Whilst traditionally Cadastral Agencies have been concerned with maintaining official records of dimensions and values of land parcels, these agencies have evolved into a multi-purposed information system. Many European countries now use cadastres to gather information about land use, and legal restrictions that might be in place, relating either to the land use or sale of the land as well as noting any utilities or other assets and infrastructure. Records are also used by governments to determine land value and taxes. Further details for each country can be found here.
In the UK, HM (His Majesty’s) Land Registry is the non-ministerial agency responsible for these functions and holds information relating to over 26 million titular deeds, making up 88% of the land mass of England and Wales. Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland also have their own versions that perform the same functions.
