What best describes a plat book?

A plat book is best described as a record of subdivision maps. This type of book contains detailed maps showing the layout of subdivisions, including property lines, the locations of streets, and other significant features of the land. Plat books are essential for understanding property boundaries, ownership patterns, and land use planning, as they visually represent how land is divided and organized within a particular area.

The other options do not accurately describe a plat book. A digital archive of land parcels suggests a format that may not include the detailed layout of properties. A collection of property deeds refers to legal documents that establish ownership, but they do not contain the visual representation of land parcels found in plat maps. A magazine discussing land use may provide useful information, but it is not a formal record of subdivision maps or layouts. Thus, the most fitting description of a plat book is its role in documenting subdivisions through graphical representations.