What is typically the first step in the "metes and bounds" survey process?

Setting a clearly defined point of beginning is essential in the "metes and bounds" survey process because it establishes a known reference from which all subsequent measurements and boundaries will be taken. This starting point is crucial for ensuring accuracy and consistency in depicting the property's boundaries, as metes and bounds surveys rely on physical landmarks, natural features, or established monuments to describe the parcel. By having a point of beginning that is easily identifiable, surveyors can navigate and describe the property accurately, outlining its unique shape and size.

The other steps, while important in various contexts, do not serve as the foundational starting point. Measuring square footage occurs after the boundaries have been established. Identifying property use history might provide context for the survey but does not initiate the process. Consulting local zoning regulations, while necessary for compliance and understanding potential limitations on land use, also comes after the boundaries have been defined. Hence, establishing a definitive and identifiable starting point remains the primary first step in the metes and bounds surveying method.