What are the three legal methods of describing real property?

The three legal methods of describing real property are metes and bounds, the rectangular or government survey system, and the lot and block or recorded plat method. Metes and bounds uses compass directions and distances from a point of beginning. The rectangular survey divides land into townships, sections, and fractions using principal meridians and base lines. Lot and block references a recorded subdivision map with numbered lots. A valid legal description must identify one specific parcel and no other, and informal descriptions like street addresses are not legally sufficient for deeds.