The cadastral "Tool Box" a framework for reform

Abstract

Cadastres are a core component of land administration systems and an importantinfrastructure which facilitates the implementation of land use policies. While mostcadastral systems traditionally have a primary objective of supporting the operation ofland markets, they increasingly play a key role in a broader land administrationinfrastructure which supports economic development, environmental management andsocial stability in both developed and developing countries.In this context, this paper outlines the concept of a cadastral "tool box" which allowsstates or jurisdictions to undertake cadastral reform by selecting the most appropriateland policies, legal concepts, institutional arrangements and technical solutions. In thispaper a reference to land administration is also a reference to the cadastre which is thecentral component of a land administration system.In developing the cadastral "tool box", the paper reviews the three dimensions of aland administration system. Firstly the wide range of humankind to land relationshipswithin any state or jurisdiction which require different cadastral strategies for eachrelationship. Secondly these humankind to land relationships and the resultingcadastral responses are dynamic and are continually evolving. Lastly countries are atdifferent stages of development and as a result require different strategies andconsequently different components from the cadastral "tool box" in order to servetheir needs.This paper focuses on the needs of the urban poor regarding access to land andsecurity of tenure however the concepts are equally applicable to non urban areas.