Cadastral maps

A map is defined as ‘a diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features, cities, roads etc’.  It is also noted that this may be a symbolic representation highlighting the relationships between elements in space, either perceived or actual.    The word came from medieval Latin Mappa mundi, which used the words cloth and world.  This was shortened to ‘map’ representing a two-dimensional view.  At the time maps were first developed its very likely that the map makes believed the world to be flat, ie two-dimensional.   Today we look at flat maps, however we look at them – on paper or on screen.

A cadastral map is a comprehensive land recording of real estate boundaries and used for legal purposes to denote ownership and responsibility for that land.   The map is an illustration of a cadastre which also contains a record of interests, rights, and responsibilities of the owner. An early cadastre depicted details on a terracotta table, and examples have been found from the 18th century in Iraq and in Europe.  These tokens were provided by Roman Emperors when they noted an opportunity to tax private land owners. 

With the fall of the Roman Empire cadastral maps were effectively discontinued.  It was not until the emergence of capitalism in Renaissance Europe that the need for this type of map re-emerged, to support any land disputes.   Later these maps were again used as a means of detailing how much tax should be paid.  

An early example in England is the Doomsday Book from 1086.    Napoleon also established a comprehensive cadastral system in France, that is acknowledged as the fore runner of how cadastral maps are developed today.  These maps are maintained as a permanent record of the land, and muse be kept updated to reflect changes in boundary ownership.  

A cadastral map will include details of the boundaries of owned parcels.  For example, a terraced house deeds will include a cadastral map of the land on which it sits and notes the ownership of boundary walls or fences.   

This also means that my neighbour must maintain the perimeter at one side of my house, and I maintain the other wall.  Usefully, the one I am supposed to manage has been built more substantially by my neighbour at their cost.  Although they do expect me to paint the wall on their side.

With the growth of computerisation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have been developed, based on the premise of cadastral maps.  This is a conceptualised framework that provides the ability to capture and analyse spatial and geographic data, which can be interrogated through interactive queries using previously unrelated data to inform outcomes.  For example, the RNLI uses GIS to understand prevailing conditions that may lead to need for lifesaving assistance and enable public messaging to note potential issues that may be encountered such as unsafe terrain at specific land points bordering on the sea.

Maps provide an opportunity to see the world in its entirety, and to drill down to very specific attributes of owned and unowned spaces.