Which of the following terms refers to the method of land description using specific physical features?

The method of land description using specific physical features is known as metes and bounds. This technique involves describing a parcel of land by outlining its boundaries using natural landmarks and identifiable physical features. For example, a description might include references to trees, rivers, stones, or roads that serve as points of reference for property boundaries. This method provides a detailed and often localized understanding of a property’s dimensions and area, reflecting the land’s physical topography.

In contrast, the rectangular survey system uses a grid to divide land into sections and townships, which is more uniform and less reliant on natural features. Surveying is the broader process of mapping and measuring land, while a legal description is a formal way to identify a parcel of land in legal documents, which could utilize metes and bounds or other systems like rectangular surveys. However, when specifically referring to the method that utilizes physical characteristics, metes and bounds is the accurate choice.