Cadastral Measurement Of Lands

Land surveying is the foundation of mining operations, ensuring accurate land boundaries, mineral deposits, and legal correctness of mining projects. Our company conducts land surveys in cooperation with licensed and accredited partners who are recognized by professional associations in their field and hold valid operating licenses. This guarantees that all measurements are made according to international standards, giving us confidence and reliability. Land parcel cadastral-geodetic surveying involves the precise determination of land parcels, preparation of plans, and other necessary data for registering in the cadastral database, as well as the accurate coordination of boundary turning points.

In different countries, legal actions differ, but we provide an overview of the classical solution, while surveying is largely a standard operation.

Technologies and Methods

GPS-based systems:

• For example, Trimble R12, which ensures ±2 cm accuracy.
• Used in mining studies, such as in the western gold fields of Kenya, where precise measurements are critical.

Total stations:

• For example, Leica TS16, which combines distance and angle measurement.
• Particularly used in tunnel planning and mine construction to ensure precise geometric data collection.

Levelling:

• We use laser theodolites to measure height differences accurately to determine ground levels and deposit depth.

Geographic Information System (GIS) Integration:

• Data visualization on digital maps (e.g., using ArcGIS), which allows real-time display of mineral distribution, geological faults, and mining boundaries, supporting decision-making.

We focus extensively on land measurement, boundary determination, document processing with local governments, registry entries, land consolidation, land subdivision, and land surveying.

Land Surveying Process: Accurate steps, from initial measurements to official property registration.

Boundary Determination and Dispute Prevention: How to avoid and resolve land boundary disputes.

Document Processing: Necessary documents with the local government, legal requirements, and standards.

Land Consolidation and Subdivision: How land division and consolidation occur according to the law.

Registry Entries: Recording survey results in official databases.

Mining Sector Land Surveying and Boundary Determination

In the mining sector, land surveying and accurate boundary determination are crucial. Large quarries and mining areas cover extensive land, and determining legal boundaries and proper property registration is essential to ensure investment security and avoid future disputes. Below, we discuss the land surveying process from start to finish, boundary marking, dispute prevention, document processing, and communication with authorities, as well as land consolidation and subdivision specifics and the rationale behind registry entries and official procedures. Surveying mining areas (e.g., open-pit mines) requires modern methods for quickly and accurately mapping vast areas. Drones and aerial surveying can cover entire quarry areas, ensuring that mining operations remain within authorized boundaries.

1. Land Surveying Process: From Initial Measurements to Property Registration

The land surveying process starts with baseline measurements – a detailed survey of land boundaries and topography on-site – and ends with the official registration of the results in the property and cadastral systems. The initial survey is typically carried out by a licensed land surveyor using modern geodetic equipment. Our team uses GPS/GNSS devices, total stations (electronic theodolites with distance meters), and, if necessary, drone-based surveys to collect precise spatial data. Modern GNSS devices allow data collection with centimeter accuracy, linking measured points to the national coordinate system. Total stations, in turn, can measure angles and distances with great precision, such as determining the locations of construction lines, elevations, larger stones, or boundary points.

Modern technology significantly accelerates the surveying process for mining land. For example, drone-based photogrammetry allows for large land areas to be mapped in a short time. High-end drones can cover hundreds of hectares in a single flight, carrying cameras and LiDAR sensors that provide centimeter-accurate positioning data.

In large mining projects – such as open-pit mines or long transport routes – drone surveys have significantly enhanced data collection. This means measurement tasks that used to take weeks can now be completed in a few days without compromising accuracy.

After initial measurements, the land surveyor processes the collected data and prepares the necessary survey result drawings (parcel plans, site plans) and documentation. This includes creating boundary protocols when new boundary points are established or existing boundaries are clarified. A boundary protocol is a document that records the location of the cadastral unit’s boundary points and their agreement – it is signed by both the land surveyor and the landowner (and, if necessary, neighboring property owners) to confirm the location of the boundaries. Before signing the boundary protocol, the landowner can ensure that all boundary points are correctly marked on-site and match the agreement. In our company’s practice, we always involve neighboring landowners in marking significant boundaries to prevent misunderstandings later on.

Once the survey work is completed and the landowner agrees to the boundary points, the official registration stage begins. The land surveyor submits the compiled survey dossier (including plans, protocols, coordinate lists, etc.) to the land registry office, which manages the cadastral system. The cadastral officer checks the submitted data and officially determines the boundaries and areas of the cadastral unit(s). It is important that the survey results comply with the requirements – for example, every new boundary point must have coordinates in the national coordinate system with permitted accuracy. Once the data is verified, the cadastral officer sends it to the landowner for review and consent. The landowner or authorized land surveyor then submits a request for the new data to be registered in the land registry and confirms consent for the corresponding entry to be made in the property registry. Once all requirements are met, the cadastral officer makes a decision to register the entry – this means the new or modified cadastral unit created from the survey results is officially recorded in the cadastral system. Afterward, the data is automatically transferred to the property registry (landowners’ registry), where the corresponding entry about ownership rights and new boundaries is made. This marks the official completion of the land surveying process: property boundaries are confirmed in the national database, and ownership rights are correctly registered.

2. Boundary Determination and Dispute Prevention

Precise boundary determination is especially important in the mining sector, where large areas of land and various stakeholders (landowners, local governments, neighbors) are involved.

Boundary determination starts with collecting baseline data – reviewing existing cadastral maps, previous surveys, and boundary point data. Often, older boundary descriptions are inaccurate or not marked on-site. Our specialists check such boundaries using precision instruments (GPS, total stations) and, if necessary, update the boundary point locations according to the actual situation.

Precise Boundary Point Marking.
To establish a boundary point, geodetic control points are set up, and the coordinates of the new boundary points are calculated. This ensures that the location of each boundary point is unambiguous and consistent with other data. In densely populated areas (e.g., settlements or industrial zones), boundary points must be determined with an accuracy of ±10 cm, and in sparsely populated areas, ±35 cm relative to the geodetic reference network. Such high accuracy significantly reduces the risk of boundary disputes, as the boundary locations are precisely fixed as documents and coordinates.

Boundary Marking on-site.

We install durable boundary markers (usually metal pipes or concrete posts) at boundary points, which meet requirements – for example, metal pipes have an anchor to prevent removal, and a mound of earth is excavated around the marker if necessary to ensure its preservation. Every installed boundary marker is recorded on the survey drawing, and its location is coordinated with the landowners. We always provide landowners with instructions for maintaining boundary markers: breaking or moving markers is prohibited, and if anyone notices new or duplicate boundary markers on their property without prior notice, they should immediately contact their neighbors and, if necessary, involve a land surveyor to clarify the situation. This vigilance helps prevent situations where boundaries are arbitrarily shifted or misunderstandings arise about boundary lines.

Dispute Prevention with Neighbors.

Dispute prevention with neighboring property owners begins at the moment of surveying: our principle is to involve all stakeholders in the boundary process. For example, when surveying mining area boundaries, we inform neighboring property owners and local government representatives in advance. Together, we review where the boundary markers will be placed and, if necessary, explain why they are placed there. All actions are documented in a boundary protocol, where the coordinates of the new boundary points are noted, and it is recorded that all parties agree with them. According to the guidelines of the Land Registry Office, the landowner must examine the boundary points in nature before signing the boundary protocol – this principle is central to our practice. When all parties have signed the protocol, it significantly reduces the likelihood of future disputes, as the location of the property boundary is agreed upon and documented. In addition to legal agreements, we use technical measures to prevent disputes. One example is double-checking: significant measurement points are verified in several ways (for instance, GPS measurements are confirmed by a total station or vice versa). We also compare the obtained data with existing cadastral data – if discrepancies are found, we inform both the landowner and the cadastral officer before registration. If necessary, a procedure to determine the property’s boundary can be initiated, clarifying erroneous boundary descriptions or eliminating overlaps with neighboring properties. As a result of professional and proactive action, our surveyed boundaries have been dispute-free, giving both landowners and investors confidence that the land ownership is clear and protected.

3. Document Processing and Communication with Local Government

Land surveying projects related to mining areas require close cooperation between landowners, local governments, the Land Registry Office, and other legal authorities. Proper documentation that complies with legal requirements and is understandable to all parties is essential at every stage.

Local Government

The local government is often the first authority with which a landowner must communicate when reorganizing land parcels. For example, if a property is to be divided or multiple properties are to be combined into a mining territory, the landowner must first contact the respective city or municipal government. The local government checks whether the proposed change is consistent with applicable planning and requirements. It often determines whether a detailed plan or separate land management plan is needed; it also checks whether there are any restrictions (e.g., minimum land size limits, nature conservation conditions, etc.). In the mining sector, the local government may investigate whether the mining activity complies with the general plan or special planning and whether the proposed land use (e.g., mining land) is permitted. Our experience shows that early communication with the local government helps prevent later obstacles – if a detailed plan or technical conditions are needed, they can be initiated promptly.

If the local government gives initial conceptual approval or guidance, the necessary approvals are obtained from other authorities. For example, for mining lands, it may be necessary to obtain permission from the Ministry of the Environment or the Environmental Agency, or the Ministry of Mines (if specific conditions related to mineral extraction are involved), and coordination may be needed with the Land Registry Office, Agricultural Board, or the National Heritage Board if certain restrictions apply to the land. Our company coordinates these approvals – we prepare the necessary requests and communicate with the authorities to ensure that their conditions are met. For example, if a mine extension is close to a protected landscape, we collaborate with environmental officers to ensure that the boundaries are set in such a way that no threat is posed to the protected area.

The next step is usually the preparation of a land management plan or project. The local government may require an official land management plan for the division or consolidation of land parcels. Essentially, this is a plan that shows how the boundaries of the properties will change – which new parcels will be created or which will be consolidated into one. The local government coordinates this plan and assigns addresses and intended purposes to the new cadastral units. For example, if several agricultural land parcels are consolidated into a mining area, the newly formed land may be designated as mining industrial land and assigned an official address or name. Our surveyors and land planners prepare this plan in cooperation with the client to ensure that it considers both the practical needs of the mining operation (access roads, work areas) and legal requirements.

The preparation of documents during surveying work is precise and conforms to legal requirements. As a result of every surveying project, a cadastral surveying file is created, which includes:

• A plot plan (survey drawing) with new or changing boundaries;
• Boundary protocols, where the descriptions of the boundary points and the consent of the parties are recorded;
• A list of coordinates for all new boundary points, including x, y (and z) coordinates;
• A clarification letter or a land development plan description, which explains the content of the changes made;
• Other necessary coordination documents (e.g., environmental conditions, consent from mortgage holders, etc., if applicable).

In preparing these documents, we adhere to both legal requirements and the guidelines of the Land Board. In the digital age, we increasingly submit files electronically through the Land Board’s information systems, which speeds up the process. We also closely monitor deadlines – for example, after receiving approval from the local government and completing the measurements, the file is submitted to the cadastral registrar on time.

Cooperation with legal entities primarily involves communication with notaries and the land registration departments. If the consolidation or division of land parcels is approved, a notarial transaction or deed may be necessary. Typically, the land register entry is made based on an application; a change of ownership requires a notarial act, but a change in land boundaries (when the owner does not change) takes place in collaboration with the cadastral registrar and the land registry office without a separate notarial act. However, in certain cases – for example, if the land parcels to be merged were previously in different parts of the register (different land registry numbers) – a notarial confirmation is required to determine which register section the new land parcel will be recorded in, and the existing sections will be closed. Our task is to ensure that the client is aware of all these requirements. We assist in preparing notarial applications and, if necessary, work with the notary and court registry to ensure that the new boundaries and properties are correctly registered in the legal registry.

4. Land Parcel Consolidation and Division in the Mining Sector

Consolidation and Division of Land Parcels
Consolidation and division of land parcels are two main land management operations that are often encountered in the mining sector. When designing a larger mining area, there may be a need to combine several smaller parcels into one in order to create a continuous land area for the mine. On the other hand, if a part of the mining area is to be separated (for example, to sell an adjacent parcel or return land to its previous owner), a land parcel division is required. Both processes are legally regulated and require precise technical implementation.

Land Parcel Consolidation
Land parcel consolidation means combining several neighboring land parcels into one new parcel. Only parcels that are adjacent to each other and generally owned by the same owner can be consolidated. The process generally proceeds as follows: first, the landowner, in collaboration with the local municipality, determines whether consolidation is possible (e.g., whether the planning allows it, if there are any restrictions on parcel size, etc.). If everything is suitable, a consolidation permit is requested. It is also important to check the legal background – if the parcels to be consolidated are in different parts of the land register (for example, they were purchased at different times and are registered separately), the consent of all affected parties must be obtained in advance. For instance, the consent of the mortgage holder(s) may be necessary, as when parcels are consolidated, the mortgage automatically transfers to the new parcel or needs to be re-registered. In our practice, we work closely with notaries and banks at this stage to ensure that the necessary consents are obtained in writing before the final entry is made.

Technically, consolidation works by having the land surveyor measure the boundaries of the new consolidated parcel in its entirety. In the case of consolidation, existing internal boundaries may become internal lines of the new parcel or may lose validity – therefore, after consolidation, the surveyor removes boundary markers that no longer apply as boundaries for the old parcels. The boundary of the new larger parcel is marked as a single unit. A consolidated parcel plan is created, showing the boundaries of the previous cadastral units in light lines for historical reference or leaving them off the plan, showing only the new boundary. The file submitted to the cadastral office explains which cadastral units are being consolidated and what the new parcel’s characteristics are (cadastral number, purpose, address). After data verification, the Land Board registers the new parcel in the cadastral system, and the landowner submits an application for the creation of a single land parcel in the land register and the closure of the others. As a result of the consolidation, one larger parcel is created with a new official area, boundary description, and a single entry in the land register.

Land Parcel Division
Land parcel division is the process in which one existing parcel is split into several separate parcels. In the mining sector, this may occur, for example, when a part of the mining area is to be sold as a separate development project. In the case of division, the process also starts with coordination with the local municipality – often, a detailed development plan is required, especially for larger land areas or in populated areas. Once planning approval is obtained, a licensed land surveyor is involved. The land surveyor prepares a division plan, detailing how the existing parcel will be divided (for example, “Parcel A will be divided into two: new Parcel A1 and Parcel A2”). The municipality assigns separate addresses and intended uses to the new parcels and approves the division plan.

Technically, division means creating new boundaries within the existing parcel. The land surveyor marks the new boundary points on the ground, installs boundary markers, and measures their locations. The old boundaries are also checked to ensure they remain unchanged along the edges of the new parcels. All parties involved – including neighboring landowners, if the boundary changes – are included in the process and sign boundary protocols for the new boundaries. The prepared survey file is submitted to the Land Board, which checks the data. The cadastral office then calculates the areas of the new parcels and registers them in the cadastral system. The landowner submits an application for the registration of the new cadastral units and their entry into the land register. The cadastral office makes a registration decision and forwards the information to the land register – typically, a separate register section is opened for each new parcel in the case of a division (if the owner remains the same, they may temporarily appear in multiple register sections until, for example, one part is transferred). Finally, several new entries, each with its own number, name (if assigned), and data, replace the original parcel in the land register.

5. Registry Entries and Official Procedures

All survey results must eventually be formalized into official registry entries for them to have legal force. In the mining sector, where investments in land and minerals are substantial, it is especially important that the registry data is accurate and reliable – only in this way can it be ensured that the company has the right to operate within a defined area and that property rights are protected.

Registration in the land cadastre (Land Board’s cadastral register) is the first step after the land surveyor submits the data. As described above, the cadastral office verifies the data compliance with requirements. If everything is correct, the new or modified cadastral unit data is entered into the cadastral system, including the unique cadastral number, area, purpose, location details, boundary point coordinates, etc. The data registered in the cadastral system serves as the basis for further actions – for example, cadastral unit plans and extracts are issued, which investors may require during due diligence. For us, it is important that every measured dimension and line matches reality; therefore, we submit verified and high-quality data to the cadastral office. If the cadastral office identifies any inaccuracies or questions arise (for example, regarding coordinates), we respond quickly and perform additional checks if necessary to ensure the entry is made correctly.

The land register is where information about ownership rights and their restrictions is recorded. After the cadastral entry is made, the information is automatically transferred to the land register. In the land register, either a new entry is made (in the case of the creation of a new parcel) or an existing entry is modified (for example, if the boundaries of the parcel change, the new area is noted). The entry in the land register is important because, without it, land transactions have no legal effect – when selling or mortgaging land, the information in the land register is what matters. Our company always ensures that after survey projects are completed, the entries in the land register are updated. If necessary, we communicate with the land registry office to provide clarifications. Typically, a reference to the cadastral number and cadastral map data is added to the entry, ensuring that the cadastral and land register data are aligned.

Ensuring the accuracy of measurements and the reliability of registry entries is an indicator of the quality of our work. We only use qualified and professional land surveyors who hold a valid surveyor’s license, which requires ongoing knowledge updates and adherence to regulations. At the beginning of every survey task, we calibrate our equipment (for total stations, we check the accuracy of distance meters; for GPS devices, we use well-known control points). We also follow the principle that no important decision relies on a single measurement – we take control measurements, use different methods in cross-checking, and maintain a detailed measurement log. These data remain in the file, meaning that all results can be audited later.

The reliability of registry entries also depends on the quality of the information systems and databases. Typically, the cadastral and land register information systems are modern and integrated. This means that the data we enter reaches the official registries quickly and is available to all legitimate users. We contribute to ensuring that this data is flawless – for example, before submission, we check that the sum of the new parcels’ areas equals the area of the original parcel in the case of a division or, in the case of consolidation, that the new parcel’s boundary precisely includes all the merged parts and no more. This double-check and attention to detail eliminates human errors that might otherwise appear in the registry.

In conclusion, every registry entry resulting from our survey work is like a business card for us. If the entry information is accurate and all procedures are followed, landowners, investors, and authorities can be confident that the data is reliable. For example, an investor considering investing in a mining company can look up in the land register to see that the company’s land parcels are correctly registered, easements or other restrictions (if any) are clearly listed, and the cadastral map shows that the boundaries align with neighboring parcels without conflicts. Our professional approach ensures that this data is exemplary.

Summary
Land surveying and boundary definition in the mining sector is a multifaceted process that requires cutting-edge technology, knowledge of the legal framework, and skilled communication with stakeholders. From initial GPS and total station measurements to the land register entry, we focus on precision and accuracy at every step. Clear boundary definition and conflict prevention through stakeholder engagement ensure that mining activities can proceed without interruption. Professionally prepared documents and smooth cooperation with authorities accelerate the process and eliminate potential future disputes. Whether it’s land parcel consolidation or division – our experience shows that a systematic approach and attention to detail yield the best results. Ultimately, the officially registered land survey data is accurate and reliable, providing investors and partners confidence that the land they are investing in is legally sound. Our professionalism and commitment at every stage ensure that mining projects stand on a solid and dispute-free foundation.

Legal procedures operate differently in various countries, but we have provided an overview of the classic solution; however, surveying remains mostly a standardized activity.