<P> The system begins with a large tract of land . This large tract is typically defined by one of the earlier survey systems such as metes and bounds or the Public Land Survey System . A subdivision survey is conducted to divide the original tract into smaller lots and a plat map is created . Usually this subdivision survey employs a metes and bounds system to delineate individual lots within the main tract . Each lot on the plat map is assigned an identifier, usually a number or letter . The plat map is then officially recorded with a government entity such as a city engineer or a recorder of deeds . This plan becomes the legal description of all the lots in the subdivision . A mere reference to the individual lot and the map's place of record is all that is required for a proper legal description . </P> <P> The Lot and Block system is perhaps the simplest of the three main survey systems to understand . For a legal description in the Lot and Block system a description must identify: </P> <Ul> <Li> the individual lot, </Li> <Li> the block in which the lot is located, if applicable, </Li> <Li> a reference to a platted subdivision or a phase thereof, </Li> <Li> a reference to find the cited plat map (i.e., a page and / or volume number), and </Li> <Li> a description of the map's place of official recording (e.g., recorded in the files of the County Engineer). </Li> </Ul> <Li> the individual lot, </Li>

A lot-and-block description of a parcel of land must always include the