ENG-2003 — Page 280

LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

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automated mapping, facilities management, customer support and geographical information systems.

The Computerised Map Archives Retrieval System enables people to search and inspect map and aerial photograph archives. Two kiosks have been set up for public use at the headquarters of the Survey and Mapping Office. More kiosks will be installed at other map sales outlets.

Moreover, the office has developed a new series of digital orthophoto images covering the entire territory. This is a technology that enables map users to see a close to reality simulation. (Details of the office's map products and services can be accessed at the Lands Department's website).

In December, the office acquired ISO 9001:2000 certification accredited by the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency.

Land Registration

In Hong Kong, the security given by legal title to property is at present provided by a deeds registration system operated by the Land Registry under the Land Registration Ordinance. This legislation was first enacted in 1844 and is the oldest local law still in force in Hong Kong. Around $1,000 billion in loans is currently extended to families and businesses in Hong Kong against the security of registered property. In 2003, 102 313 matters were registered.

The Land Registry has some 500 staff members. It is organised into the Urban Land Registry, serving Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and eight New Territories Land Registries. A single document imaging centre serves all the registries and there is also a Reports on Title Office. The department is responsible for registering documents affecting land and keeping land records for public inspection. The department operates on a Trading Fund basis, under which it has to meet its operating costs. out of its revenues from fees and charges, and finance investments in service improvements.

The Land Registration Ordinance provides that documents affecting land have priority according to their respective dates of registration. Registration is not mandatory but the benefit that it gives through protecting interest in land creates a strong incentive for matters to be registered.

A land document is registered by delivering it to the appropriate land registry with a memorial, which contains the essential particulars of the document, and the prescribed fee. These particulars are then entered into a computerised land register for the relevant piece of land or property. The registered land document is scanned and stored as an electronic image on an optical disc.

Each land register provides a record of transactions affecting a property, starting from the grant of the relevant government lease. The registers, memorials and related land documents are available for search by members of the public at every search office, on payment of a fee. Subscribers and customers may conduct a one-stop search for properties anywhere in Hong Kong at their own offices and at every search office in the registry through the introduction of the Direct Access Services and the Cross District Search Service, respectively.

The Land Registry is implementing a strategic change plan to improve the security of title that is provided and further enhance the efficiency of its services. The plan