Arizona State University (ASU) REA380 Real Estate Fundamentals Exam 1 Practice Exam

The combined use of the rectangular survey and metes and bounds method is significant in land description because it allows for a more comprehensive and precise delineation of property boundaries. The rectangular survey system, established by the surveys of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), provides a standardized method for describing land using a grid-like approach based on townships and ranges. This system is especially useful in flat, open areas.

On the other hand, the metes and bounds system is a more flexible and descriptive method that uses physical landmarks, directions, and distances to define property boundaries. It is particularly advantageous in irregular terrain or areas with complicated property shapes. By integrating these two methods, surveyors can utilize the structured nature of the rectangular survey while also applying the descriptive richness of metes and bounds to address unique situations more effectively. This combination offers both clarity and accuracy in defining property lines, making it a preferred approach in many scenarios involving land description.

The other options, while relevant to land usage and mapping, do not reflect the specific combination of the rectangular survey and another land description method as effectively as metes and bounds does. Contour mapping primarily engages with topographical representation rather than boundary definition, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are tools for collecting and analyzing