Climate change and the cadastral surveyor
Stapleton, Michael
Climate changes pose many challenges to the people of the world. Changes in climate are said to contribute to natural disasters such as flash floods, tsunamis and drought. Cadastral surveyors are largely involved in determining the locations, and measuring the extents of rights associated with land and property. Natural disasters can impact on the locations of property rights and boundaries. How we plan to combat the impacts of climate change can influence rights imposed on properties and the locations thereof. In this paper I investigate current land boundary definitions, land tenure and easement options. I consider whether changes may be required with respect to legal definitions and policies related to boundary definition. I identify roles in which surveyors are already involved in sustainability issues associated with climate change, and suggest roles which may expand, as well as potential new opportunities, as a consequence of climate change.
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