NC Historical Records Online (NCHRO) is offering an online workshop titled Hands-On Metes and Bounds, taught by David McCorkle, NCHRO President, genealogy lecturer and creator of the free website nclandgrants.com . This is not a “listen only” webinar, but an interactive class where students can actively participate.
This 4 hour workshop will provide the background and details of land mapping using metes and bounds, and then go through a series of step-by-step examples with the participants following along and creating their own maps. The final session will demonstrate techniques for placing the plats on a modern map. Some sessions will end with a short trivia talk related to the history of mapping and measurements. Following the formal sessions, participants can optionally sign up for individual attention.
We are still in the planning stages, and would like you to fill out the survey below to help us plan this and to gauge interest. All information is subject to change.
Date(s): Early September
Cost per student: $50
Cost includes paper handouts, forms, graph paper, ruler, and protractor, mailed directly to the student.
Preliminary Schedule
Session 1 – Introduction to Land Records and Mapping. This will be an overview of land records and land mapping, and how to use them in your research.
Session 2 – Hands-on exercises (group). For each example, the instruction will show how to read the specific metes and bounds and show how to draw the plat. Students will follow along and create their own plats. This session will be interactive so students will be able to ask questions and optionally receive assistance in “breakout” sessions.
Session 3 – Using software. Software can save a lot of time. We will cover DeedMapper and Metes and Bounds, (purchased desktop software) and several free online websites.
Session 4 – Putting together a regional map. We will discuss the different techniques for mapping an area, and the different types of base maps you can use and where to find them. Students work individually or as a group will then take the plats drawn in the prior sessions and put them on a map.
One-on-one instruction as needed (15 minutes max per student)
Additional general assistance or assistance with specific situations can be scheduled after the class at a rate of $15 per half-hour.
