‘Open and notorious’ possession implies that the possessor uses the property in a manner that is visible and obvious to anyone who checks, much like the true owner would, without any attempt to hide the occupancy. It must be evident to others, including the record owner, that the adverse possessor has control over the property.
For example: If someone builds a well-trafficked coffee shop on land they don’t own, their claim to adverse possession could be strengthened by the public nature of the enterprise—it’s open for all to see and serves as a clear sign of possession.