What does the term 'datum' refer to in real estate?

The term 'datum' in real estate specifically refers to a horizontal plane used as a reference point for measuring heights and depths. This concept is crucial in various applications such as determining land elevation, setting benchmarks for construction, and mapping contours for both zoning and development purposes. In surveying, a datum serves as the baseline for calculating vertical distances, ensuring consistency and accuracy in measurements across different properties and projects. Understanding this term is essential for real estate professionals, as it aids in the assessment of land features and the planning of structures in relation to the surrounding geography.