Final answer:
An easement can be acquired by prescription in a manner similar to acquisition of land by adverse possession. Adverse possession involves using the land in an open, continuous, and adverse way, whereas eminent domain is a government action that requires compensation.
Step-by-step explanation:
An easement is a non-possessory right to use the property of another person for a specific purpose. Similar to the concept of adverse possession, an easement can be acquired by prescription, which implies a use that is open, notorious, continuous, and adverse for a statutory period. In contrast, eminent domain is a legal process where the government takes private property for public use with the provision of just compensation, whereas condemnation is the action of declaring something, typically land, as public property.
Non-government restrictions, such as restrictive covenants and easements, are used by land developers to impose certain limitations on property use. These can play a role in preserving open spaces or maintaining the character of a development. However, these are distinguished from government actions such as eminent domain which serve a broader public interest.