Anatomy of a survey plat
Click or tap the numbered dots on this sample plat to learn what each part of a survey drawing means.
SAMPLE ONLY. This plat is fictional. The bearings, distances, names and numbers are made up for illustration and do not describe any real property.
Choose a number
Select a numbered dot on the plat, or a topic below.
1. Bearings and distances
Each line of the boundary is labeled with a bearing (its direction, such as N 45°12′30″ E) and a distance in feet. Together they describe the shape of the tract.
2. Point of beginning (POB)
The corner where the legal description starts. The description walks around the tract line by line and returns here.
3. Monuments found and set
Symbols show the markers at each corner. Plats say whether a monument was found (already there) or set (placed by this surveyor), and what it is, such as a 1/2-inch iron rod.
4. Easements
Strips of land where someone else, such as a utility, has a right to use the property. They are drawn with dashed lines and labeled with their recording information.
5. Flood zone note
A note stating the FEMA flood zone shown on the effective flood map panel, with the panel number and date.
6. Legend
Explains the symbols and abbreviations used on the drawing.
7. North arrow and scale
Shows which way is north and the drawing scale, so distances can be measured from the paper.
8. Seal and certification
The surveyor’s signed statement, seal and registration number. It says who the survey is for and that it was made on the ground.
9. Abstract and legal description
Identifies the original survey and abstract number, the county and the recorded deed, and describes the boundary in words.
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