In the case of Stafford v. King, what was determined regarding surveying practices?

The determination made in Stafford v. King emphasizes that surveyors must adhere to the original footsteps or methods established by prior surveys. This principle is crucial in land surveying because it upholds the integrity of historical boundaries and rights. By following the original surveyor's footsteps, contemporary surveyors can maintain consistency with prior determinations, thus providing legal and professional continuity in property boundaries. Ignoring these established boundaries could lead to disputes over land ownership and rights, which is why respecting historical practices remains vital in surveying.

This ruling reinforces the idea that, while modern techniques and technologies are available, the foundational principles laid out in previous surveys must be honored to ensure that property rights are respected and disputes are minimized. The other alternatives present modern ideas or concepts that could undermine established legal precedent in property law, making adherence to historical surveys significantly important.