Texas Surveyors Practice Exam

In Texas land law, which is prioritized: direction or distance?

1. Distance is superior

2. Only record information

3. Direction is superior

4. Both are equally important

The correct answer is: Direction is superior

In Texas land law, direction is prioritized over distance, which is reflected in the practice of surveying and interpreting legal descriptions of properties. This principle stems from the historical understanding that in the framework of land measurement, accurate directional reference regarding property boundaries is crucial for establishing and maintaining clear and enforceable property lines. The reason direction is considered superior is that it provides a fundamental understanding of the location of boundaries in relation to fixed points, allowing for more reliable and reproducible surveys both now and in the future. Distances can vary slightly due to measurement errors, changes in technology, or even the techniques used when measuring over time. However, directional references (such as bearings) create a consistent framework for determining property limits, irrespective of potential discrepancies in actual distance measurement. Understanding this principle is critical for surveyors and property owners alike, as it emphasizes the need to focus on the accuracy of directional elements when delineating property lines, ensuring that the intents of legal descriptions are upheld in practice.