Cadastral registration of real estate objects in three dimensions

Cadastral registration of rights and limited rights is traditionally based on parcels that are represented in two dimensions. In intensively used areas, there is a growing interest in having separate ownership of space above and under the surface. It is difficult to reflect the spatial aspect of such rights in current cadastral registration systems. This article describes the development of a prototype registration system that accommodates spatial information in the vertical dimension. The three-dimensional cadastre conceptual development meets the needs of clearly defining ownership while taking advantage of new technical opportunities. The concept is illustrated through a prototype implementation and is an extension of the current cadastral registration system based on two-dimensional parcels. The approach shows substantial potential for improving understanding of complex cadastral situations. surface is the entrance for registration. The vertical dimension of the legal status, which may be important, is not reflected in the spatial information system and can therefore only be registered administratively. The registration of the legal status of parcels is the only registration of real estate objects in the Netherlands. Building registration does not exist, although research is currently being carried out to establish such a registration (Kap and Zevenbergen 2000). With a growing interest in using space under and above the surface, the vertical dimension becomes relevant in cadastral registration. Until now, three-dimensional situations can be registered within the current cadastral registration system in a juridical satisfying way. However, to guarantee an efficient, sustainable, and uniform registration in the future, the Kadaster decided to carry out a research project on the 3D aspects of cadastral registration. The project focuses on the extension of the current cadastral system to reflect the spatial component of rights in complex situations. The research project is carried out at the Research Institute for Housing, Urban, and Mobility Studies, Delft University of Technology, in collaboration with the Netherlands’ Kadaster. During the research, a prototype of a land information system is being developed, which can take the relevant spatial information in the vertical dimension into account. This article starts with a description of the current practice of registration of 3D situations and the accompanying complications. We describe a 3D cadastre that addresses these complications, as well as a prototype implementation.