Blog · September 27, 2026
What Is a Bearing on a Plat Map
A bearing is the direction of a line, stated as an angle from north or south toward east or west.
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A call such as N 12°30' E 140.00 feet means the line leaves the last corner on that direction for that distance. The next call starts where this one ends.
On the recorded sheet
Bearings on the plat are record bearings. A later survey may show a measured bearing that differs slightly and still honors the same monuments.
The mix-up to avoid
The arrow that looks like north on a web map may be true north, while the plat uses a local basis of bearing. They will not match to the minute.
Find the county map
The county GIS map is the practical place to start. Find it from the Platbookmapper directory, then treat the recorded plat and deed as the documents behind the picture.
Not a survey. County GIS and tax parcel maps are assessment and planning layers. They are not a substitute for a recorded plat, deed, or licensed survey.