Spatially Enabled Society – the Role of Cadastres. FIGCongress

The evolution from paper to digital maps was a significant step in the use of spatial data and information. The many technologies and gadgets available nowadays on the web as well as in our hands provide spatial information to more people for increased use and functionality. Modern societies are as much in need of spatial information in order to make the right decisions at the right time. Concepts such as eGovernment, good government, civic participation, land administration and land management play an increasingly important role, mainly in regard of the urgent issues of sustainable development. The key to attain sustainable development is sound land governance based on reliable land information. Land governance is about the policies, processes and institutions by which land, property, and natural resources are managed, while land information is providing basic information about land use, land ownership and land values. Especially the documentation of land ownership through a reliable cadastral system and the consequential accountability is a crucial element not only from a social and economic point of view, but also from an environmental point of view. Such factors are at the base of a spatially enabled government and society, in whic