Which method involves describing property boundaries by angles referenced to compass points?

The method that involves describing property boundaries by angles referenced to compass points is known as metes and bounds. This system allows for a detailed description of a parcel of land using physical features and directions. Surveyors will define the boundaries starting from a specific point and using a combination of distances (metes) and directions (bounds), often using cardinal directions like north, south, east, and west, along with angles to articulate the orientation of property lines.

Metes and bounds is particularly useful in areas where properties do not conform neatly to a grid system, providing a way to delineate irregularly shaped parcels of land. It is a traditional method that has been in use for centuries and is still relevant for certain types of real property delineation.

Other methods are structured differently: the rectangular survey system divides land into a series of squares and townships, the coordinate system utilizes a grid defined by latitude and longitude or Cartesian coordinates, and the sectional survey breaks land into sections and parcels using a structured format. Each of these approaches has its own applications but does not rely on the compass point reference characteristic of metes and bounds.