How do cadastral systems vary across different countries and regions?

1 Continental cadastral systems

One of the most common types of cadastral systems is the continental or Napoleonic system, which originated in France and spread to many European and Latin American countries. This system is based on a legal principle that land ownership is derived from a state-granted title, which is recorded in a public registry. The cadastral map is a graphical representation of the land parcels and their boundaries, which are established by surveyors according to standardized rules and coordinates. The cadastral map and the registry are linked by a unique identifier for each parcel, and they are updated regularly to reflect changes in ownership, subdivision, or consolidation.

2 Anglo-American cadastral systems

Another widespread type of cadastral systems is the Anglo-American or common law system, which developed in England and was adopted by many former British colonies, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This system is based on a legal principle that land ownership is derived from the first possession or occupation of the land, which is evidenced by deeds or contracts. The cadastral map is a descriptive representation of the land parcels and their boundaries, which are determined by surveyors according to local customs and practices. The cadastral map and the deeds are not necessarily linked by a unique identifier, and they may not be updated frequently or consistently.

3 Torrens cadastral systems

A third type of cadastral systems is the Torrens or title registration system, which was invented in South Australia and implemented in several countries, such as Germany, Israel, Malaysia, and Thailand. This system is based on a legal principle that land ownership is conferred by a state-issued certificate of title, which is conclusive and indefeasible. The cadastral map is an authoritative representation of the land parcels and their boundaries, which are verified by surveyors and adjudicators. The cadastral map and the title are linked by a unique identifier, and they are updated automatically whenever a transaction or alteration occurs.

4 Indigenous and customary cadastral systems

A fourth type of cadastral systems is the indigenous or customary system, which exists in many countries with diverse ethnic and cultural groups, such as Africa, Asia, and Oceania. This system is based on a social principle that land ownership is derived from the ancestral or communal rights of the land users, which are recognized by their traditions and norms. The cadastral map is a symbolic representation of the land parcels and their boundaries, which are defined by natural features, landmarks, or oral testimonies. The cadastral map and the rights are not necessarily recorded in a formal registry, and they may change over time according to the needs and interests of the land users.

5 Implications for geomatics

As a geomatics professional, you need to be aware of the different types of cadastral systems and their implications for your work. Depending on the context, you may have to deal with different sources of data, standards of accuracy, methods of measurement, modes of representation, and procedures of registration. You also need to understand the legal, social, and economic aspects of land ownership, rights, and disputes, and how they affect the land users and stakeholders. By doing so, you can contribute to the development and improvement of cadastral systems that are fit for purpose, transparent, and equitable.