Are rules of priority of calls classified as rules of survey or rules of construction?

The classification of rules of priority of calls as rules of construction is accurate because these rules are related to how property descriptions and boundary lines are interpreted, particularly in resolving conflicts when different calls or descriptions exist within a land survey. Rules of construction dictate the hierarchy or order of importance that surveyors must follow when interpreting the language in legal descriptions of land.

For instance, when a survey contains conflicting descriptions of property boundaries, the rules of construction will guide the surveyor on whether to prioritize physical descriptions (like natural landmarks) over measured distances or angles. This approach is aimed at achieving an accurate representation of the intent behind the original property description.

In contrast, rules of survey focus more broadly on the methodologies and techniques applied during the surveying process itself, such as measuring, calculating, and establishing points in the field. While there may be overlap between how they are used in practice, the core purpose of rules of construction is specifically about the interpretation of descriptions, which is critical for resolving disputes and clarifying ownership in legal contexts. Consequently, recognizing the distinction helps in understanding the foundational principles of surveying as they apply to property law.