A review of the quality of reinstatement in Queensland survey plans and identification plans

Abstract

For a considerable period of time there have been concerns expressed that the integrity of the cadastre is being damaged by poor reinstatement, particularly in relation to identification survey plans. The purpose of this work was to provide a systematic examination of the quality of reinstatement being shown on cadastral survey plans lodged in Queensland that would confirm or refute the assertions being made. Five cadastral surveyors were engaged to assess the reinstatement of a representative sample of lodged survey plans. Using criteria extracted from the critical cadastral standards, the study found that the difference between the survey plan rating and the identification plan rating was not significant for the majority of criteria. The findings of the study indicated that there is a non-trivial amount of poor surveys being performed but these occur through poor understanding of reinstatement rather than a simple case of non-compliance. Given that the paper establishes that it is a knowledge rather than compliance problem, the paper canvases possible remedial actions that may be taken by the industry.