Ned,
 
There is a GREAT program (shareware) called Mapdraw and it is available on the WWW; the URL is: <http://members.aol.com/informatik/mapdraw.html>.  I've been using it for a couple of years now and it works wonders, especially converting chains, perches, etc. into feet and meters.
 
Below is the description from their WWW site:
 
 
MapDraw draws maps from metes and bounds descriptions. Simply enter the direction, angle and distance of each section and the system displays the map. For curves, enter the arc distance or the chord, the radius and the left/right orientation. The angle can be entered as incremental or absolute values. The maps are automatically scaled and centered for correct display on the monitor. For printing, the scale can be specified. MapDraw can calculate and draw the closing section, calculate gaps and acreage. Other features are: multiple lots, conversions from 'old' measurements, high quality printing from any Windows- compatible printer, file management. An easy-to-use tool for title and real estate professionals! 
 
Features and Options:
          Easy-to-use and intuitive 
          Metric option 
          Curves 
          Incremental angles 
          Automatic or specified scaling 
          High precision calculations 
          Automatic closing to POB. 
          Calculation of gaps 
          Calculation of acreage (acres, hectares) 
          Calculation of perimeter 
          Multiple lots 
          Conversions from ancient measurements 
          Instant online display 
          Optional gap balancing 
          Azimuths version (360 digrees) and North-South Axis methods 
          Quality printing on any Windows-compatible printer 
          Printed recap with map reference points 
          File management 
 
David Rotenstein
______________________________________
David S. Rotenstein, Ph.D.                                   
E-MAIL: [log in to unmask]                        
WWW: http://www.city-net.com/~davidsr/