Cadastral Land Surveying

Cadastral surveying establishes the boundaries of a land unit on the ground and records them in the national register. It is a prerequisite for selling, dividing or mortgaging a property, and for resolving any boundary dispute.

Write to us

Overview

Why the boundary on the ground and the boundary on paper often differ

Cadastral surveying reconciles the two - and makes the boundary legally unambiguous.

Many properties in Latvia were registered using old, approximate methods, so the fence frequently stands somewhere other than the cadastre map shows. While nobody objects this causes no trouble - but at the moment of a sale, a mortgage or a building permit the discrepancy becomes an obstacle.

During the survey we restore the boundary markers on the ground, draw up the boundary plan and register the data in the Cadastre Information System of the State Land Service. Neighbours are invited in writing and the boundary inspection takes place in their presence - which is precisely what makes the boundary hard to contest afterwards.

Coordinate system: LKS-92 TM
Boundary point accuracy: ±3 cm in built-up areas
Boundary markers: Metal rod or pipe, cross-marked boundary stone, concrete post, plastic pipe and others
Deliverable: Boundary, situation and encumbrance plans

Scope

What cadastral land surveying covers

From searching for boundary markers on the ground to an entry in the State Land Service register.

Boundary surveying and restoration of boundary markers on site
We locate existing markers and restore missing ones from archive data.
Division and consolidation of land units
We prepare the documents needed to register new land units in the cadastre.
Preparation of boundary, situation and encumbrance plans
Three plans that together form the full property document set for transactions.
Identifying and resolving boundary discrepancies
We compare the measured position against archive data and propose a resolution.
Surveying of encumbrances and easements
We record protection zones, access easements and other use restrictions.
Registration of data in the Cadastre Information System of the State Land Service
We file the case with the State Land Service and follow it through.

Applications

When boundaries need surveying again

Situations where a transaction or a build stalls without a current boundary plan.

When selling or gifting a property that needs an accurate boundary plan
When dividing an inheritance or joint ownership between several owners
When boundary markers have disappeared or neighbours disagree on the boundary
Before construction, to confirm the distance to the boundary
When arranging a mortgage and the bank requires a current plan
When the cadastre map does not match the actual fence or access road

Workflow

How a boundary survey is carried out

Six steps from archive research to registration in the cadastre.

01
Enquiry and document review
We check the property documents and existing cadastral data, and assess the scope of work.
02
Archive research
We request previous survey materials from the State Land Service archive.
03
Notifying neighbours
We notify adjoining owners in writing of the boundary inspection date, as required by law.
04
Boundary survey on site
We survey and mark the boundary points and draw up the boundary inspection report.
05
Plan preparation
We prepare the boundary, situation and encumbrance plans in line with statutory requirements.
06
Registration in the Cadastre
We submit the file to the State Land Service and ensure the data is registered in the cadastral system.

Deliverables

What you receive after the survey

A document set you can take to a notary, a bank or the building authority.

Boundary plan with coordinates and area
Situation and encumbrance plans
Boundary inspection and restoration record signed by the neighbours
Confirmation of registration in the Cadastre Information System

Typical duration

Fieldwork 1 day; the full process including notice to neighbours and registration 1–3 months.

Important to know

Cadastral surveying may only be performed by a certified surveyor holding valid professional liability insurance.
Adjoining owners must be invited to the boundary inspection - without this the survey is not valid.
The surveyed area may differ from the figure in the documents; the law permits a certain tolerance depending on plot size.

Questions

Questions about cadastral surveying

Boundary matters can get complicated - call and describe your situation.

What happens if a neighbour does not attend the boundary inspection?

If the adjoining owner was notified in the manner prescribed by law but does not attend, the survey can proceed without them. The report records that the notification was sent.

How long does cadastral surveying take?

Usually 1–2 months. Most of that time is spent waiting for archive data and observing the statutory notification periods, rather than on the measurements themselves.

Who can order a cadastral survey?

The owner, the legal possessor, or a person authorised by them. In the case of joint ownership, the consent of all co-owners is normally required.

Can the surveyed area differ from the one in the Land Register?

Yes, and it often does. Older measurements were taken with less precise methods. After the survey the cadastral data is corrected to reflect the actual situation.