Which of the following best describes the concept of 'distance' in metes?

The concept of 'distance' in metes refers specifically to the length or measurement between two points. This term is often used in land surveying and real estate to describe the linear measurement that defines property boundaries. In metes and bounds, distances are expressed in units such as feet or meters, providing a precise understanding of how far apart specific points are on a parcel of land.

This clarity of measurement is essential for accurately defining property lines and ensuring that legal descriptions of land are both precise and enforceable. The other options do not align with the definition of distance in the context of metes; for example, proximity refers to closeness rather than an actual measurement, variations in elevation pertain to changes in height rather than distance, and the cost of land acquisition relates to financial considerations rather than physical distances.