FIG Publishes New LADM Resources to Support Global Cadastral Interoperability

Copenhagen, Denmark — The International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) has released two new publications designed to advance the global adoption of the Land Administration Domain Model (LADM), an ISO-certified standard critical for modern, interoperable land management systems. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the global effort to harmonise how countries and institutions manage land tenure, cadastral information, and property rights.

Introduced in 2012 by ISO as ISO 19152, the Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) offers a global standard for structuring land rights, responsibilities, and spatial data. Developed with FIG, it supports inclusive and interoperable land administration across formal, customary, and informal systems.

The new materials include a general introduction to LADM and a practical teaching guide titled “LADM in the Classroom.” These resources aim to provide both professionals and students with a deeper understanding of the standard’s practical applications, promoting its integration into national land administration systems and academic curricula alike.

LADM, officially ISO 19152, defines a conceptual schema for managing land-related information such as ownership, use, and restrictions. The model accommodates both traditional 2D cadasters and emerging 3D and marine tenure systems, making it suitable for use across diverse legal and geographic contexts.

According to FIG, the release is timely. As countries worldwide invest in digitising land records and modernising spatial data infrastructure, many encounter a critical gap: the lack of a common data framework. Without interoperability, the promises of geospatial analytics and e-governance fall flat.

LADM bridges that gap, providing a shared vocabulary and structure that integrates seamlessly with GIS software, cadastral databases, and blockchain-based registries.

“This is about creating common ground for a very fragmented sector,” said Dr. Christiaan Lemmen, one of the co-authors and a key figure in the development of LADM. “Whether you’re mapping rural land tenure in Kenya or managing strata titles in Australia, LADM offers a framework that supports local needs while ensuring global compatibility.”

LADM has already been adopted or piloted in countries including the Netherlands, Indonesia, Colombia, and Uganda, and is being considered for broader implementation in many more. The new resources are expected to accelerate that trend, especially as governments seek cost-effective, standards-based solutions for land governance.

The classroom guide is especially notable for its modular design. It includes sample datasets, case studies, and exercises tailored for various academic levels. Institutions looking to expand their geospatial curriculum now have a ready-made toolkit to introduce students to real-world land administration challenges and solutions.

LADM’s emphasis on Rights, Restrictions, and Responsibilities (RRRs) provides a flexible template that can be localised. This is crucial for addressing contemporary issues such as informal settlements, gender equity in land rights, and climate-resilient land use planning.

Beyond education, the new LADM resources are also expected to help public and private sector stakeholders — surveyors, policy makers, real estate developers, and civil society groups — align their systems and services. With consistent land data models, they can collaborate more effectively and scale innovations like smart cadasters and AI-powered land valuation tools.

As land remains a central asset in both economic and social terms, the push for digital transformation continues. LADM, backed by ISO and championed by FIG, may well serve as the backbone of the next generation of land governance — intelligent, transparent, and interoperable by design.