Which method describes land boundaries by courses, directions, and distances?

The method that describes land boundaries by courses, directions, and distances is known as "metes and bounds." This technique has been used for centuries and involves defining the perimeter of a property by identifying specific points, often landmarks or markers, and describing the boundary in terms of distances and angles. The term "metes" typically refers to the measure of the distance between points, while "bounds" indicates the descriptive boundaries, such as rivers, roads, or fences.

Metes and bounds allow for a detailed, precise description of land parcels, particularly in areas where townships and ranges might not apply or where there are irregularly shaped lots. This method is essential in legal descriptions of real estate in Pennsylvania and many other states. The other options like topographical mapping and geographical surveying do not specifically focus on describing boundaries in the metes and bounds format, and visualization techniques typically involve an illustration rather than a precise legal description.