How to Pick Draw West East

Picking a draw direction—specifically, how to determine whether to pick “West” or “East”—is a critical decision in fields ranging from urban planning and geographic information systems (GIS) to surveying, construction layout, and even traditional land navigation. While the phrase “Pick Draw West East” may sound ambiguous at first, it refers to the methodical process of identifying and establishing a directional baseline for drawing lines, defining property boundaries, aligning infrastructure, or interpreting topographic data relative to cardinal directions. In many technical contexts, especially those involving land surveying and mapping, “draw west east” implies the orientation of a linear feature relative to the Earth’s magnetic or true north-south axis. Choosing the correct direction—west or east—is not arbitrary; it impacts legal descriptions, engineering accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

Understanding how to correctly pick draw west east ensures that maps, plans, and physical constructions are aligned with official records and natural geography. Errors in this process can lead to costly mistakes: misaligned roads, encroachments on neighboring properties, incorrect drainage patterns, or violations of zoning codes. Whether you’re a surveyor, civil engineer, architect, GIS analyst, or landowner reviewing a plat map, mastering this skill is essential for precision and professionalism.

This guide will walk you through the complete methodology of how to pick draw west east. We’ll break down the underlying principles, provide a step-by-step workflow, outline industry best practices, recommend essential tools, present real-world case studies, and answer common questions. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive, actionable framework to confidently determine the correct directional orientation in any context where “drawing west or east” matters.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Context of the Draw

Before determining whether to draw west or east, you must first identify the purpose of the line or boundary you’re creating. Is it a property boundary? A road alignment? A drainage swale? A utility corridor? Each context has different standards and governing rules.

For example, in property surveying, the direction of a boundary line is typically defined in a legal description such as “North 45 degrees East, 200 feet.” This means the line runs at a 45-degree angle toward the east from true north. If the description instead says “South 30 degrees West, 150 feet,” the direction is toward the west. The direction is embedded in the bearing notation.

In GIS or digital mapping, “drawing east” might mean creating a polyline that extends from left to right on a map where east is to the right. In construction layout, it could mean aligning a foundation wall parallel to an east-west axis for optimal solar exposure.

Always begin by asking: What is the intended function of this line? What standards govern this project? This will guide your decision-making in later steps.

Step 2: Identify the Reference Point

Every directional draw must originate from a known reference point. This could be a monument, a corner of a building, a survey marker, or a geographic coordinate (latitude/longitude). Without a fixed origin, direction is meaningless.

Use official records to locate the reference point. In land surveying, this is often the “point of beginning” (POB) described in a deed or plat. In urban planning, it may be the intersection of two public rights-of-way.

Verify the reference point using multiple sources: county GIS maps, historical plats, on-site physical markers, and GPS coordinates. Discrepancies between sources must be resolved before proceeding. If the reference point is ambiguous or missing, consult authoritative records or engage a licensed surveyor to re-establish it.

Step 3: Determine True North vs. Magnetic North

One of the most common errors in directional drawing comes from confusing magnetic north with true north. Magnetic north—the direction a compass needle points—is influenced by local geology and changes over time. True north is fixed and corresponds to the geographic North Pole.

For legal and engineering accuracy, you must use true north. Most modern surveying equipment and GIS software default to true north, but older compasses or consumer-grade GPS devices may default to magnetic north.

To convert magnetic bearing to true bearing, apply the local magnetic declination. This value varies by location and year. You can find current declination values from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Magnetic Field Calculator or similar authoritative sources. For example, in Seattle in 2024, magnetic declination is approximately 15 degrees east, meaning magnetic north is 15 degrees east of true north. If your compass reads “East,” you must adjust your drawing to account for this offset.

Always document the declination value used and the date it was obtained. This ensures traceability and compliance.

Step 4: Analyze the Existing Grid or Alignment

Many urban areas follow a grid system aligned with cardinal directions. In cities like Chicago or Philadelphia, streets are laid out in a strict north-south and east-west grid. In rural or irregularly developed areas, property lines may follow natural features or historical boundaries that deviate from true cardinal directions.

Use a map with a grid overlay to determine whether your draw should conform to the surrounding grid. If adjacent properties, roads, or buildings are oriented east-west, your draw should align with them unless there’s a compelling technical or legal reason not to.

Use digital tools like Google Earth Pro or QGIS to overlay a north-south grid on your area of interest. Measure the angle of nearby linear features relative to true north. If most features in the vicinity run at a 5-degree deviation from true east-west, your draw should likely follow the same pattern for consistency.

Never force a draw to be perfectly east-west if the context demands otherwise. Alignment with existing infrastructure often trumps theoretical precision.

Step 5: Consult Legal Descriptions and Plats

Legal documents are the ultimate authority in property-related draws. If you’re determining the direction of a boundary line, the official plat or deed controls—not your intuition or convenience.

Legal descriptions use metes and bounds: a series of directions and distances. Look for phrases like:

• “Thence east 100 feet”
• “Thence S 89° 30’ W 250 feet”
• “Along the east line of Lot 3”

These phrases explicitly define direction. If the description says “east,” you draw east. If it says “west,” you draw west. Do not interpret or assume. Even a slight deviation can invalidate the legal description.

If the description is ambiguous or contradictory, do not proceed without clarification. Contact the county recorder’s office, consult a title company, or hire a licensed surveyor to resolve discrepancies. Never guess.

Step 6: Use Surveying Instruments for On-Site Verification

Once you’ve gathered all documentation, verify your intended direction on-site using professional tools.

Use a total station or GPS rover with RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) capability to measure the actual bearing of your reference point to a target point. Input the desired direction (e.g., 90 degrees for due east) and verify that the physical alignment matches.

If you’re using a compass, ensure it’s calibrated and compensated for magnetic declination. Take multiple readings from different locations to eliminate local interference (e.g., rebar, power lines, vehicles).

Mark your intended line with temporary stakes or spray paint, then re-measure from multiple angles. Confirm that the angle is consistent across the entire length of the draw.

Step 7: Document and Label Your Draw

After determining the direction, document everything. Create a clear, labeled drawing or digital file that shows:

• The reference point
• The direction of the draw (e.g., “Drawn due East” or “Bearing: 90°”)
• The length of the line
• The source of the directional data (e.g., “Based on 2023 County Plat, Sheet 4”)
• The magnetic declination used
• The date and name of the person who verified the draw

This documentation is essential for audits, future surveys, and dispute resolution. In digital formats, use metadata fields in your CAD or GIS software to embed this information automatically.

Step 8: Cross-Check with Neighboring Properties

Always verify that your draw aligns with adjacent properties. A line drawn “east” from your reference point should connect seamlessly to the boundary of the neighboring parcel.

Use a shared boundary analysis: overlay your proposed draw with the neighboring plat. If there’s a gap or overlap, investigate why. Common causes include surveying errors, outdated plats, or undocumented easements.

If discrepancies exist, communicate with neighboring landowners and coordinate a joint survey if necessary. Resolving boundary conflicts early prevents costly litigation.

Step 9: Submit for Review (If Required)

In regulated environments—such as municipal development, subdivision plats, or utility installations—your directional draw must often be reviewed and approved by a governing body.

Submit your drawings with full documentation to the planning department, engineering office, or survey review board. Ensure all labels, scales, and directions are clearly legible and conform to local standards.

Be prepared to justify your direction using the steps above. If your draw deviates from the grid or standard orientation, provide a technical rationale (e.g., topography, existing infrastructure, historical alignment).

Step 10: Finalize and Protect the Draw

Once approved, permanently mark the line using durable materials: concrete monuments, iron pins, or survey nails with caps. Record the location of these markers in the official plat or GIS database.

Update all digital files and share final versions with all stakeholders. Maintain a digital archive with version history. This ensures future teams can trace the origin and logic of your draw.

Remember: a correctly picked draw is only as good as its documentation and permanence.

Best Practices

Always Use True North for Legal and Engineering Work

Magnetic north is useful for casual navigation, but never for formal land descriptions, construction layouts, or legal documentation. Always convert to true north using current declination data. Keep a log of all conversions applied.

Verify with Multiple Sources

Never rely on a single map, GPS reading, or memory. Cross-reference at least three independent sources: official plats, satellite imagery, on-site measurements, and historical records. Consistency across sources confirms accuracy.

Use Standardized Notation

When labeling directions, use standardized formats:

• For bearings: “N 25° E” or “S 70° W”
• For azimuths: “90°” (east), “270°” (west)
• For cardinal directions: “due east,” “due west”

Avoid vague terms like “toward the road” or “over by the tree.” These are not precise enough for technical work.

Update Your Tools Regularly

Surveying instruments, GPS devices, and GIS software are updated frequently. Ensure your equipment has the latest firmware, coordinate systems, and projection settings. Outdated tools produce outdated results.

Document Everything

Assume your work will be scrutinized years later. Maintain detailed field notes, digital backups, and annotated drawings. Include photos of physical markers, timestamps, and weather conditions if relevant.

Respect Existing Boundaries

Even if you believe a previous survey was incorrect, do not move a boundary without legal authority. Property lines are legally binding. Correcting errors requires formal surveying and recording procedures.

Train Your Team

If you’re managing a team, ensure everyone understands the difference between magnetic and true north, how to read legal descriptions, and how to use the tools correctly. A single error by one team member can compromise an entire project.

Use Color Coding and Layering in Digital Maps

In GIS or CAD, assign distinct layers and colors to different types of lines: property boundaries in red, proposed draws in blue, existing features in gray. This prevents confusion during review and revision.

Perform Seasonal Checks

Vegetation, snow, and erosion can obscure markers. Re-verify critical draws after seasonal changes, especially in rural or wooded areas.

Stay Current with Local Regulations

Local jurisdictions may have specific rules about draw orientation, especially in historic districts or flood zones. Check municipal codes before finalizing any directional decision.

Tools and Resources

Surveying Instruments

• Total Station – The industry standard for precise angle and distance measurement. Models like Leica TS16 or Trimble S5 are widely used.
• RTK GPS Rover – Provides centimeter-level accuracy. Recommended models include Trimble R10 and Juniper Systems Juno 5.
• Digital Compass with Declination Adjustment – The Suunto MC-2G or Silva Ranger 2.0 allow manual declination input.

Software and Digital Platforms

• AutoCAD Civil 3D – Industry-leading CAD software for land development. Supports true north orientation and dynamic boundary generation.
• QGIS (Free) – Open-source GIS platform with powerful coordinate transformation tools. Ideal for small firms or students.
• Esri ArcGIS Pro – Enterprise-grade GIS with advanced surveying and mapping capabilities.
• Google Earth Pro – Free tool for visualizing terrain, measuring distances, and overlaying historical imagery.
• PlanGrid / Procore – Construction management platforms that allow field teams to view and annotate drawings on mobile devices.

Online Resources

• NOAA Magnetic Field Calculator – https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/calculators/magcalc.shtml#declination – Provides current magnetic declination for any location and date.
• USGS TopoView – Access historical topographic maps to compare past property alignments.
• County GIS Portals – Most counties offer free online parcel viewers with plat maps and boundary data (e.g., “Maricopa County Parcel Viewer”).
• National Association of Land Surveyors (NSPS) – Publishes standards for boundary surveys and directional accuracy.

Reference Books

• “Boundary Control and Legal Principles” by Brown – The definitive text on land surveying law and description interpretation.
• “Elementary Surveying: An Introduction to Geomatics” by Ghilani – Comprehensive guide to measurement techniques and coordinate systems.
• “The Surveyor’s Handbook” by L. M. E. R. G. de Groot – Practical field techniques and troubleshooting.

Real Examples

Example 1: Residential Subdivision in Austin, Texas

A developer planned a new subdivision where all lots were to be oriented east-west for maximum afternoon sunlight. The existing street grid ran at a 12-degree offset from true east-west due to historical alignment with a nearby river.

The surveyor initially drew all lot lines due east (90° azimuth). However, when overlaid on the county plat, the new lines created a 12-degree wedge between the lots and the street, resulting in irregular setbacks and drainage issues.

After consulting the city’s development code, the surveyor adjusted the draw to match the existing grid (78° azimuth). The revised plan was approved without delay. The lesson: alignment with context often matters more than theoretical cardinal directions.

Example 2: Utility Line in Rural Montana

A power company needed to extend a transmission line from a substation. The project map showed the line running “due east” for 1.2 miles. However, the on-site GPS reading showed the line was actually trending 3 degrees north of east due to magnetic interference from underground iron deposits.

The project team used a total station to re-establish the true bearing based on two known monuments. They adjusted the trenching plan and updated the GIS map. Without this correction, the line would have veered off course, requiring costly rerouting after installation.

Example 3: Property Dispute in Boston, Massachusetts

Two neighbors disputed a fence line. One claimed the boundary ran “east” from a corner stake. The other insisted it ran “northwest.”

An independent surveyor reviewed the original 1922 deed, which stated: “Thence S 88° 45’ E 150 feet.” This meant the line ran almost due east (slightly south of due east). The surveyor used modern RTK GPS to locate the original corner monument, which had been buried under decades of soil.

The fence was moved 18 inches to match the legal description. The case was resolved without litigation. The key: trusting the deed over assumptions.

Example 4: Historic Building Renovation in Savannah, Georgia

A historic home’s original foundation was aligned 5 degrees west of true east. The owner wanted to extend the porch “due east” to match modern codes. However, preservation guidelines required the addition to follow the original orientation.

The architect used a laser level to project the original bearing and designed the extension to match. The project received historic approval. The lesson: sometimes, “wrong” direction is historically correct—and legally required.

FAQs

Q1: Can I just draw east because it’s easier?

No. Direction must be determined by legal, technical, and contextual factors—not convenience. Drawing arbitrarily can invalidate surveys, violate codes, or create legal disputes.

Q2: What if my compass says east but the map says west?

Trust the map if it’s an official plat or deed. Compasses are prone to magnetic interference. Always verify with true north and official records.

Q3: Do I need a surveyor to pick draw west east?

If it’s for legal, property, or construction purposes—yes. For personal projects like landscaping or garden layout, you may not need one, but accuracy is still recommended.

Q4: How do I know if my GPS is using true north or magnetic north?

Check the settings in your GPS app or device. Most professional devices allow you to select “True North” in the coordinate system menu. If unsure, cross-check with NOAA’s declination tool.

Q5: Can I use Google Maps to determine direction?

Yes, but with caution. Google Maps uses true north and is accurate for general orientation. However, it lacks survey-grade precision and may not reflect recent boundary changes. Use it for planning, not legal documentation.

Q6: What happens if I draw the wrong direction?

Consequences vary. Minor errors in landscaping may be easily corrected. In construction or land development, wrong directions can lead to structural misalignment, zoning violations, boundary lawsuits, or demolition orders. Always verify before acting.

Q7: Is “draw west east” the same as “east-west alignment”?

Yes, in most contexts. “Draw west east” is an informal way of saying the line should be oriented along an east-west axis. The term implies directionality from one cardinal point to another.

Q8: How often should I recheck my directional draws?

Recheck after any major environmental change (e.g., erosion, construction nearby), after 5–10 years in high-accuracy projects, or when new documentation becomes available.

Conclusion

Picking the correct direction—whether to draw west or east—is far more than a simple choice. It is a technical, legal, and professional responsibility that underpins the integrity of land use, infrastructure, and spatial planning. The process demands precision, documentation, and respect for authoritative sources. Whether you’re laying out a property boundary, aligning a utility line, or designing a new development, the steps outlined in this guide provide a comprehensive, field-tested framework to ensure your directional decisions are accurate, defensible, and enduring.

Remember: in surveying and mapping, direction is not opinion—it is data. And like all data, it must be collected, verified, and recorded with the highest standards of professionalism. Never assume. Always cross-check. Document everything. Use the right tools. Respect the law and the land.

Mastering how to pick draw west east is not just about following steps—it’s about cultivating a mindset of precision, accountability, and attention to detail. These qualities separate competent technicians from exceptional professionals. Apply these principles consistently, and you’ll ensure your work stands the test of time, scrutiny, and the elements.