ranges were laid off to the east and west of the principal meridian and numbered accordingly. The townships can be identified by listing the township tier number and the range number, such as township 2 north, range 2 west. Each township was usually divided into 36 sections of approximately one-mile square containing 640 acres. This may vary considerably at rivers or where the base lines or meridians converge, but generally holds true. Grant – 1) The transfer of real property by deed. 2) Thing or property granted; gift; specifically, a tract of land, a monopoly or the like granted by the government. Grant Deed – A deed conveying the fee title of the land described and owned by the grantor. If at a later date the grantor acquires a better title to the land conveyed, the grantee immediately acquires a better title without formal documents (after rights). In some states, by law, the grantor warrants the deed against acts of his own volition. Grantee – the person, to whom a grant is made, the one who acquires property, the buyer. Grantor – The person by whom a grant is made, the one who transfers the property, the seller. Grid – A uniform system of rectilinear lines superimposed on aerial photographs, Orthophotos, mosaics, maps, charts, and other representations of the earth’s surface; used in defining the coordinate positions of points. Ground Control Points – Points on the surface of the earth with known coordinate as represented by some geographic grid system. Ground Pixel Resolution – The amount of area on the ground that is “covered” by a single pixel in the digital image. Habendum Clause – The portion of a deed beginning with the words, “To have and to hold” usually following the granting part of the premises of a deed which defines the extent of the ownership. Heirs & Assigns – Unless the words “and his heirs” re used, the estate conveyed is only for the life of the grantee (life estate). “And his heirs” is not necessary in most states because statutes have abolished the necessity. “And assigns” is included to take care of corporations, trustees, etc., do not have heirs. Hack – A mark on a tree made by cutting a “V” notch well into the live wood.

High Water Line – The place on the bank or shore up to which the presence and action of water are so usual and long continued as to impress on the bed of the stream a character distince from that of the banks with respect to vegetation and the nature of the soil. In tidal water, the high-water line is, in strictness the intersection of the plane of the mean high water with the shore. The high-water line is the boundary line between the bed and the bank of a stream. High -Water Mark – An established reference mark on a structure or natural object which indicates the maximum observed stage of tide, stream, or lake elevation. Highway Right-of-Way – Normally the limit of property acquired to build a highway or road. Usually marked by monuments or fences. Right-of-ways that exist with no formal documentation being recorded are a prescriptive easement and the limit is the area being used. I.e. Ditch bank to ditch bank. Incumbrance – See Encumbrance Index Map – A map of smaller scale on which is depicted the location (with accompanying designations) of specific data, such as a larger scale topographic quadrangles or geodetic control. Ingress – A place or right to enter onto a person’s property. Intestate – A person who dies without having made a will is said to have died “intestate”. Isogonic Chart or Map – (ī-sə-ˈgä-nik) – A map or chart showing the isogonic lines properly labeled with their magnetic declinations. Lines of equal annual change in the declinations are also generally shown. Isogonic Line – A line joining points on the earth’s surface having magnetic declination as of a certain date. Isoline – (ˈī-sō-ˌlīn) – A line on a map where all points along the line represent the same value, i.e. elevation or magnetic declination, or temperature. Joint Tenancy – A form of concurrent ownership. Created when a grantor or devisor conveys land to more than one person in the same instrument as “joint tenants.” In common law, joint tenancy automatically carried a right of survivorship just as estate by entirety. In North Carolina, this has been abolished by statute; however the right of survivorship can be created by the deed or instrument creating the joint tenancy with the inclusion of “with rights of survivorship.” Without the statement “with rights of survivorship” the decedents share would pass by will or intestate succession. Juxtaposition of Numbers – Figures used in a description which have differing units as “thence easterly along the north line of lot 21, 21 feet” can easily be changed to “2,121 feet “ or “2121 feet.” The insertion of a phrase as “thence easterly along the north line of lot 21, a distance of 21 feet” is better. Land Survey – The process of determining boundaries of a tract or parcel of land to establish or re-establish the corners and lines between different parcels.

Latitude – The imaginary lines on the surface of the earth that measure the angular distance north or south of the equator at a meridian. The length of a degree of latitude varies on account of the flattening of the earth at the poles. One degree measures 68.704 statute miles at the equator and 69.407 at the poles. Lines of latitude begin counting at the Equator, 0° Latitude, and go to 90° North or South Latitude – the North and South poles. Legal Monument – See Monument, Legal LiDAR – Light Detection and Ranging – an optical remote sensing technology measuring the distance to the target by illuminating the target with pulses of light then measuring the time it takes the light pulses to “bounce” back to the receiver from the surface of the target. LiDAR is used to make a three dimensional representation of the surface of the earth used in North Carolina for flood mapping purposes and orthophotography. Link – One hundredth of a surveyor’s chain. A linear measure of .66 of a foot or 7.92 inches. Lis Pendens – literally means “a suit pending.” A written notice of a pending suit that has been filed in the Clerk or Courts office involving the title to real property or some interest in the property. Notice to the defendant who owns the property and potential buyers or financiers is given by the filing of the lis pendens. The lis pendens must include a legal description of the real property, and the lawsuit must involve the property. Longitude – The imaginary line measuring the angle between the plane of a given meridian and the plane of the Prime Meridian. Longitude measures from 0° to 360° around the globe. A particular longitude line runs from the north pole to the south pole, rather than around the entire globe. Longitude lines and Latitude lines always form a 90° angle on the surface of the earth, but may be show as 90° on a map, depending on the size of the area depicted on the map. Lot – A plot or parcel of land, generally in a subdivision, a building site. In old plats, lots would sometimes be 25 feet wide. This allowed buyers to choose the number of lots they wanted to buy. One buyer might be able to afford six or seven lots where another could only afford four lots. The lot lines would be shown on the tax maps as dashed lines. Generally excludes any portion of a street even if the lot lines technically go to the center of the street. Lot Line – The line on a map or plat creating the lot or parcel. The lot line is permanent and does not change with street openings. Low -Water Mark – The line defined by the boundary of a body of water at its lowest stage. Magnetic Meridian – The vertical plane where a free suspended, symmetrically magnetized needle, without outside interferences, influences or disturbances will come to rest. Map – A representation of a portion of the earth’s surface, generally on a plane surface or flat medium (a globe is a map), showing the relative size and position of features at some given scale or projection. A map may emphasize, generalize, or omit the representation of certain features to satisfy specific requirements of the particular map. Maps are frequently categorized and referred to according to the type of information which they are intended to portray to distinguish them from other types of maps. The types of maps are virtually limitless but a few are: Topographic Map – A map which represents the

horizontal and vertical positions of the features; distinguished from a Planimetric Map by the addition of relief in measurable form. A topographic map uses contours or comparable symbols to show mountains, valleys, and plains; and in the case of hydrographic charts, symbols and numbers to show depths in bodies of water. Control Map – A topographic map which portrays relief by means of contour lines. Planimetric map – A map which presents the horizontal positions only for the features represented; distinguished from a topographic map by the omission of relief in measurable form. Base Map – A map showing certain fundamental information, used as a base upon which additional data of specialized nature is compiled. Also, a map containing all information from which maps showing specialized information can be prepared; a source map. Cadastral Map – A map showing the boundaries of subdivisions of land or parcels, usually with length of property lines and may include bearings of the individual tracts for the purpose of describing and recording ownership. May also show culture, drainage, easements, and other features relating to the value and use of land. Special Purpose Map – Any map designed primarily to meet specific requirements. Usually the map information portrayed on these maps is emphasized by omitting or subordinating nonessential or less important information. A word or phrase is usually employed to describe the type of information which a special purpose map is designed to present such as a route map or an index map. Map Legend – A description, explanation, table of symbols, and other information printed on a map or chart to provide a better understanding and interpretation of the map. Map Scale – The ratio of distance on a photograph or map to the corresponding distance on the ground. The scale of a photograph varies from point to point due to displacements caused by tilt, and relief, but is usually computed as “F/H” where “F” is the principal distance of the camera and “H” is the height of the camera above mean ground elevation. Scale may be expressed as a ratio, such as 1:24,000; a representative fraction, 1/24,000. Scale is often expressed as an equivalence such as 1 inch on the map equals 2,000 feet on the ground. Mean High Tide – The average height of the tide between all the lowest high tides and the highest high tides as measured over a period of 19 years. Meander Line – A term used in the public-land surveys to denote a metes-and bounds traverse approximately along the mean high water line of a permanent natural body of water. By following the sinuosities of the bank or shoreline, the meander line provides data for computing the area of land remaining after the water area has been segregated. A meander line differs from other metes-and bounds surveys I that it does not ordinarily determine or fix the boundaries. Meridian – A north-south reference line, particularly running from the North Pole to the South Pole. Meridian lines are not parallel as they all converge at the poles. Practically within the limits of a property survey, all north-south lines are considered parallel. Metadata – Literally data about data. Metadata is the information concerning the source, derivation, construction, changes, and characteristics of the data. Metes and Bounds – A method of describing land by measure of length (metes) of the boundary line (bounds). Most common method is to recite direction and length of each line as one would walk around the perimeter. In general the “metes and bounds” can be recited by reference to record, natural, or artificial monuments at the corners; and record , natural or cultural boundary lines.

Minute – A measurement of an angle, 1/60th of one degree of an angle. Monument – A physical structure which marks the location of a corner or other survey point. In public-land surveys, the term “corner” is employed to denote a point determined by the surveying process, whereas the “monument” is the physical structure erected to mark the corner point upon the earth’s surface. Monument and corner are not synonymous, but are often used interchangeably. Monument, Artificial – A relative permanent manmade object used to identify the location of a survey station or corner. Objects used as artificial monuments include old axels, fence posts, concrete pillars, and nails to name a few. Monument, Legal – Any monument controlling in a legal description. It is often limited in meaning so as to be synonymous with record monument. Monument, Natural – Natural monuments are the permanent objects which are the works of nature, such as streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, trees, ledges, and rock outcrops. Monument, Physical – An existing feature such as a stone, stake, tree, hill, ocean, river or lake. Monument, Record – An adjoiner property called for in a deed such as a street or a particular parcel of land. Frequently the boundary line of the adjoiner is referred as the record monument; actually the entire property, rather than the line is the monument. Physical monuments may or may not mark a record monument. More or Less – The words more or less in their ordinary use are to be taken as words of caution, denoting some uncertainty in the mind of one using them and desire not to misrepresent. When used in connection with quantity and distance, “more or less” are words of safety and precaution, intended to merely to cover some slight or unimportant inaccuracy. When “125 feet more or less to the point of beginning” is used in a deed, the more or less indicates that the 125 feet is an informative term, where as “to the point of beginning” is the controlling term. “About 12 acres more or less” is indefinite and should be avoided since the word “about” is very broad in meaning. Muniment – (ˈmyü-nə-mənt) – The evidence or document that enables one to defend the title to an estate or a claim to rights or privileges. A document of title. Nadir - (ˈnā-ˌdir, ˈnā-dər) The point in an aerial photograph that is directly below the camera. Nadir photography allows tall buildings to be photographed without distortion introduced into the photograph by “building lean” because the camera was not directly over the building. Natural Monument – See Monument, Natural Mylar – Plastic or polyester film used for surveys and plats to be recorded in the Register of Deeds Office. The term is used generically to refer to polyester film or plastic sheet but Mylar is the registered trademark of Dupont. The correct generic term is “Polyester Film” or “Plastic Sheet.” Neatline – The border line which indicates the limits of an area shown on a map or chart. Nonwarranty Deed – See Quitclaim Deed

Normal – In general, a straight line perpendicular to a surface or to another line. A condition of being perpendicular to a line. A line that is 90° to another line. Normal to a curve is a radial line. North – The word “North,” as used in the descriptive call of a deed, may be controlled or qualified I its meaning by other words of description used with it, yet when it is not qualified by other words, it must be construed as meaning “Due North.” “True North” is the direction of the north geographical pole; “Magnetic North,” the direction as determined by the earth’s magnetic lines of force; “Compass North,” the direction north as indicated by a magnetic compass; “Grid North,” an arbitrary reference direction used with a grid system such as the North Carolina State Plane Coordinate System. North Carolina State Plane Coordinate System – A grid coordinate system prepared by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey. The official survey base for the State of North Carolina as adopted by the North Carolina General Assembly. Defined by the Legislature as a Lambert conformal projection of Clarke’s spheroid of 1866 having a central meridian 79°-00’ West from the Greenwich Meridian and standard parallels of 34° 20’ and 36° 10’ north of the equator. The state plane system is measured in feet and the point of origin for the North Carolina grid is in Alabama, thereby giving all locations in the state a positive number from the point of origin. Northeasterly – A general direction call that defines the direction within 22 ½ ° of Northeast. Northerly – A general direction call that defines the direction within 22 ½ ° of North. Northwesterly – A general direction call that defines the direction within 22 ½ ° of Northwest. Oblique angle – An acute or an obtuse angle. Obtuse angle – An angle greater than 90° but less than 180°. On Record – A deed, plat, easement etc is said to be “on record” when it has been filed or registered at the Register of Deeds Office in the county in which the land lies and made a matter of public record. Ordinance – A law or regulation made by a municipal or county government. Orthoimages – (ˈȯr-thō) – Corrected or “straight images.” When images are made of large areas of the earth, they are skewed by the angle of the earth to the camera, the curvature of the earth, surface irregularities, etc. Orthoimages have been “corrected” to remove these distortions. Orthophotograph – A photograph having the properties of an orthographic projection. It is derived from a conventional perspective photograph by simple or differential rectification so that the image displacements caused by camera tilt and the relief of the terrain are removed. Orthorectification – Correcting a image (see Orthoimages) Overlap – An area of conflict by being described in two deeds or shown on two different surveys as part of the respective parcel in the deed or survey. Parallel Lines – Lines that are equidistance along the entire length of the lines. True east-west lines on the surface of the earth are parallel and form concentric circles. Technically, because true north-south

lines converge at the poles, they cannot be parallel. However; in a legal description or on a property map or plat, where two lines are shown with the same bearing; it is implied that the lines are parallel. The same bearing on a different map does not imply parallelism. A line is parallel “with” not “to” another line. By mathematical definition, “parallel lines” are straight lines; but, in common speech about boundaries, the words are often used to mean lines that are not straight, but photographs of each other and the courts, in passing on questions of boundaries, often use the term in the latter sense. Parallel of Latitude – Any line that is run due east and west and is, at every point, at right angles to the meridian. A parallel of latitude is a curved line circling the globe on the face of the earth. (see Latitude) Parcel – A contiguous area of land described in a single description in a deed or as one or of a number of lots on a plat; separately owned, either publically or privately; and capable of being separately conveyed. Parcel Identification Number – A unique number to identify a specific parcel of land using the easting and northing of the centroid of the parcel. Per Stirpes – (pər-ˈstər-pēz) – Per capita, in which an equal share is given to each of a number of persons according to their degree of relationship to a decedent. For example: A woman died intestate whose husband had predeceased her. She had four children of which three were still living at the time of her death and three grandchildren from the deceased child. The three children would each inherit one fourth of the woman’s estate and the three children would together inherit one fourth of the estate, receiving the quarter share their deceased parent would have received. Photogrammetry – The science or art of obtaining reliable measurements by means of photographs. Physical Monument – See Monument, Physical PIN – (see Parcel Identifier Number) Plaintiff – A person who brings a legal action or files suit; the party who complains or sues in a personal action and is so named in the court record. Planimeter – (plā-ˈni-mə-tər) An instrument used to determine the acreage of a parcel by tracing around the boundary of the parcel on a map. Planimetric Map –(plā-nə-ˈme-trik) – A map which presents the horizontal positions only for the features represented; distinguished from a topographic map by the omission of relief in any measurable form. Plat – A diagram draw to scale showing all essential data pertaining to the boundaries and subdivisions of a tract or parcel of land as determined by survey. A plat may be recorded in the Register of Deeds office or may be unrecorded. Reference in a deed to a specific lot on a specific plat has the same effect as if the lot was described by using a metes and bounds description. Plat Book – A book in the Register of Deeds Office containing surveys and maps that have been filed with the Register’s Office. In olden days, plats were actually kept in large books. In more recent years, plats were kept in flat file cabinets or hanging cabinets. While many Register of Deeds offices still

maintain the hanging cabinets for new plats, some offices scan the plats and a physical copy of the plat is not kept, yet a “Plat Book” and “Page” is assigned to each plat as a reference to be used for a particular plat. Plat Plan – Sometimes referred to as a “plat map” or “plot plan” is usually a survey drawing of an individual parcel of land showing special characteristics of the parcel and the location of any buildings. Plat Reference – The “Plat Book” and “Page” number used in the legal description of a deed. Plat Review Officer – Individual, appointed by the county commissioners, responsible for reviewing plats in a timely manner to ensure the plats meet statutory requirements prior to being presented for recording in the Register of Deeds office. Point – A definite location on the earth that has been determined by surveying methods. It may or may not be marked on the ground by a monument. Point of Beginning – In metes and bounds descriptions the first point on the boundary of the property being described. After describing the perimeter of the parcel or property, the description returns “to the Point of Beginning.” Often abbreviated “POB.” Any description that starts at a reference point not contiguous with the boundary being described should start with “Commencing at.” Principal Plane – The vertical plane through the internal perspective center containing the photograph perpendicular of a tilted photograph. Probate – The process of proofing or proving at court in the Clerk of Court’s Office the last will and testament of a deceased person. Prolong – Lengthen or extend a line. A line is prolonged but a curve is continued. The “prolongation” of a curve is the extension of the tangent to the curve, and should not be used in referring to curve continuation. The prolongation of a line, composed of several parts of different directional values, is the prolongation of the course nearest to the recited intersection or monument. Quiet Title – A court action to remove an adverse claim or cloud on the title or a parcel or piece of property or to clear the title and establish ownership. Quitclaim Deed – A deed of conveyance operating by way of release; that is, intended to pass any title, interest, or claim which the grantor may have I the premises, but not professing that such title is valid, nor containing any warranty or covenants for title. Railroad Right-of- Way – See Right-of-Way - Railroad Real Estate – The physical land and appurtenances, including structures affixed to the land. Often used synonymously with “real property” but it is incorrect to do so. “Real Estate” and “Real Property” are two different terms and should not be used synonymously.

Real Property – The interest, benefits, and rights inherent in the ownership of the physical real estate. It is the bundle or rights with which the ownership of real estate is endowed. Often used synonymously with “real estate” but it is incorrect to do so. “Real Estate” and “Real Property” are two different terms and should not be used synonymously. Rear – A deed reading, “thence running to the real of the said land,” does not always mean tha the land extends to the real line, but may be “towards the rear.” Record Monument – See Monument, Record Recorded – A deed, plat, affidavit, etc. is said to be “recorded” when it has been presented to the Register of Deeds office and registered by the office and given a document number and / or a book and page number. Rectified – An aerial photograph is say to be “rectified” when it is printed by a process to remove distortions or displacements caused by the tilt of the aircraft when the exposure was originally taken. Remainder – 1) A term designating that portion of a larger parcel remaining in the fee owner after a partial taking in condemnation. 2) An estate in property created simultaneously with other estates by a single grant and consisting of the rights and interest contingent upon and remaining after, the termination of the other estates. A future interest created in some person other than the grantor. Remainder Interest – (see Remainder 2.) Remainderman – One who is entitled to the remainder of the estate after a particular estate carved out of it has expired. One who becomes entitled to estate after intervention of precedent estate or on termination by lapse of time of rights or precedent estate at the same time. Reserving – When a thing granted is taken back, it is reserved. Easements are often reserved as “reserving a 20-foot easement for the purpose of ingress and egress to . . . ” Reserving is used when a new encumbrance is being created. A reservation creates some right or privilege for the grantor in the land described as granted. Resolution – Fineness of detail that can be distinguished in an image, as a video display terminal. “Display Resolution” is the density of the pixels that compose an image. “Spatial Resolution” is the smallest map feature that can be accurately displayed at a specific map scale. Restrictions – A limitation; In real estate usage, provisions to limit the free use of land. Restrictive Covenants – A private agreement restricting the use and occupancy of real estate which is a part of the conveyance and is binding on all subsequent purchasers. Such agreements may have to do with control of lot size, set-backs, architecture, building size, and usage of the real estate. Reversion – The estate or interest that will revert to, or be returned to, the grantor in a deed should restrictions be violated or the term of conveyance end as, “The property shall belong to the First Presbyterian Church. If the property ceases to be used as a church, the property shall revert to . . . “

Right of Survivorship – The right of a survivor of a deceased person, to the property of said deceased. A distinguishing characteristic of a joint tenancy. In North Carolina, rights of survivorship are not automatic and must specifically be indicated on the deed created the joint tenancy. Right of Way – Term sometimes used to describe a right belonging to a party to pass over land of another. When used in this manner it is an easement. Right of Way – Railroad, Term used to describe that strip of land upon which railroad companies construct their road bed. When so used, it refers to the land itself and not the right of passage over the land. Riparian Rights – The rights of the owners of land on the banks of a stream, river, or watercourse, relating to the water, accretions, etc. The term is generally defined as the right to which every person through whose land a natural stream flows has to benefit of the stream as it passes through his land for all useful purposes to which it may be applied. Rod – A lineal measure of ¼ of a chain equal to 16 ½ feet or 5 ½ yards. Also called a “perch.” Said – Before mentioned. Frequently used in contracts, and other legal papers with the same force as “aforesaid.” Scrivener error – (ˈskriv-nər) – Mistake made by the preparer of a deed or document. Legal principle that a map-drafting or typographical error in a deed may be corrected by oral evidence if the evidence is clear, convincing, and precise. If the correction (called scrivener’s amendment) affects property rights then the change must be approved by those affected by the change – i.e. a new deed. Second – Measurement of an angle. One second is equal to 1/60 of a minute, also equal to 1/3600 of one degree. Seisin – (ˈsē-zən) – Possession of land or chattels. Right of immediate possession according to the nature of the estate. The possession of a freehold estate in land by one having title thereto. Shore –The land lying between the high-water and low water marks. Land that is covered and uncovered by the rise and fall of the normal tide. Slope Rights – Adjacent to highways the right to extend fills or cuts beyond the side lines of the road easements as dedicated. Southeasterly – A general direction call which defines the direction within 22 ½ ° of Southeast. Southerly – A general direction call which defines the direction of travel within 22 ½ ° of South. Southwesterly – A general direction call which defines the direction within 22 1/2° of Southwest. Special Warranty Deed – The grantor only warrants to make good any loss the grantee incurs as a result of a defect or encumbrance that occurred during the time the grantor held title to the property. The grantor thereby limits the time period of warranty.

Spiral – A curve of varying radius connecting a circular curve and a tangent. Most highway curves in North Carolina are spirals used to gradually change the straight line of the highway into the curve then back to the straight highway. Since many different types of spirals exist, unless the type of spiral is defined, ambiguity can result. State Plane Coordinate System – The plane-rectangular coordinate systems established in the 1930’s by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey unique for each state for use in defining positions of geodetic stations in terms of plane-rectangular (X and Y) coordinates. North Carolina uses one zone while some states use more than one. The goal was to establish a maximum of distortion at one part in 10,000. The system, ignoring the curvature of the Earth, allows plane surveying and is highly accurate within each zone. Based on the shape of the individual state (except Alaska), either a transverse Mercator projection or a Lambert conformal conic projection was used. Long east-west states such as North Carolina use a Lambert conformal conic project and lone north-south states such as Illinois use a transverse Mercator projection. The panhandle of Alaska uses an Oblique Mercator projection because the panhandle lies at an angle. The easting of origin is always placed an arbitrary number of feet west of the western boundary of the zone, eliminating the need for negative easting values. The northing of origin is always placed an arbitrary number of feet south of the state boundary. North Carolina’s point of origin is in Cleburne County, Alabama about half way between Atlanta, GA and Birmingham, AL. Statute – An act of the legislature declaring, commanding, or prohibiting something; a particular law enacted and established by the will of the legislative branch of government; the written will of the legislature. Statutory Law – That body of law created by the acts of the legislature in contrast to law created by judicial opinions and administrative bodies. Subdivide – The act of breaking a tract or parcel of land into smaller units. Subdivision – A tract of land divided into lots, or lots and blocks, for the purpose of sale or development, residential, commercial, or industrial, or a “mixed use” combination. Subdivision Ordinance – Laws adopted by the local municipal or county government body governing the process of converting raw land into building sites. Subject To – Liable, subordinate, subservient, inferior, obedient to, governed or affected by. Subsequent Instrument – Any instrument presented for registration that indicates in its title or within the first two pages of its text that it is intended or purports to modify, amend, supplement, assign, satisfy, terminate, revoke, or cancel a previously registered instrument. Examples of subsequent instruments include: appointment of substitute trustee in a deed of trust, corrective affidavit registered pursuant to NCGS 45-36.1. See NCGS 161-14.1(a)(3) §Recording subsequent entries as separate instruments. This statute lists 19 examples of subsequent instruments. Survey – The process by which a parcel of land is measured and its boundaries and corners are ascertained using courses and distances to compute the extent and quantity of ownership. Also the map, plat, or statement of the results of such an act showing the courses and distances of the boundaries.

Tangent – A straight line that touches a given curve at only one point and is at right angles to the radial line at the point of contact with the curve. Tax Lien – A statutory lien existing in favor of the government entity, upon the lands of a person charged with the taxes, binding the same either for the taxes assessed upon the specific tract of land and which may be foreclosed for non-payment. Tax Sale – Generally refers to the foreclosure of property by the taxing authority county or municipality to recover unpaid or delinquent taxes. Tax Stamps – (see Deed Stamps) Tenants by the Entirety - (see Estate by the entirety) Tenants in Common – A form of concurrent ownership where two or more persons own undivided interest in the same parcel of land, with no right of survivorship. There is no requirement that each owner must have acquired their respective ownership at the same time or have equal shares of ownership. Ownership can be 50% and 50% or 90% and 10% or any combination. Each tenant is free to convey his or her interest in the property. At the death a tenant’s share will pass by will or by intestate succession. Any cotenant may request the property be partitioned so that they receive their apportioned share. Testate – One who dies with a valid will. Thence – Term meaning “from that place.” In surveying and metes and bounds descriptions, “thence” informs the reader that the following course is a continuation of the preceding course. Thread – “Thread of a road” means a line midway between the side lines. “Thread of a stream” is midway between the banks. Tidelands – All the coastal area between the mean high tide and the mean low tide. Land that is covered and uncovered by the ordinary daily tidal fluctuations. Tied – Used in surveying as a connection from a point whose location is definitively known to a point whose position is desired to be known. A survey will be “tied” to a monument with known coordinates to allow the accurate calculation of the coordinates of parcel of land being surveyed. Title - Ownership Title Search – The investigation of the public records in the Register of Deeds office and the Clerk of Courts office to determine if the title is good or if there are any defects (liens, judgments etc.) against the ownership of the property and to ascertain the history and the status of the ownership of property. Title, Cloud on – (See Cloud on Title) To – Usually a word of exclusion rather than inclusion, but in property descriptions, it generally means the center as in “to the road” or “to the rock” unless otherwise qualified.

Topo Map – (see Topographic Map) Topographic Map – A map presenting the relief of the surface by the contour lines. Distinguished from a planimetric map by the addition of measurable relief. Torrens System – A system of land registration where clear title is established by a governmental authority that issues title certificates much like an automobile certificate to the owner. The certificate is conclusive as to the person’s rights in the property and cannot be challenged or overcome by a court of law. The system is most effective when land is subdivided for the first time because it reduces the number of deed entries that must be examined. The drawback is the initial cost of registering a property. Township - In North Carolina, a “township” is a geographical subdivision of the county that has no government organization. It generally functions primarily as a voter precinct but can be used as a taxing district, for special taxes such as school tax or as a zoning district. In the government survey system used in most states west of the original 13 colonies, the township is a square tract six miles on each side used to facilitate the sale of the public lands for settlement. The townships were numbered allowing for the identification of the parcels to be sold and settled. Triangulation – Method of determining the precise location of a point by determining the distance from the point by a network of triangles to points with known coordinates. Trust Deed – (see Deed of Trust) Unknown Owner – Property to which the title holder is not known or if the title to real property is in dispute. Unrecorded – A deed, plat, etc., is said to be unrecorded when it is not properly recorded in the county in which the land lies. An unrecorded deed is a contract and binding on the grantor, his heirs and devisees, but is not valid and effectual against any other third parties. Unwritten Law – All that portion of the law, observed and administered in the courts, which has not been enacted or promulgated in the form of statute or ordinance, including the unenacted portions of common law, general and particular customs having the force of law, and the rules, principles, and maxims established by judicial precedents or the successive like decisions of the courts. USGS Quad Maps – Maps produced by the US Geological Survey. The best known maps are the 1:24,000-scale topographic maps, also known as 7.5-minute quadrangles. The USGS began mapping the country in 1879 and officially completed the 48 conterminous states. Over 55,000 individual 7.5 minute maps were made. Today they are available in digital format. Vertex – (ˈvər-ˌteks) – Point where two lines intersect. In a GIS, it can be a point “added” to a straight line to tack the line to the ground. Vest – To give an immediate, fixed right of present or future enjoyment. To deliver full possession of land or of an estate.

Vested – Fixed, accrued, absolute. Having the character of absolute ownership; not contingent; not subject to be defeated by a condition precedent. To be “vested” a right must be more than expectation based on an anticipation of the continuance of an existing law. It must have become a title, legal or equitable, the present or future enforcement of a demand, or a legal exemption from the demand of another. Warranty Deed – (see General Warranty Deed) West – One of the cardinal directions. A due west line is at right angles to North. Westerly – A general direction call which defines the direction of travel within 22 ½ ° of West. Will – Generally defined as an instrument by which a person makes a disposition of his property, to take effect after his death and which by its own nature is ambulatory and revocable during his life time. The legal declaration of a man’s intentions which he wills to be preformed after his death. The legal expression or declaration of a person’s mind or wishes as to the disposition of his property after his death. Will Book – A record book in the Clerk of Courts office containing all last will and testaments that have been probated in the county. Since about 1970, in North Carolina an estate file has been established for each person with an estate to be settled through the Clerk of Courts office. Will File – (see Estate File) With – Shows an association as, “with the line of Duncan Booth,” or “with the road.” Zoning – Method of land use planning used by counties and municipalities. Word is derived from the practice of designating permitted uses of land based on mapped zones with separate one set of land uses from another. Zoning may be use-based (regulates the types of uses acceptable), or it may regulate structure height, lot size, coverage, Zoning Map – Map showing the various zoning districts in a county in which the provisions of a zoning ordinance apply. Zoning Ordinance – law passed by a county or municipal government stipulating the zoning in an area or areas of the municipality or county.

Section 9

Do you have further questions?

This list was compiled as a reference for counties not familiar with the operations of other counties or their staffs. It is not intended to an exhaustive listing of the personnel across North Carolina that may be able to answer any question concerning land records. For further information feel free to contact any of the members of the NC Property Mappers Association (NCPMA) executive board.

Kevin Jamison, President [email protected] Jackson County 401 Grindstone Cove Rd, Ste 112 Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586-7570

Julie Stamper, President Elect [email protected] Pasquotank County 203 E. Main St Elizabeth City, NC 27909 (252) 331-2336

Kevin Locklear, Vice President [email protected] Durham County 200 E. Main St. Durham, NC 27701 (919) 560-0333

Stephanie Parkins, Secretary [email protected] Haywood County 404 S. Church St. Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 452-6644

Greg Belk, Treasurer [email protected] Cabarrus County PO Box 707 65 Church St. N Concord, NC 28026 (704) 920-2405

Robin Etheridge, Past President [email protected] Dare County PO Box 1000 Manteo, NC 27954 (252) 475-5962

mailto:[email protected]






NCPMA Certification: Rich Elkins, Chair [email protected] Pitt County PO Box 43 Greenville, NC 27835 (252) 902-3415

State Mapping Certification: Tom Morgan [email protected] Land Records Manager NC Dept of the Secretary of State PO Box 29626 Raleigh, NC 27607 (919) 807-2268

Survey, Plat & Plat Review Questions: Tom Morgan (see above)

Ortho interpretation: Tom Morgan (see above)

Reconciliation and Deed Research: Pam Carver – Henderson County Land Records 200 N. Grove St. Ste 102 Hendersonville, NC 28729 (828) 697-4692 [email protected]

John Bridgers – NC Department of Secretary of State Land Records Consultant PO Box 29626 Raleigh, NC 27626 (919) 807-2207 [email protected]

Tom Morgan – NC Department of Secretary of State Land Records Manager PO Box 29626 Raleigh, NC 27626 (919) 807-2268 [email protected]






State & County Boundary Lines: Dennis Lee – NC Department of Public Safety (919) 733-3836 [email protected]

DOT digital right-of-way files for input into GIS: Grady R. Morris – Right-of-way acquisition (919) 707-4360 [email protected]

Chris Hendrix (919) 707-4360 [email protected]

Other GIS Data from DOT: John Farley, Information Technology Manager – NC Department of Transportation (919) 707-2151 [email protected]

Legal Interpretations: Chuck Szypszak, Professor of Public Law and Government Institute of Government [email protected] Knapp-Saunders Building , Campus Box 3330 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3330 (919) 966-5381

Stephen Pelfrey – NC Department of Revenue (919) 773-7711 [email protected]

Survey Monuments & Datums: Gary W. Thompson – NC Geodic Survey (919) 733-3836 [email protected]

Soils Mapping: Dan Madding – NC Department of Agriculture (919) 807-4344 [email protected]

Sales Confirmation Program (Sales Ratio) Mike Connolly – NC Department of Revenue (919) 715-2442 [email protected]

Present Use Valuation (Land Use): Michael Brown – NC Department of Revenue (919) 733-3234 [email protected]









