Legal boundary
International Land Measurement Standard: Due Diligence for Land and Real Property Surveying, 1st edition, published by the International Land Measurement Standard Coalition in May 2019, defines a legal boundary as: ‘An intangible or invisible surface dividing one person’s property from that of another. It is an exact line having no thickness or width. In fixed boundary systems, the coordinates of the boundary points are precisely established, often monumented on the ground and have precedence in law. Usually boundary surveys can only be carried out by licensed or publicly appointed surveyors who represent the state and may have quasi-judicial authority. In general boundary systems, the boundary is rarely identified with any precision either on the ground or in conveyances or transfers. It is not explicitly shown on topographic survey mapping, although in practice many topographic features are coincident with legal boundaries. Ultimately the exact position of a boundary, if disputed, can be determined only by the relevant courts in their jurisdiction.’
See also: Physical boundary.
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