Application of GIS and DPT in Systematic Surveying, Inventory and Title Registration of Properties A pilot study of Kaneshie town

n area in Ghana
Godwin Yeboah1, Seraphim Alvanides2
12Northumbria

University, School of Built and Natural Environment, England, United Kingdom. 1godwin.yeboah@northumbria.ac.uk, 2s.alvanides@northumbria.ac.uk

Abstract
Below is the conceptual methodological framework used in the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) together with a Digital Plain Tabling (DPT) in the systematic survey, inventory and title registration of land in a pilot study of Kaneshie town area in Ghana. The objective of the work is to accelerate the systematic land title registration process by the application of the section by section, block by block, parcel by parcel and the one parcel; one visit principles which means to make sure there are no revisits to any parcel by the team. About 1,313 parcels are expected to be captured by this pilot exercise. This poster discusses, firstly, the objective of the project; secondly, the methodology used covering the entire conceptual workflow of the pilot exercise with emphasis on DPT and GIS approaches; and thirdly the discussion and conclusion. Keywords GIS, DPT, Systematic Land Title Registration, Surveying, Inventory, Parcel, Properties.

Objectives
1. Identify and measure the boundaries of parcels within the sectional map this shall include the determination of the extent of the property boundaries as indicated in sectional maps produced against the area occupied on the ground. 2. Ascertain properties for which lodgements have been made at the Land Title Registry and where possible determine the current status from the applicant. 3. Obtain relevant land information relating to parcels: type and characteristics of buildings; utilities availability; occupier/owners; any other data as specified in the questionnaire. 4. Administer land title registration forms and initiate the land title registration process.

Methods: GIS and DPT Conceptual Approaches

The introduction of GIS is acknowledged not to be the ultimate solution to the objective of the land title registration pilot exercise but it is aimed at improving the operationalization of the reform (Williamson, 2001). This will go a long way in enhancing data integrity, storage and retrieval. This section emphasises the conceptual workflow of pilot exercise, preparation of the GIS data and setting up the geo-database (see Figure 1, 2 & 3). Reconnaissance Survey Public Awareness/Sensitization (Private Company Team, Government Team and Community Concerned) Door-to-Door sensitization (Communication Team) Field Surveying (Survey Team with DPT) Completion of Field Questionnaires (Planning Team)

Introduction Pilot area

Lot 4.
Source: Google Map

Blocks of parcels Buildings;walls;roads;parcels

Source of pilot area map: Survey and Mapping Division, Lands Commission, Ghana.

Accra: Ghanas District 04. capital since 1877. Section 49. AMA: 2nd Class population Residential about Area of the 1,695,136 Accra million Metropolitan people Area (AMA). (National Population Census Report, 2000).

Filling of Land Title Forms & Collection of required Information (Planning Team with help from other teams when possible) Certification by Land Title Registry Office Yes GIS data preparation & setting up of Geo-database (GIS Team) Production & reproduction of plans (Office Team) Finalization of deliverables: Reports; soft and had copies of maps Figure 1: Conceptual workflow of pilot exercise No

Literature suggests that three main methods of establishing the land registration system may be adopted, namely: 1) Voluntary (sporadic) title registration upon application of the landowner; 2) Compulsory (sporadic) title registration whenever land is transferred or partitioned; 3) Compulsory (systematic) title registration of all land supported by comprehensive surveys carried out area by area (Hanstad, 1997-1998, pp. 700,701). The choice of (compulsory) systematic approach towards land registration appears to be a better way of undertaking land title registration. This work draws some strength from the systems approach way of land registration with emphasis on whole-to-part (Zevenbergen, 2004); meaning, to reach a parcel one must start from the district. The emergence of trustworthiness in the work is observed qualitatively via community participation and approval. Whilst agreeing with Zevenbergen (2004) remark on trustworthiness, here, it can mean the expectation of the community regarding the project strategic objectives as one visit principles towards this pilot project.

Concluding remarks
So far, it appears a higher degree of trustworthiness is emerging using the systematic approach described here. As a suggestion for future work, quantitative measure of trustworthiness may be investigated by assessing to what extent land cases in the Law Court have increased or decreased and whether land title certificate played a role. We agree with the argument by Kuntu-Mensah (2006), that the Ghana Land Registration System can be expected to be enhanced, provided the implementation keeps the momentum with full backing of the Government and the people of Ghana. This process should not overlook the possible contribution of spatial community of experts in Ghana and the diasporas. Pre-load background map to Penmap-DPT field PC Set up-Connect-test DPT field PC with Differential GPS RTK System. (Total Station/Tapes optional) Observe & Measure point on screen Join points to create parcel boundary Export (.shp, other formats) Figure 2: DPT Conceptual Approach DB submitted as deliverable Figure 3: GIS Conceptual Approach Import exported files from DPT Penmap Editing & topological rules applied SHP files into Geo-database (DB) Images of buildings & text from planning team entered into DB

Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the entire administration of the Ghana Land Administration Project (LAP) as well as RUDAN Engineering Limited which is the company that is executing the pilot exercise. We thank Northumbria University and the School of Built and Natural Environment for providing the conference bursary.
Authors Biography: Godwin Yeboah is currently a PhD Student in the School of the Built and Natural Environment in Northumbria University. Seraphim Alvanides is a Reader in the School of the Built and Natural Environment in Northumbria University.

Northumbria University

School of Built and Natural Environment