Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

Which land survey system uses natural boundaries such as rivers to mark land?

1. Rectangular survey system

2. Metes-and-bounds survey system

3. Topographic survey system

4. Subdivision survey system

The correct answer is: Metes-and-bounds survey system

The metes-and-bounds survey system is characterized by its use of natural landscape features to define property boundaries. This system relies on specific physical landmarks such as rivers, trees, and rocks, as well as measurements or "metes" to describe the distance and direction of the boundaries. This allows land to be delineated based on easily identifiable natural elements, making it particularly useful in areas where the grid-like precision of the rectangular survey system is less applicable. In contrast to the metes-and-bounds system, the rectangular survey system, commonly employed in the United States, uses a grid format based on latitude and longitude, primarily dividing land into squares or rectangles without regard to natural features. The topographic survey system focuses on the terrain and the elevation of land rather than marking boundaries. The subdivision survey system typically refers to a more urbanized method where plots of land are divided into smaller parcels, often based on existing property lines rather than natural features.