Cadastral maps as a basis for developing street maps: examples from Australia and Brunei

Cadastral maps can be used as an effective initial set of data for new street maps in particular, and any type of large scale map project in general. This is due to a) a high degree of currency and accuracy of the digital cadastral database (DCDB); b) DCDB’s overall high level of reliability in terms of completeness; and c) the availability of DCDB to the public. It is within the context of these three notable features that the Australian and Bruneian experiences with DCDB are examined. The author’s invaluable experience with developing street maps in these countries provided sufficient data for the study. It was found that in both countries, DCDB may be used for the development of street maps, but a high degree of caution must be exercised. The identified obstacles are concerned mainly with the spatial accuracy of DCDB, discrepancies between the ‘cadastral situation’ and the situation on the ground, poor land management practices and others. This contribution provides an ample framework supported by numerous examples to illustrate these problems. It also concludes with remarks regarding some features of DCDB with suggestions for their modification or inclusion into a DCDB.