A gore sounds rather violent, but in property surveying, it’s nothing to be afraid of. A gore is a narrow, irregularly shaped piece of land, often triangular, that lies between two adjoining properties or parcels. Gores typically result from surveying errors, inaccurate legal descriptions, or differences in the way neighboring property boundaries were originally established. They may also occur when roads, property lines, or subdivisions intersect at unusual angles, leaving behind a small wedge of land that does not clearly belong to either adjoining parcel. The term is commonly used in land surveying, property law, and real estate title examinations.
Although a gore may be too small or awkwardly shaped for practical development, it can create legal complications involving property ownership, access, and boundary rights. For example, a gore between two residential lots might prevent either owner from having direct legal access to a road or create uncertainty about who has the right to use or maintain the land. Ownership of a gore may need to be established through a title search, examination of historical surveys and deeds, or legal proceedings. In some cases, a gore may be addressed through a boundary agreement, conveyance, or quiet title action.
