Floss in Cadastre and Land Registration

IT Systems improve responsible governance 

Since their introduction IT systems have enabled quick improvements in trans-

parency by providing electronic access to records, and in non-discrimination 

through standardising services and fee structures for electronic accounts. Intro-

duction of IT systems to land registration is one of the most important steps in re-

ducing opportunities for corrupt and non-transparent land management. Records 

and procedures are often standardized and logically structured for the first time 

with the introduction of IT systems. On another level innovative technology ap-

plied to land records and graphics improves knowledge based decision making 

and widens means for data dissemination and access to land records. Commun-

ities directly benefit from improvements in transparency.

Software has, however, also been a part of the problem in the inefficient man-

agement of land tenure data. In developed countries and countries in transition, 

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 http://www.transparency.org/news_room/in_focus/2009/gcb2009

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applying IT tailored around a relational database and geospatial software for land 

records and cadastral maps has helped, and often forced, agencies to standardise 

their workflows and land records to meet the logic of IT systems. However, IT has 

yet to help developing country land agencies much. The costs of proprietary soft-

ware licenses have proved to be a constraint, but even more, the lack of capacity, 

and the lack of flexibility of models and the lack of support to develop software 

have stopped initiatives. Even when there are existing systems only narrow geo-

graphical coverage is reached. It is safe to say that developing country land admin-

istration IT systems currently do not serve the poorest parts of the community any-

where. It simply is not feasible.