What method starts at a well-marked point and follows boundaries back to the starting place?

The metes-and-bounds method is a system of land surveying that defines the boundaries of a parcel of land by describing its shape and the directions of its boundaries. This method typically starts at a well-marked point known as the "point of beginning" (POB) and describes a property's perimeter by utilizing natural landmarks, man-made structures, and angles.

Professionals using this method physically measure distances (metes) and describe the boundaries (bounds) in relation to adjoining properties or physical features. By following the boundaries back to the starting point, the surveyor can accurately delineate the property lines. This method is particularly useful in irregularly shaped plots of land and is often used in a variety of legal contexts to define property ownership.

The other methods mentioned do not employ the same boundary-following approach. For instance, the rectangular survey system divides land into townships and sections based on a grid-like format, which does not focus on individual boundary descriptions. Market valuation relates to assessing property values based on various criteria, while minimum services typically refer to basic levels of service that must be provided by agents in real estate transactions, none of which involves the physical surveying of property boundaries.