Optimising, maintaining and updating the spatial accuracy of digital cadastral data bases

This paper examines the shortcomings of current approaches for optimising, maintaining and updating spatial reference systems, such as digital cadastral data bases (DCDB), as a foundation or base map for a Land or Geographic Information System (LIS/GIS). A different approach, implemented and tested at the Department of Surveying and Land Information, The Univeristy of Melbourne, is explained and compared with conventional methods. This alternative approach is evaluated under special considerations of cost, for the creator and custodian of the information (typically government agencies), and the benefits for both custodian and end user of this information (typically the utility industry or Local Government). Future trends are discussed with special emphasis on rapidly changing hardware and software platforms and their impact on cadastral and LIS issues.