CHAPTER ONE

 Concept of Cadastre

 Human-land relationship

 Evolution of cadastre

 Cadastral reform

 Property ownership and conveyance

 Proportionate measurement
 Definition of Cadastre
 In the mid of 19th century the term cadastral derived from the French
word “cadastre” (register of land), from Italian word “cadastro” and
from word Greek “katastikhon” (list line by line or register).

 In modern usage; cadastre is a comprehensive record of the land

parcels, their ownership, related properties within defined geographic
area.

 The database that provide detail information about the land owner,
real property and legal land.

 It is normally parcel based and up-to-date land information that

contain record of interests in the land.
 Cadastral Surveying

 Cadastre/er/al* different spellings of same term from these, cadastral

is used as an adjective to describe things related cadastre(cadastral
surveying/mapping/system).

 Cadastral surveying is the kind of surveying that deals with gathering

and recording of data about land parcels irrespective of its ownership.

 It is the survey which focuses on boundaries of land parcels by

answering the questions such as who? where? and how much?

 The process of measuring and mapping land parcels to create a

cadaster.
 Cont…
Key Aspects of Cadastral Surveying

 Boundary determination: Accurately locating and marking the

boundaries of land parcels.

 Parcel formation: Dividing land into individual parcels based on

ownership, land use, and other criteria.

 Mapping: Creating detailed maps of the cadastral area, showing the

location, boundaries, and ownership of each parcel.

 Data collection: Gathering information about land ownership,

property rights, and other relevant data.
 The Concept of Land
 Land is a physical reality: Land that we live on, where it interacts with
society, providing food, shelter and resources for all living things.
 Land is an economic asset: land is the base of economic production,
the main asset of development and wealth, the land is a commercial
value through market.
 Land is a legal infrastructure: Land is constructed in accordance with
the legal structure that establishes the basis for the rule of securing the
right of ownership and determines how the land is used.
 Land is a cultural asset: Land is a non-recyclable asset that cannot be
transported and destroyed. It creates space for many movable values
of society and individuals.
 Human-land relationship
The relationship between humans and land is a complex one, rooted in
our deep connection to the natural world.

 Human is dependent on the land to survive, land provides us the food,

water, shelter and other materials.

 It gives life to plants and animals. We fed with plants and animals to
live.

 Land is simply a field for human activities where many different

forms of land use are reflected. The life for man comes from the land.

 “Land is mother!”
 Cont…
 In the holy books, the first man name(Adam) from Hebrew word-
adamah(land) and his wife Eve from Hebrew word-chava(life).

The first murder in the world was done in the name of land and property!

The book of Moses (Torah) tells this story:

 There was a wealthy and vast land of Babylon representing the city.
But he was talking about being richer and therefore land owner. Their
boundaries rested on the rural land of Abel. At this point, property and
border conflicts have begun. And ultimately, this conflict resulted in
the killing of Cain.

 All emphasize the importance of the man and land relationship.

 The Place of Land in the Process of Human Civilization
 Hunters and gathers(move from place place)
* Land as primary source of food and resources

 Agricultural society(cultivate the crop and domesticate animals)

* Land become platform of farming and nutrition purpose

 Feudalism system(individual land ownership)

⁎ Land as wealth- taxation paradigm

 Industrial Revolution(human power replaced by the machine power)

⁎ Land as wealth and commodity-land market paradigm

 Information revolution(modern perspective)

⁎ Land as scarce resources-land management and sustainable development
paradigm
 Historical Development of Cadastres
Ancient Civilizations

 In 1500s, the first plans drawn on the mud-brick tablets are the first
documents of the cadastre by the Egyptian. The Egyptians used
papyrus, a reed-based paper to record cadastral information.

 Babylonians used clay tablets as a primary recording medium. Their

earliest known legal codes of Hammurabi, contained provisions
related to land ownership and inheritance.

 Romans developed cadastral system known as the centuriatio which

divided land into square plots. This system had a lasting influence
on land surveying practices in Europe.
 Cont…
Middle Ages

 During the feudal System, land ownership was often concentrated

in the hands of a few powerful individuals. Cadastres were used to
record the rights and obligations of these land owners.

 Religious institutions often maintained their own cadastres to

manage their land holdings.

Modern Era

 Industrial revolution and urbanization encouraged the need for

accurate and comprehensive cadastral information. Technological
advancements such as computer-aided design, GIS and remote
sensing have revolutionized cadastral surveying and mapping.
 Cadastres in Ethiopia
Pre-Colonial Era: Ethiopia had a unique land tenure system known as
Irist (literally root) which was based on communal ownership and
inheritance rights.

Key Features of Irist

 Communal ownership: Land was not privately owned but rather

belonged to the community as a whole.

 Land use rights: Individuals were granted the right to use and
cultivate specific plots of land, but they did not own the land itself.

 Inheritance: Land was typically inherited within the family or clan,

but ownership remained communal.
 Cont…

 Land allocation: The allocation of land was often based on factors

such as family size, need, and labor contributions.

 Land management: Community leaders or elders played a crucial role

in managing land resources and resolving disputes.

Colonial Period: Although Ethiopia was not colonized, the Italian

invasion of the 1930s had a significant impact on its land administration.

The Italians introduced a cadastral system in Ethiopia during their

colonial rule from 1936 to 1941.
 Cont…
Key features of the Italian cadastral system in Ethiopia

 Detailed mapping: The Italians conducted extensive land surveys to

create accurate maps of Ethiopia's territory. These maps included
information on land boundaries, property ownership, and land use.

 Registration of land ownership: Land ownership was recorded in a

central registry, providing a legal record of property rights.

 Parcel identification: Each parcel of land was assigned a unique

identification number, making it easier to track and manage.

 Land valuation: The Italian cadastral system also included a valuation

of land, which was used for taxation purposes.
 Cont…
 Land titling: The government is issuing land titles to landowners,
providing legal proof of ownership and facilitating land
transactions.

 Land information management system: Ethiopia has developed a

LIMS to store, manage, and analyze cadastral data.

 Remote sensing: The government is using remote sensing

technologies such as satellite imagery and LiDAR, to collect and
update cadastral data more efficiently
 Current Trends of Cadastral System in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has been undergoing significant reforms to modernize its
cadastral system in recent years.

 Digital cadastre: Ethiopia is transitioning from traditional paper-based

cadastral records to digital systems. This involves the creation of
digital maps, databases, and spatial information infrastructure.

 GIS integration: GIS are being widely adopted to manage and analyze
cadastral data, providing a more efficient and accurate means of land
administration.

 Remote sensing: Remote sensing technologies, such as satellite

imagery and aerial photography, are being used to update cadastral
maps and monitor land use changes.
 Cont…
 Land administration laws: The Ethiopian government has enacted
comprehensive land administration laws to provide a legal
framework for cadastral activities and land tenure rights.

 Institutional strengthening: The establishment of dedicated land

administration agencies and the strengthening of existing institutions
are crucial for effective cadastral management.

 Building regulations: Cadastral data is being integrated with

building regulations to ensure proper land use and development
control.
 Cont…
 Customary land rights: Recognizing and protecting customary land
rights is a priority in rural areas.

 Community-based cadastres: Community-based approaches are being

explored to involve local communities in cadastral surveys and land
administration.

 Tenure security: Rural cadastres aim to provide tenure security for

landholders, reducing land disputes and promoting agricultural
development.

 Parcel-based systems: Urban areas are typically adopting parcel-based

cadastral systems to define and register land ownership rights.
 Cadastral Reform
 It is a process of modernizing and improving a country's land records
system.

Key Objectives of Cadastral Reform

 Enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of land administration

processes.

 Providing clear and secure land rights to individuals and

communities.

 Creating a stable and predictable land market to attract investment

and promote economic growth.

 Ensuring that land is used effectively and responsibly, taking into

account environmental and social considerations.
 Cont…
Benefits of Cadastral Reform

 Reduced land disputes: Clear and secure land rights can help to
prevent land disputes and conflicts.

 Increased investment: A well-functioning land market can attract

investment and stimulate economic growth.

 Improved governance: Cadastral reform can strengthen governance

and improve public services.

 Enhanced sustainable development: A modernized land records

system can support sustainable land use and environmental
protection.
Property Ownership, Conveyance and Proportionate Measurement

 Property ownership refers to the legal right to possess, use and

control a piece of property. This ownership can be individual,
corporate or governmental.

 Conveyance is the legal process of transferring ownership of

property from one person to another. This typically involves
creating a legal document such as a deed that specifies the terms
of the transfer.

 Proportionate measurement is a method of dividing property into

smaller, proportional parts.
 Cont…
Factors Affecting Property Ownership and Conveyance

 Land laws: The laws governing property ownership and conveyance

vary from country to country. These laws may regulate things like
property rights, inheritance, and land use.

 Custom and tradition: Local customs and traditions can also influence
property ownership and conveyance practices.

 Economic factors: Economic conditions can affect property values

and the demand for property.

 Technological advancements: Advances in technology such as GIS

have made it easier to measure and map property boundaries
 Cont…
Importance of Accurate Proportionate Measurement

 Fair division: It ensures that property is divided fairly among owners

or heirs.
 Legal compliance: It helps to comply with land laws and regulations.
 Property valuation: Accurate measurements are necessary for
accurate property valuation.
 Development planning: Proportionate measurement is important for
land development planning.
 CHAPTER TWO
 Boundary Concepts

 Public land survey system

 Statutes and case law in boundary concepts

 The subjects of evidence in boundary disputes

 Conflicting evidence, proper methods and procedures for collecting

evidence.

#Assignment: Rules of evidence including classification and evaluation

both national and regional rules

 Riparian rights, surface and subsurface rights

 Retracement, resurveys and subdivision of sections

 Boundary Concepts
Boundaries are the lines that define the limits of a property or territory.
In cadastral surveying, boundary is an imaginary line that defines the
limits of a land parcel. It separates one parcel from another and serves
as the legal demarcation of property ownership.
Primary Types of Boundaries

1. General Boundaries

 These are boundaries formed by physical features such as rivers,

lakes, trees or mountains range.

 General boundaries are approximate or estimated boundaries that

may change over time due to natural processes or human activities.

 Example; boundary described as along the river bank or tree.

 Cont…
2. Fixed Boundaries

 These are boundaries created by humans often through treaties or

agreements.

 are precisely defined boundaries that are unlikely to change over

time often marked by physical features like fences, monuments or
boundary stones.

 Examples; boundary defined by specific coordinates that is marked

by the concrete monument.
 Cont…
3. Legal Boundaries

 These are defined by legal documents such as deeds or land titles.

 They are the relatively precise which can vary depending on the
legal description and also relatively stable but can change due to
legal processes or court decisions.

 Examples; boundary described in a deed as beginning at the

intersection of main street, forward north 100m, etc.
 Cont…
Table 2.1 Difference of general, fixed and legal boundaries

Feature General Fixed Legal

Definition Vague & approximate Precise & specific Legal documented

Precision Low High Can varies

Stability Less stable More stable Relatively stable

Legal basis Less binding More binding Legally binding

 Public Land Survey System
PLSS is standardized system used in the United States that was
established in 1785 by the Continental Congress to divide public
lands into sections and townships.

The PLSS is used to

 Divide public lands into smaller, manageable units.

 Record land ownership and boundaries.

 Facilitate land transactions.

 Assist in the development of infrastructure and transportation

networks.
 Cont…
Key components of the PLSS

 Townships: It is a square unit of land measuring 9.66km on each side.

 Sections: Each township is divided into 36 sections each measuring

1.61km on each side.

 Ranges: are lines running north and south, parallel to the principal
meridian.

 Tiers: are lines running east and west, parallel to the baseline.
 Statutes and Case Law in Boundary Concepts
Statutes and case law play a crucial role in defining and interpreting
boundary concepts. They provide the legal framework that governs the
establishment, determination and resolution of property boundaries.

Statutes

 Statutes are laws passed by legislatures that establish the legal

framework for boundaries.

 They define the rights and responsibilities of landowners including

their rights to use and develop their property.

 Statutes may outline procedures for resolving boundary disputes such

as mediation or arbitration.
 Cont…
Case Law

 Case law consists of decisions made by courts in specific cases that

interpret and apply statutes related to boundaries.

 Courts may interpret the language of deeds, maps and other

documents to determine the location of boundaries.

 They resolve boundary disputes by considering factors like the intent

of the parties, physical evidence and relevant legal principles.
 Subjects of Evidence in Boundary Disputes
Subject of evidence in boundary concepts refers to the specific piece of
information or data being considered as evidence. This could be:

Physical evidence

 Fences, walls, natural features or monuments.

Documentary evidence

 Deeds, plats, maps and survey records.

Oral evidence

 Testimony from witnesses or historical accounts

 Conflicting Evidence in Boundary

Conflicting evidence occurs when different pieces of evidence

contradict each other, creating uncertainty about the true boundary
location. For example:
1. Inconsistencies between written records and physical evidence
 The boundaries described in deeds or older surveys may not align
with physical markers or monuments on the ground.
 Physical markers or fences may not correspond to the boundaries
indicated in written documents.
2. Conflicting claims of ownership
 Claims of adverse possession may conflict with the boundaries
established in deeds or surveys.
 Cont…
3. Changes in land use or natural features
 Changes in the course of rivers or streams can alter property
boundaries over time.
 New construction can create disputes over property lines.
4. Expert disagreements
 Different surveyors may come to different conclusions about the
location of boundaries based on their interpretations of evidence.
5. Lack of clear evidence
 In some cases, there may be insufficient written records or physical
evidence to definitively establish a boundary.
Methods and Procedures for collecting evidence to resolve boundary
disputes
Collecting evidence is a critical step in resolving boundary disputes.
1. Document review
 Examine the chain of title to identify past owners, transfers and legal
descriptions of the property boundaries.
 Review previous surveys to understand the historical development of
the property.
 Analyze historical maps and plats to identify potential boundary
markers and changes over time.
 Cont…

2. Field survey
 Identify and document physical evidence of boundaries such as
fences, walls, trees or natural features like rivers or streams.

 Locate and document boundary markers including concrete

monuments or other markers.

 Use accurate surveying equipment to measure distances, angles,

and elevations between boundary points.

 Take clear photographs of the property, boundary markers and

surrounding area.
 Cont…

3. Historical research
 Local records such as property tax records, zoning maps and
historical documents.
 Analyze aerial photographs to identify changes in land use, property
boundaries and potential violations.
 Interview neighbors or local residents who may have knowledge of
historical boundary disputes or land use practices.
4. Expert witness
 Consult with a qualified land surveyor to conduct a boundary survey
and provide expert testimony.
 Seek legal advice to understand property law and potential legal
remedies.
 Boundary Dispute Resolution
When disagreements arise over property boundaries, it's crucial to
address them promptly and effectively. Common methods for
resolving boundary disputes:

1. Negotiation

 The most straight forward approach is to initiate direct

communication with the neighboring property owner.

2. Mediation

 Neutral third person facilitates discussions between the parties,

helping them find common ground and reach a settlement and can
foster a more open and honest dialogue.
 Cont…
3. Arbitration

 An arbitrator, a neutral third party, makes a binding decision that is

legally enforceable.

4. Litigation

 In the event that negotiations, mediation or arbitration fail, the

dispute may need to be resolved through legal proceedings.

 It can be costly and time-consuming involving legal representation,

court fees and potential appeals.
 Riparian, surface and subsurface rights
These rights are legal terms that define the ownership and use of land
and its resources.

Riparian rights are legal rights granted to landowners who own

property adjacent to a body of water such as a river, lake or stream.
These rights typically include:
 The right to access the water for reasonable uses such as fishing,
boating or swimming.
 The right to use the water for domestic, agricultural or industrial
purposes.
 The right to protect their property from pollution caused by
upstream or downstream landowners.
 Cont…
Surface rights are rights associated with owning the surface of a
land or use of resources on the land surface.

These rights typically include:

 The right to use land for various purposes such as building

structures, cultivating crops or grazing livestock.

 The right to access land and develop it in accordance with

applicable laws and regulations.
 Cont…
Subsurface rights are rights associated with owning what lies
beneath the surface of the land including the minerals and other
resources.

These rights typically include:

 The right to extract minerals such as oil, gas, coal or precious

metals from the subsurface.

 The right to develop the subsurface resources for purposes such as

mining or constructing underground facilities.
 Retracement, Resurveys and Subdivision of Sections
They help to establish and maintain accurate property boundaries and
facilitate land transactions.

Retracement is the process of re-establishing the original boundaries of

a property by examining historical records, maps and physical evidence.
This is often done when property lines have become hidden or disputed.

Resurvey is a comprehensive process that involves re-establishing the

boundaries of a property using modern surveying techniques and
equipment. This may be necessary when the original survey was
inaccurate or incomplete or when significant changes have occurred on
the property.
 Cont…
Two of resurveys based on how much rely on original survey
information

Dependent Resurvey: It organizes the existing information from the

original survey and used when the original survey is considered accurate
and the existing evidence on the ground matches the records. It updates
the original information to reflect current conditions.

Independent Resurvey: It doesn’t rely heavily on the original survey and

conducted when the original information is unreliable or unavailable. In
such cases, the surveyor will conduct a new survey using modern
equipment and techniques to establish the property lines. This essentially
creates a new, independent record that may succeed the original survey.
 Cont…
Table 2.2. Differences of dependent and independent resurvey
Feature Dependent resurvey Independent resurvey
Reliance on original survey High Low

Use of existing markers Tries to locate and use May use them if reliable, otherwise
them conducts new measurements
Purpose Update existing survey, Establish new boundaries when
verify accuracy original info is unreliable
Impact on original record Does not change, just May succeed the original survey
updates

Subdivision of a section is the process of dividing a section of land

into smaller parcels. This is often done to create new lots for
development or to facilitate land transactions.
 CHAPTER THREE

 The concept of legal description in cadastral surveying

 Analysis, interpretation and writing of legal descriptions.

 Proper form, controlling elements, metes & bounds, sectionalized

land descriptions, easements and right of way.

#Assignment: Considerations of the parent title, interpretation of

expressions, bounds calls.

 Different types of descriptions, junior-senior rights in

descriptions, title considerations and research of public and
private records
 The Concept of Legal Description in Cadastral Surveying
A legal description is a written statement that outlines the boundaries
and exact location of a piece of real property

Why the Legal Description Matters?

 The legal description provides accuracy and consistency over time

serves to prevent boundary disputes and problems with chain of title,
and facilitates the transfer of ownership.

 A title insurance policy would be meaningless if you didn’t know

what property it insures.

 The legal description clarifies exactly what parcel of land is conveyed

to a new owner.

 If a boundary dispute arises, the court reference the legal descriptions.

 Cont…

Importance Of Legal Descriptions

 It clearly defines the extent of property ownership rights.

 It facilitates the buying, selling and leasing of land.

 It helps in determining property taxes and other charges.

 It supports land use planning and zoning regulations.

 It supports in resolving land disputes and boundary conflicts.

 Cont…
 Common Methods of Legal Description

Bounds: Probably the oldest form of a land description by which the

parcel conveyed will be bounded on all sides by natural or artificial
objects. Example: From the point on the north bank of Jackson creek, west of the
stone bridge, northeast to spring hill, then northwest to the large oak tree, then
southwest to the rock at the north side of Jackson creek, then along the north bank of
the creek to the starting point.
 Cont…
Metes and Bounds: This method uses distances (metes) and directions
(bounds) to describe the property's boundaries.
Key Components of a Metes and Bounds Description
 Monuments: These are physical markers either natural(trees, rocks,
bodies of water) or man-made structures(iron pins, concrete markers)
that define points on the boundary.
 Point of Beginning(POB): This is the starting point of the property
description. It's often a well-defined landmark such as a large rock,
water body, tree, corner of a building etc.
 Direction: These are compass directions (e.g., North, South, East and
West) or azimuths (measured in degrees from North).
 Distances: These are the linear measurements between points, often
expressed in feet or meters.
 Cont…
Example: A parcel of land located in the figure below; starting at the intersection of the
south line of route 199 and the middle of Flint creek, thence south-east along the center
line of Flint creek 410 feet, more or less to the Willow tree. Thence north-west 500
feet, more or less to the east line of Dowell road, thence north-east 200 feet, more or
less along the east line of Dowell road to the south line of route 199, thence north-east
325 feet, more or less along the south line of Route 199 to the point of beginning.
 Cont…
Example: The land parcel located in the figure below; starting at northeast along John
creek, more or less to the bridge, thence N40ºE 400m, thence N53°W 350m to
stadium, thence S45°W 200m to oak tree, thence northeast of John creek to the point
of beginning.
 Cont…
Rectangular Survey System (Public Land Survey System): This
system divides land into townships, ranges and sections based on grid
system. Also sectionalized land descriptions are a method of describing
land boundaries using a systematic grid system.
Key components of a sectionalized land description
 Meridian: A north-south line used as a reference point for surveying.
 Baseline: An east-west line used as a reference point for surveying.
 Township: A six mile square area numbered north or south of the
baseline.
 Range: A six mile wide area numbered east or west of the principal
meridian.
 Section: A one mile square area within a township, numbered from 1
to 36.
 Cont…
Example: The Northeast quarter of the Northwest quarter of Section 14,
Township 2 South, Range 3 West of the fifth principal meridian.
 Cont…
Example: The Northwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 31,
Township 2 North, Range 1 East of the first principal meridian.
 Cont…
Lot and Block: This method uses a plat map to identify the
property within a subdivision. This type of legal description is used
in modern planned residential communities, commercial areas and
industrial subdivisions. Tracts of land are subdivided into blocks
and then into lots.

Example: Lot 4, Block B, Rolling Acres Subdivision; X-County.

 Analysis, Interpretation and Writing of Legal Descriptions
A legal description is a precise written document that defines the
boundaries of a parcel of land. It ensures accurate property ownership
and facilitates land transactions.
Key Steps in Analysis, Interpretation and Writing of legal descriptions
Field survey and data collection
 To establish precise boundary points and measurements.
 Collecting accurate data by using advanced surveying techniques.
Data analysis and interpretation
 Analyze the collected data to identify potential discrepancies or
errors.
 Interpret the legal description to understand the planned boundaries
and any existing inconveniences.
 Cont…

Writing the legal description

 The description must be clear, concise and unambiguous.
 Use appropriate legal terminology and grammar.
 Clearly identify permanent reference points such as monuments or
natural features.
 Describe the boundaries by specifying distances and directions
between points.
 Refer to specific sections, townships and ranges within a defined
grid system.
 Cont…

A Well Written Legal Description Should Be:

 Clear and concise: Easy to understand and free of ambiguity.
 Accurate: All measurements and directions should be precise.
 Complete: All necessary elements such as the point of beginning,
courses, distances and bearings should be included.
 Consistent: The description should be internally consistent with no
contradictions.
 Legally sufficient: The description should comply with local laws
and regulations.
 Cont…
Three Common Methods and Their General Description Format

Metes and Bounds: This method describes the boundaries of a property

by referencing physical features, distances and directions. It starts at a
well defined point of beginning and follows the property's boundaries
until it returns to the starting point.

Example: Beginning at a point on the easterly line of Main Street, 100

feet southerly of the intersection of Main Street and Maple Street;
thence easterly, along a line parallel to Maple Street, 200 feet; thence
southerly, 100 feet; thence westerly, parallel to Maple Street, 200 feet;
thence northerly, 100 feet to the point of beginning.
 Cont…
Rectangular Survey System: This method is used in many parts of the
United States to divide land into townships, ranges, and sections.

Example: The Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section

10, Township 2 North, Range 3 West of the Fifth Principal Meridian.

Lot and Block: This method is commonly used in urban areas where
land is divided into lots and blocks. It refers to the specific lot and block
number within a recorded subdivision.

Example: Lot 12, Block 3, Happy Acres Subdivision, City of

Springfield, State of Illinois.
 Cont…
Controlling Elements in Land Description
Controlling elements are the most reliable parts of a legal description.
Generally, the hierarchy of controlling elements in land descriptions
follows this order:
 Natural Monuments: These are permanent natural features like
rivers, lakes, mountains or specific trees.
 Artificial Monuments: Man-made features such as fences, walls,
roads, or iron pins.
 Courses and Distances: These are the directions and lengths of
boundary lines.
 Area: The stated area of a parcel is the least reliable element. It can
be affected by various factors including measurement errors, changes
in land use and natural processes.
 Cont…

Easements and Right of Way

Easements and rights of way are legal rights to use another person's land
for a specific purpose.
 Easement: A limited right to use another's land for a specific purpose,
such as access, utilities or drainage.
 Right of way: A specific type of easement that grants the right to pass
over another's land.
Example of an easement description; A right of way, 20 feet wide for
ingress and egress over & along the northerly 20 feet of Lot 10, Block 2 .
 Cont…
Senior and Junior Rights
Both refer to the priority or ranking of different rights or claims to a
particular property. They arise when there are overlapping claims or
conflicting interests in a piece of land.
 Senior rights belong to the party who acquired an interest in the land
first.
 The owner whose deed was recorded first has senior rights
 Junior rights belong to a party who acquired an interest in a piece of
land after another party(the senior rights holder).
 The owner whose deed was recorded later has junior rights and may
need to adjust their property line to avoid conflict.
 Cont…
Example: Imagine a parcel of land that have width dimension of 230m
is originally owned by person named John. In 2010; John sold the
portion of his land parcel-A of 120m to Ato Ahmed, again in 2014
creating a new land parcel-B of 120m, he sold to Abdi. The Ahmed's
original claim to parcel-A is the senior right. Abdi's claim to parcel-B is
a junior right.
 Cont…
Research of Public and Private Records

When it comes to legal descriptions, accurate and reliable information is

principal. Public and private records serve as helpful resources to
understand property boundaries, ownership & potential encumbrances.

Public Records: are documents that are accessible to the general public.
They include:

1. County Recorder's Office

 Deeds: The documents transfer ownership of property.

 Mortgages: The documents secure loans against property.

 Easements: The documents grant rights to use another person's land.

 Cont…
2. Government Land Offices

 Plat maps: These maps show the subdivision of land into lots and
blocks.

 Field notes: These documents record the measurements and

calculations used to create surveys.

3. Municipal Offices

 Zoning maps: These maps show how land is zoned for different uses.

 Building permits: These permits document construction and

renovation projects.
 Cont…

Private Records: are documents that are not typically accessible to

the public. They include:

 Surveyor's field notes: These notes contain detailed measurements

and calculations of property boundaries.

 Title insurance policies: These policies provide evidence of

ownership and protect against title defects.

 Appraisals: These documents estimate the value of property.

 CHAPTER FOUR
 Cadastral system

 Types of cadaster

 The roles of cadaster

 Property registration

 Cadastre data contents and standards

 Cadastral data models

 ISO and Ethiopia Standards for cadastral data

 What is Cadastral System?

 Cadastral system is a comprehensive framework for recording and

managing information about land ownership and parcels.

 It serves as a fundamental tool for land administration, taxation and

property rights protection.

 A well-functioning cadastral system is essential for the efficient

and equitable management of land resources.

 It provides a reliable and accurate source of information that

supports a wide range of activities from property transactions to
urban planning
 Types of Cadaster

1) Legal cadaster

Legal cadaster defines and records legal boundaries and ownership

rights of land parcels. It is helpful in:

 Establishing clear property rights.

 Resolving land disputes.

 Facilitating land transactions and development.

 Providing evidence of ownership

 Cont…

2) Fiscal Cadaster

Fiscal cadaster assesses the value of land and property for taxation
purposes.

 It is record information on property values for taxation purposes.

 Generates revenue for government.

 Provides a basis for equitable taxation.

 Cont…

3) Multipurpose Cadaster

This is a more comprehensive system that combines the elements of legal

and fiscal cadasters along with additional data for various purposes.

It aims to provide a wider range of information for various uses

including:

 Supports land administration, planning and management.

 Provides data for environmental monitoring, infrastructure

development and other applications.
 Cont…

Table 3.1 The difference of three cadaster types

Feature Legal Cadaster Fiscal Cadaster Multipurpose Cadaster

Focus legal boundaries and land and property for combines the elements of legal
ownership rights taxation purposes and fiscal cadasters

Typical Owners, boundaries, Land area, building legal plus fiscal cadasters,
information clear property rights details, land value infrastructure development

Purpose Secure land ownership property tax land administration, planning

assessment and management, etc.
 The Roles of Cadaster

 Cadaster provides accurate information about who owns land and

where the boundaries of that land are located.

 Cadastral data is used to assess the value of land which is

important for property taxes, real estate transactions and other
financial purposes.

 Cadastral information helps governments and other organizations

manage land resources effectively.

 It aids in urban planning, infrastructure development and

environmental conservation.
 Cont…

 The cadastre plays a vital role in the legal framework of land

ownership. It provides the basis for securing property rights and
resolving land disputes.

 A well-functioning cadastre contributes to economic development

by facilitating land transactions, attracting investment and
promoting efficient land use.
 Property Registration

Property registration is a legal process that establishes ownership rights

over a property. It involves recording property ownership and transfers
from one individual to another.

Why Register Property?

 Assessing property values for taxation purposes.

 Providing data for land use planning and zoning decisions.

 Resolving boundary disputes and protecting property rights.

 Supporting the planning and development of infrastructure such as

roads and utilities.

 Providing data for economic analysis and development planning.

 Cadastre Data Contents and Standards
Main Cadastre Data Contents

Spatial Data

 Parcel boundaries: Precisely defined boundaries of land parcels,

including coordinates and geometric descriptions.

 Topographic features: Features like rivers, roads, and buildings that

influence property boundaries.

 Land use/land cover: Information on how land is used (agricultural,

residential, commercial).

 Elevation data: Elevation information for terrain analysis and

modeling.
 Cont…

Attribute Data

 Ownership information: Details about the legal owners of land

parcels, including names, addresses, and contact information.

 Legal descriptions: Formal descriptions of land parcels, often

referencing legal documents and surveys.

 Parcel identification numbers: Assigned to each parcel for reference.

 Area and perimeter: Measurements of parcel size and shape.

 Cont…
Cadastre Data Standards

 To ensure data quality, consistency, and interoperability various standards have

been developed to guide the collection, storage and exchange of cadastral data.

 FGDC Cadastral Data Standard: Developed by the Federal Geographic Data

Committee (FGDC) in the United States, this standard provides guidelines for the
content, quality and metadata of cadastral data.

 ISO 19115: Geographic Information-Metadata: This international standard

defines the content and structure of metadata for geographic information
including cadastral data.

 INSPIRE Directive: A European Union directive that promotes the sharing of

spatial data infrastructure including cadastral data, across member states.
 ISO and Ethiopia Standards for Cadastral Data

International Standards (ISO)

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed

several standards relevant to cadastral data. These standards provide a
framework for data quality, interoperability and exchange.

Some key ISO standards related to cadastral data

 ISO 19115: Geographic Information-Metadata: This standard

provides guidelines for creating, viewing, understanding, using,
sharing and discovering geographic information. It's essential for
documenting the quality, accuracy and provenance of cadastral data.
 Cont…

 ISO 19118: Geographic Information-Spatial Schema: This standard

defines the fundamental spatial objects and their relationships,
providing a foundation for modeling cadastral data.

 ISO 19152: Geographic Information-Land Administration Domain

Model (LADM): This standard provides a conceptual data model for
land administration, including cadastral information. It defines
entities like land parcels, owners, rights, and restrictions.
 Ethiopian Standards for Cadastral Data

Key Considerations for Ethiopian Cadastral Data Standards

 Legal framework: The Ethiopian legal framework for land tenure and
property rights should be reflected in the data model and standards.

 Data quality: Strict quality control measures should be implemented

to ensure the accuracy and reliability of cadastral data.

 Interoperability: Data standards should be designed to facilitate data

exchange and integration with other systems.

 Technology adoption: The adoption of modern technologies, such as

GIS and remote sensing, can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of
cadastral data collection and management.
 CHAPTER FIVE
 Parcel fabrics

 Parcel types

 Data to parcel fabrics

 Prepare and publishing parcel fabrics

 Parcel fabrics

 A parcel fabric is a sophisticated geospatial data model designed to

represent land parcels an their relationships in a precise and
consistent manner.

 It stores a continuous surface of connected parcels or parcel network.

 Parcel fabrics are a GIS dataset that stores information about land
parcels and powerful tool for managing and editing parcel data.

 It provides a comprehensive framework for organizing, maintaining

and sharing parcel information in a multi user environment.
 Cont…

Components of Parcel Fabric

 Parcel points

 Parcel lines

 Parcel polygons

 Line points

 Control points

 Topological relationships

 Information about the record of survey

 Applications of Parcel Fabrics
 Land administration: Managing land ownership, property rights and
cadastral mapping.

 Urban planning: Supporting urban planning and development

projects.

 Environmental management: Monitoring land use change and

environmental impact assessments.

 Infrastructure development: Planning and implementing infrastructure

projects such as roads, utilities and transportation systems.

 Emergency response: Providing accurate spatial information for

disaster response and recovery.
 Parcel Types
Based on Legal Status and Ownership

 Fee simple: These are parcels owned outright by an individual or

entity with the highest level of ownership rights.

 Leasehold: Lease agreement is right to use the land for a specified

period of time.

 Public land: Land owned by the government such as parks, forests or

other public infrastructure.

 Indigenous land: Land owned or traditionally used by indigenous

communities.

 Common: Parcels owned by a group of individuals such as a

condominium or cooperative housing.
 Cont…
Based on Land Use

 Residential: Land used for housing purposes including single-family

homes, apartments and condominiums.

 Commercial: Land used for commercial activities such as trade

stores, offices and industrial facilities.

 Agricultural: Land used for farming and agricultural production.

 Conservation: Land protected for conservation purposes such as

national parks, wildlife sanctuaries or conservation easements.

 Industrial: Land used for industrial activities such as manufacturing

and warehousing.
 Cont…
Based on Spatial Characteristics

 Regular: Parcels with simple geometric shapes such as rectangles or

squares.

 Irregular: Parcels with complex shapes often resulting from natural

boundaries or historical land divisions.

 Encroached: Parcels that encroach on neighboring properties or

public land.

 Dis-contiguous: Parcels that consist of multiple non-contiguous parts.

 Cont…

Based on Cadastral System

 Parcel fabric: Parcels defined within a parcel fabric, a sophisticated

geospatial data model that ensures topological integrity.

 Traditional: Parcels defined by traditional land tenure systems

often without precise boundaries or legal documentation
 Data to Parcel Fabrics

The process of converting raw data into a comprehensive parcel fabric

involves several steps. A general overview of the process:

1. Data acquisition and preparation

 Collecting raw data: gather relevant data sources such as cadastral

maps, aerial imagery, LIDAR data and GPS surveys.

 Data cleaning and pre-processing: clean and pre-process the data to

remove errors, inconsistencies and noise.

 Geo-referencing: assign geographic coordinates to the data, ensuring

accurate spatial representation.
 Cont…

2. Vectorization and digitization

 Vectorization: convert raster data into vector (e.g., aerial imagery)

 Digitization: manually or automatically trace parcel boundaries

3. Topological editing

 Node and edge editing: ensure that parcel lines connect correctly at
nodes and that there are no dangling lines or overlaps

 Spatial consistency checks: verify that parcel polygons are closed and
non-overlapping.

 Attribute data assignment: assign relevant attributes to parcels such as

ownership information, area, land use etc.
 Cont…

4. Parcel fabrics creation

 Define parcel fabric rules: establish rules for parcel creation,

editing and updating.

 Create parcel objects: generate parcel objects with their associated

attributes and topological relationships.

 Validate parcel fabric: check for topological errors and

inconsistencies such as sliver polygons or dangling lines.
 Cont…

5. Quality assurance and control

 Data validation: verify the accuracy and completeness of the

parcel fabric data.

 Field verification: conduct field surveys to ground-truth the data

and resolve discrepancies.

 Data consistency checks: ensure that the parcel fabric is

consistent with legal and administrative records.
 Cont…

6. Data integration and analysis

 Integrate with other data: combine the parcel fabric with other
spatial data such as topographic maps, land use maps and soil
maps.

 Spatial analysis: perform spatial analysis to identify patterns,

trends and potential conflicts.

 Visualization and reporting: create maps and reports to

communicate information about land ownership, land use and
spatial relationships.
 Preparing the Parcel Fabrics for Publication
1) Data Standardization

 Ensure that the data adheres to relevant standards such as the

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for
geographic information.

 Standardize data formats, coordinate systems and attribute tables.

2. Data Quality Assurance

 Conduct rigorous quality control checks to identify and correct

errors.

 Validate topological relationships; attribute accuracy and spatial

consistency.
 Cont…
3. Data Compression

 Compress the data to reduce file size and improve transmission and
storage efficiency.

 Use appropriate compression techniques such as shape file or geo-

database compression.

4. Metadata Creation

 Create detailed metadata to document the data sources, processing

steps, quality assurance procedures and usage limitations.

 Follow metadata standards such as ISO 19115 to ensure

interoperability.
 Publishing the Parcel Fabric

There are several ways to publish a parcel fabric, depending on the

intended audience and the level of access required:

1. Online Geospatial Data Infrastructure (GDI)

 Publish the parcel fabric data on a web-based GDI, allowing users

to access and download the data

 Implement appropriate security measures to protect sensitive

information.

 Provide user-friendly interfaces for data exploration and analysis.

 Cont…

2. Web Map Services (WMS)

 Publish the parcel fabric as a WMS, enabling users to view and

query the data through web based map clients.

 Customize the WMS to provide different map layers and thematic

views.

3. Web Feature Service (WFS)

 Publish the parcel fabric as WFS, allowing users to download and

manipulate the data.

 Implement appropriate access controls to restrict data access to

authorized users
 Cont…
4. Data Download

 Provide direct download options for the parcel fabric data in various
formats such as shape files, Geo-JSON or KML.

 Consider using compression techniques to reduce file size and

improve download speed.

5. Printed Maps

 Produce high-quality printed maps of the parcel fabric for reference

and archival purposes.

 Use appropriate map projections and cartographic techniques to

ensure accurate representation.
 Cadastral Map Preparation and Procedures
A cadastral map is a detailed, large-scale map that shows the boundaries
of land parcels, their ownership, land use and other relevant information.

Procedures for Preparation Cadastral Map

 Field Survey

 Data Processing and Analysis

 Map Production

Cadastral Map Format

 Hardcopy maps

 Digital maps

 Web maps: interactive maps accessible through web browsers

 Key elements of cadastral map
 Map title

 North arrow

 Map legend

 Scale bar

 Boundary lines

 Parcel numbers

 Topographic features

 Ownership information

 Land use information

 The standard of Ethiopian urban cadastral mapping

As the standard of Ethiopian urban cadastral mapping, the UPID should

contain the following criteria:

 Region code 2 digits(text).

 City/Town code 3 digits(number).

 Sub-city code 2 digits(number).

 Block number code 3 digits(number).

 Parcel number code 4 digits(number).

Legend: OR-Region, 001-Zone, 04-Woreda/Sub-city, 002-Kebele(rural)

or Block number(urban), 0001-Parcel number/lot number.

Example: (Oromia Region); OR-001-04-002-0001

 Cont…
Example: Parcel map
THE END.