Cadastral Trends: A Synthesis

An understanding of the human history behind cadastral systems is essential to understanding the dynamism of the humankind to land relationship and how this has driven and will drive cadastral reforms. The cadastral concept has developed significantly over the past few decades. During this time these systems, whether developed from a land market or land taxation perspective, have increasingly played a multi-purpose role. Since the time humankind learned to settle on land, cadastres have developed and evolved to suit society’s needs. Changes in the relationship of humankind to land have invoked matching evolutionary changes in the function of cadastres. The most recent examples are current world concerns of environmental management, sustainable development and social justice. Due to this, multi-purpose role cadastres are increasingly seen as fundamental to economic development, environmental management and social stability in both the developed and developing worlds. This paper reviews the trends in the hu...