What is a plat?

A plat is a map that shows the layout and dimensions of land parcels, often including details such as property lines, roads, and the positioning of various features on the property. It serves as a visual representation of a specific area, typically used in real estate and land development discussions. Plats are essential for land surveying, zoning, and legal purposes, helping to define ownership boundaries and proposed land uses within a given area.

In the context of real estate, it is important to differentiate between a plat and other documents like legal documents, a water quality report, or a construction plan. While a legal document might contain information about property ownership or agreements, it does not provide a visual layout. Similarly, a water quality report focuses on the quality of water rather than the physical layout of land, and a construction plan would detail how a structure is to be built rather than the land itself. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that a plat is a map, providing crucial information about land use and ownership.