THE APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)
AT THE LAND TITLES DEPARTMENT

ABSTRACT

This paper briefly presents the application of geographic information systems (GIS) in Cambodia and the GIS for a cadastral system at the Cambodian Land Titles Department (LTD). The LTD plays an important role in the GIS field. This paper will describe how to collect land registration data using modern technology such as computers and software, surveying equipment (GPS, Total Station) and aerial photographs (enlarged photos, orthophotos); how to manage data and analyze it; and how to produce graphic parts (cadastral maps) and textual parts (land ownership reports) in LTD.

The GIS is used to improve cadastral systems and guarantee the security of land tenure in Cambodia. It is necessary to use GIS properly, choose proper hardware and software, train staff with appropriate technology, and have sufficient financial support. In the long run, the applications of GIS will help planners and decision makers in land use planning and developing land resources in Cambodia. A large scale GIS will be required, as well as integrated GIS databases and good co-operation with other agencies in the future.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GIS OFFICES IN CAMBODIA

GIS applications were first introduced at the Land Use Mapping Office, Ministry of Agriculture in 1993. Later, there were several national and/or international institutions involved with GIS applications in Cambodia. Several ministries or departments have been involved in establishing GIS, including the National Mekong Committee, General Department of cadastre and Geography, Land Use Mapping Office, Ministry of Environment, etc.

The NMC was involved in some primary data acquisition for the aerial photographs, scale 1: 25000 covering the whole area of Cambodia (1992-1994).

In July, 1999, the Land Titles Department and the Geographic Department were merged to form the GDCG. The GDCG has five departments: Land Administration, Land Inspection, Technical, Land Registration, and Geography, (see organigram, below). The GDCG is under the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction.

ORGANISATION OF GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF CADASTRE AND GEOGRAPHY

- Geographic Department (GD)

This department is responsible for survey work, installing geodetic networks and establishing standardized maps for the whole of Cambodia. It plays an important role in mapping methodologies and GIS. The Integrated Resource Information Center (IRIC) was supported by the UNDP/ETAP (Environmental Technical Advisory Project) project. Now IRIC is under the Geographic Department. It is the center for information related to digital mapping and remote sensing. Equipment includes PCs, digitizers, and a plotter (A0). Arc/Info and ArcView is the current software.

- Land Titles Department (LTD) Before August 1999

LTD is responsible for cadastral mapping and land registration for the whole country. The Land Management Project (LMP), and Cadastral Mapping and Land Registration Pilot Project are implemented in cooperation with the LTD. The LTD has a total of 1,248 staff operating in provincial offices as well as the central office in Phnom Penh. The GDCG is reorganizing roles and responsibilities.

LMP was initiated and established in 1995 by the Cambodian and German governments. The pilot areas are in three provinces, and, in each province, in two districts. The second phase will begin in July of the year 2000.

The Cadastral Mapping and Land Registration Pilot Project (CMLRP) was established by the Finnish and Cambodian governments in 1997. This project will begin its second phase early in the year 2000.

Each of these projects cooperates closely with the other.

THE GIS UNIT OF THE LAND TENURE DEPARTMENT (LTD)

A Geographic Information System can be described as a special type of information system, which deals with geographic data and information. A GIS is most commonly described as a specialized conglomeration of computer hardware, software, graphical data and personnel, designed to efficiently collect, manage, analyze and display all forms of geographically referenced data and information.

A GIS was introduced at the LTD in 1997 as a means to effectively and efficiently facilitate land registration and transfers, and to support land use planning in the future. A large scale project will produce digital land registration, digital cadastral maps and cadastral index maps for the whole country in the long run.

Hardware

The selection of hardware must be chosen taking into account user requirements, cost and time constraints, and desired products. At the LTD, personal computers were chosen. The Cadastral Mapping and Land Registration Project installed a computer network to facilitate for transferring data and backup it at LTD.

The computer and environmental hardware at LTD currently includes:

Software

MS Access, GIS Geo Concept, SDR Mapping and Design (DOS version), SKI (GPS software) are the software programs used at LTD.

The GIS Geo Concept software is made by French company. It is used for on-screen digitizing from orthophotos. It can download raw data from the electronic field books (Total Station).

SDR Mapping and Design software is used for manual digitizing and downloading raw data from electronic field books.

SKI software is used for downloading GPS software and post processing of coordinates.

MS Access version MS Office 97 was used as a textual data base which was developed for the use of both the LMP and CMLRP Projects to facilitate land registration data entry and manipulation.

DATA ACQUISITION

The tests of methods and development of the GIS for implementation of the both projects at LTD appear below:

Photogrammetric methods

The aerial photographs are originally enlarged from 1:25 000 to 1:5 000 scale in the pilot areas. The enlarged photos were rectified by the GPS control points. This method is effectively used in rural and flat areas. The parcel boundaries were clearly digitized by using the manual digitizing method. Ground survey methods were used to check and complete the unclear parcel boundaries – especially in urban areas.

The scan of diapositive photos was made overseas. The Geographic Department in Cambodia produced the orthophotos. The parcel boundaries are digitized by on-screen digitizing, and easily used by the different scales of orthophoto maps.

Terrestrial surveys are used for checking and the completing field works. The surveying equipment used include:

1. Steel tapes and optical squares
2. Total Station.
3. GPS

Land and ownership data were collected by systematic land registration: village by village, parcel by parcel for the adjudication, demarcation and surveying in the fields.

See Fig. 1.

Fig. 1: The concept of the technical implementation and maintenance for the proposed multi-purpose cadastre/GIS/LIS (adapted from the Land Management Project)

DATA MANAGEMENT

The data were managed and stored in different directories to make it easy for users to find and retrieve. These directories include:

1. Vector data/ graphic data (parcel map, administration boundaries,….)
2. Raster data (Orthophotos,…)
3. Textual data (land registration data,…)
4. Working data (data are digitized and edited)

OUTPUT

The results of the GIS for Cadastral Applications will include cadastral index maps and land registration data in a digital format. Automation linkages will be created and developed between textual data (legal land registration data) and parcel maps. The final goal is to generate digital maps which will facilitate land management and planning and, in particular, land registration and the issuance of land titles in order to promote security of land tenure and reduce land disputes.

The products to be developed for the target group of forty-six villages in four provinces (Kandal, Takeo, Kampong Thom, Shihanouk Ville) include:

- Digital parcel maps, scale 1:1000 to 1:2000

- Information sheets (parcel and owner information)

MAINTENANCE

A system of data maintenance must be in place from the start to ensure that data is kept up-to-date. A security system will ensure copies of the data are kept in different locations to avoid loss due to fire, etc.

TRAINING

The concept of GIS was first introduced to about 50 staff at the LTD at the end of 1998 and in 1999. There are on the job training and refresher courses on the GIS/ cadastral fields conducted at LTD. The first round of training in the development of GIS/ cadastral system targeted leaders from the central and provincial Land Title Offices. It is expected that trainers will train trainees to extend works in the provinces.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

• The GDCG faces a big challenge in the task of GIS development, because this system is new for their staff and only a few possess the required skills.
• Training cadastral and geographic staff with appropriated technological equipment is required for the future development of GISes.
• Budget support is limited. The GDCG needs to augment its budget.
• There is not enough legislation on land taxation and valuation to generate income for the government to develop and maintain the system.
• There is not enough coordination and cooperation among institutions to avoid duplication of work. The GIS database should be shared with other organizations.