What is the difference between a Cadastre and a Land Registry?

While often used interchangeably, they have distinct functions. A Cadastre is primarily concerned with the physical location, dimensions, and boundaries of land (the 'where'). A Land Registry is concerned with the legal ownership, rights, and encumbrances (the 'who' and 'what').

What is a Cadastral Survey?

A cadastral survey is a professional survey regulated by law, designed to establish or re-establish real property boundaries. It is the technical foundation of the cadastre.

cadastre

/kəˈdastr/ • noun (Land Administration Term)

1. A comprehensive public register of the real estate or real property’s metes-and-bounds of a country.

2. technical. An official survey or map of the value, extent, and ownership of land as a basis of taxation.

Origin

Mid 19th century: from French, from Provençal cadastre, from Italian catastico, from Greek katastikhon ‘register’.

Historical Context

The concept of the cadastre dates back to Roman times, initially established to record land dimensions for fiscal purposes (taxation). Today, the modern cadastre has evolved into a multi-purpose digital system. It serves as the foundational layer of truth for the spatial economy, underpinning property rights, land valuation, and sustainable development.

Frequent Questions

Cadastre vs. Land Registry?

While linked, they differ in function. The Cadastre maps the physical boundaries ("where"), whereas the Land Registry records legal ownership and rights ("who").

Government Resources

NSW LRS / Land Use Victoria / Titles Queensland

Visit official state government websites for title searches and official plans.

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