If you’ve ever looked at a property deed and wondered how to translate those lengthy metes and bounds descriptions into a visual map, you’re not alone. Property descriptions can be difficult to interpret, especially if you’re not used to terms like “thence North 45° East 200 feet.” Fortunately, tools like Tract Plotter can help demystify the process by turning those complex legal descriptions into clear, digital maps. Whether you’re a real estate professional, surveyor, or just a curious landowner, learning how to use Tract Plotter can save you time and help you better understand your property boundaries.
What is Tract Plotter?
Tract Plotter is an online mapping tool that allows users to input the bearing and distance information typically found in legal property descriptions and automatically generates a plot or map of the tract of land. It’s especially helpful when dealing with rural or older properties where modern surveying data may be limited or unavailable.
Preparing Your Deed for Plotting
Before jumping into the plotting process, it’s important to make sure you have the right information from the deed. Look for the legal description section, which usually contains a series of lines that look something like this:
- “Beginning at a point on the east side of County Road 12…”
- “Thence North 45 degrees East 300 feet…”
- “Thence South 30 degrees East 200 feet…”
- “Thence West 400 feet…”
Each of these “thence” lines provides a bearing (direction) and a distance, which are the key values you’ll enter into Tract Plotter.
Steps to Plot a Deed in Tract Plotter
Once you have your deed info ready, follow these steps:
- Access the Tract Plotter Tool: Go to the Tract Plotter website or app. Most of the time, it opens with a blank canvas where you can begin entering your data.
- Input the Starting Point: While you don’t need actual GPS coordinates, you do need to define a starting point since the plot is based on relative bearings and distances. Most tools allow you to start from an arbitrary point.
- Enter Bearings and Distances: Enter each line from your deed as a new leg of the plot. Be sure to input the direction in degrees, and follow the entry format the software requires (e.g., N 45 E for North 45 degrees East).
- Review Your Plot: As you input directions and lengths, Tract Plotter visually renders the shape on the screen. Make sure the shape closes fully; an open shape might indicate incorrect data or missing information.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Plotting a deed isn’t always a straightforward process. Common mistakes include:
- Confusing Bearings: Ensure you’re not mixing up North/East/South/West orientations. “N 45 W” and “S 45 E” point in vastly different directions.
- Wrong Format: Different software platforms may require data in slightly different formats. Make sure you follow Tract Plotter’s specific syntax.
- Misreads from Handwritten Deeds: Older deeds may be handwritten and harder to interpret. If in doubt, consult a surveyor or local land records office.
Tips for Better Results
If you’re aiming for a more accurate plot or need the map for legal or planning purposes, here are a few helpful tips:
- Cross-check bearings with a compass or digital map to ensure they make directional sense.
- Use a consistent unit of measurement—stick with feet or meters, not both.
- Label each line segment for easier reference later, especially if the plot will be part of a report or presentation.
Applications of Tract Plotting
Why go through all this trouble? Tract plotting isn’t just for fun—it has several practical applications:
- Property Disputes: Understand exactly where your boundaries lie.
- Land Planning: Visualize how structures or improvements will fit within the plot.
- Genealogy and History: Map ancestral land and track changes over time for historical records.
Conclusion
Plotting a deed using Tract Plotter is a valuable skill that bridges the gap between legal jargon and tangible landscape. By following a few simple steps, you can turn pages of technical description into a visual boundary—offering not only clarity but also peace of mind. Whether you’re researching property history or just curious about your land’s true shape, Tract Plotter is a practical tool that brings the abstract into reality.
