Colorado Land Surveyor Practice Exam

In land surveying, what is the main characteristic of a contiguous area of land?

1. It must have irregular boundaries

2. It must be free of easements

3. It should have a continuous boundary

4. It must be larger than fifty acres

The correct answer is: It should have a continuous boundary

A contiguous area of land is defined primarily by having a continuous boundary without interruptions. This characteristic signifies that all parts of the land are physically connected, meaning that any point on the boundary can be reached from any other point without traversing through separate parcels of land. This is crucial for practical purposes in land surveying, planning, and development, as it ensures the area is manageable and assessable as a single unit. Contiguity is vital when establishing property lines, zoning laws, and land use regulations. For example, when considering land development, it is essential to have a tract of land that is contiguous to minimize complications with access, utility provision, and environmental assessments. While it may be possible for a contiguous piece of land to have irregular boundaries, be affected by easements, or vary in size, these factors do not define its contiguity. Hence, the defining feature of a contiguous area is its continuous boundary, which facilitates both practical use and legal considerations in surveying and property management.