What is the role of "datum" in real estate surveys?

Datum plays a critical role in real estate surveys by serving as a point of elevation reference. In surveying, a datum is a base reference point from which vertical measurements are taken. This reference can be crucial in establishing the height of structures or the slope of land, which can impact construction, drainage, and various aspects of property development. By using a common datum, surveyors can ensure consistency and accuracy in measuring elevations across different properties or locations, which is vital for tasks such as creating topographical maps or assessing flood zones.

While legal descriptions, property boundaries, and property valuation are important components of real estate, they are distinct from the specific purpose of a datum, which focuses solely on establishing a baseline for vertical measurements.