The closure precision of the data shown on the map or plat. The closure may be stated as follows: "This map or plat has been calculated for closure and is found to be accurate within one foot in ____ feet" The closure precision placed on the survey shall be based on an actual map closure that has been independently calculated by the surveyor by using the bearings and distances from the face of the plat, and shall not be a generalization. All lots or parcels shown on the plat shall be map checked for closure and area. In the case of a subdivision plat or a survey that depicts more than one tract, the closure precision stated may be that of the exterior or an average of the tracts.

Traditionally, when a plat has more than one tract, I have stated the lowest closure precision from the map checks of the tracts. The rule states that the exterior closure may be used or the average closure of all the tracts. But the operative word is “may” not “must”. (No pun intended.) So, am I wrong to state the lowest precision and not the exterior or average precision?

Thanks,