What type of evidence is most critical for establishing boundaries?

Documentation from previous surveys and property records is the most critical type of evidence for establishing boundaries because it provides objective, verifiable information that can be traced through legal records. These documents often include deed descriptions, plat maps, and previous survey reports which delineate property lines based on legal definitions. Such records have historical significance and often carry legal weight, making them essential in resolving disputes or clarifying ownership.

Personal testimonies, while they can provide context and historical insight, are subjective and may not be reliable without corresponding documentation. Visual markers placed by current landowners might represent their understanding of boundaries, but they can be arbitrary and might not reflect legal definitions of the land. General land use patterns, although helpful in assessing how land is utilized over time, do not provide definitive legal boundaries, making them less critical in boundary establishment compared to documented records.