What should be done before writing or retracing complex metes and bounds descriptions?

Studying complex metes and bounds descriptions in their entirety is crucial before any writing or retracing of such descriptions. This thorough review allows the surveyor to understand the complete context, including the starting point, direction, distances, and any relevant landmarks that are part of the original description. Each point and directional change is essential to accurately retrace the boundary being described.

Additionally, by studying the entire description, the surveyor can identify any potential discrepancies, ambiguities, or critical details that might affect the interpretation of the boundaries being defined. Understanding the full context helps ensure accuracy in the retracing process and informs any decisions that may need to be made regarding property lines.

This approach contrasts with merely summarizing the descriptions, which could overlook critical details, or relying on outdated descriptions, which might not reflect current land conditions or legal boundaries. Consulting tax maps might provide additional insights, but they should not replace the necessity of thoroughly understanding the original descriptions before taking any action.