ENG-2014 — Page 248

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Planning, Land and Infrastructure

Registration Services

Land Registry Business Volume in 2014

(Distribution of Land Documents Lodged for Registration)

Nature

Agreements for sale and purchase of building units.

Agreements for sale and purchase of land

Assignments of building units

Assignments of land

Building mortgages/building legal charges

Other mortgages/legal charges

Others

Total

Search Services

(Distribution by Search Mode)

Counter Searches

Number

424,881

Per cent

9%

Number

81,489

2,480

92,025

6,733

Online Searches via Internet

Number 4,532,586

Per cent

91%

103

90,262

198,925

472,017

Hong Kong currently adopts a deeds registration system. To enhance certainty of title and simplify conveyancing procedures, the Land Titles Ordinance has been enacted but it will not come into effect until a comprehensive review is completed and the necessary amending legislation is passed. During the year, the Land Registry consulted major stakeholders on a further revised conversion mechanism and options for dealing with the existing land under the current system and other related issues. The registry is considering their views and will continue with the preparatory work for the introduction of a land titles registration system.

Survey, Mapping and Geospatial Information Service

The Lands Department's Survey and Mapping Office (SMO) provides survey and mapping services in support of land administration and infrastructure development. It produces topographical maps, carries out land boundary surveys and maintains a geodetic survey network. The SMO's Satellite Positioning Reference Station Network and Land Information System enable it to carry out survey and mapping activities more efficiently. The SMO also provides support to the Land Survey Authority to administer the Land Survey Ordinance which governs the registration and conduct of Authorised Land Surveyors as well as land boundary survey standards.

The Satellite Positioning Reference Station's data service supports positioning applications for mapping, construction works, navigation, land-use planning and scientific research. In 2014, three new reference stations were established in Lamma Island, Sha Tau Kok and Kau Sai Chau to enhance the coverage and reliability of the data service. With the enhanced service, users can now determine position to a high level of precision within the territory.

In 2014, the SMO extended the online ordering service to cover the sale and supply of both digital and paper map products to the general public and government departments through its 'Hong Kong Map Service' website. It also operates 'GeoInfo Map, a publicly accessible service which provides the general public with a convenient means of gaining access to digital maps

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