A Cadastral Tale

In most countries, the cadastral system is just taken for granted, and the impact of the system in terms of facilitating an efficient land market and supporting effective land-use administration is not fully recognised. The reality is that the impact of a well functioning cadastral system can hardly be overestimated. A well tailored cadastral system is, in fact, acting as a backbone in society. This paper presents the role of the cadastral system in support of the land administration functions within: land tenure, land value, land-use, and land development. The paper facilitates an understanding of how the cadastral concept has developed over time into the broader concept of Land Administration Systems in support of sound Land Management. The objective is to build a general understanding of the concept, purpose and benefits of establishing sustainable land administration systems. Cadastral systems are embedded in the historical, cultural and judicial setting of the individual country. However, in spite of the different origins, the systems seem to merge into a global Land Administration model serving some basic societal needs. The role of FIG is underlined in this regard. The paper finally explains about the need for capacity development with regard to implementing the necessary interdisciplinary educational programs at university level, and also building a profession and a professional association in area of land administration. Furthermore, there is a need for building sound institutions to provide good governance of land related issues. Capacity building for developing adequate standards in these areas is a key challenge to be met at the threshold of the third millennium. Land administration systems therefore need high-level political support and recognition