The Congruence and Conflicts of Spatial Data Infrastructure and Cadastral Agricultural Systems in Pakistan

Pakistan’s economy largely depends on agriculture, and land is the main prerequisite for agriculture. Optimal use of land demands a responsible land management system, which relies on adequate land information and a cadastral system which is integrated in a broader public information infrastructure. Unfortunately, however, Pakistan’s efforts in developing spatial data infrastructure (SDI) have been implemented in isolation from the development of the cadastral systems. Consequently, both agricultural and land policies have to rely on two parallel, and possibly conflicting or redundant, public information infrastructures. In light of this quandary, the purpose of this chapter is to discuss and evaluate the effects that these parallel public information infrastructures have on land management in the country. To do so, we framed main research question, how do the two parallel public information infrastructures currently provide input for land management? The research question is answered with the help of a literature review, followed by a questionnaire survey, and focused group discussions. Results of the study indicate that both public information infrastructures share some commonalities, however SDI can be more effective for land management in the country.