2. look at deed descriptions, both sides of the boundary, back in time to the creation of that boundary. 3. look at any existing maps and sketches. 4. look at the use of the land near the boundary.
Surveyor looks for consistency among the pieces of evidence found.
If the evidence is consistent, measure to the corners and draw a map. If the evidence is not consistent, follow the order of priority of conflicting elements, outlined below. The survey plat represents a professionsal opinion, based on boundary law and the facts found. When evidence is contradictory, court decisions have setablished this order of importance of conflicting elements. Direction and distance.