PAVITRA

Property card Audit and Validation using Information Technology, Remote Sensing, and GIS Applications

Project Head – Dr. Shrikrishnanath Panchal, IAS, Collector Jalna.

Team Member – Shri. Krishna Shinde, District Superintendent Land Records, Jalna.

The "GIS-based Survey of Land Properties in Jalna Municipal Corporation" project addressed growing public complaints regarding inaccuracies in online property records within the urban land survey area. To resolve existing issues and prevent future errors, the project involved a comprehensive overhaul of the property data management system. Key activities included developing GIS-based software, digitally archiving manual property cards through scanning and metadata entry and digitizing existing maps. High-resolution satellite imagery was georeferenced, and digitized maps were overlaid to provide accurate spatial context. A critical component involved comparing data from the existing online system with manual records, generating detailed reports of discrepancies. Ultimately, the project enabled the correction of inaccurate data in the online system, ensuring improved accuracy and reliability for the public accessing property information, fostering greater trust and efficiency in Jalna Municipal Corporation's land management.

I. Data Acquisition & Preparation

• Source Data:
  • Manual Property Cards (Record of Rights)
  • Old City Survey Maps (various scales, formats)
  • Layout Measurement Sheets
  • High-Resolution Satellite Imagery
  • Existing ePCIS (online property card) Database
• Scanning & Digitization
  • Manual property cards are scanned, and key metadata (city survey number, area, ownership) is extracted and stored in a digital format.
  • City Survey Maps, layout maps, and measurement sheets are scanned to create digital raster images.
  • These raster images are then digitized (vectorized) to create digital map layers (shapefiles).
• Geo referencing:
  • High-resolution satellite imagery is georeferenced using ground control points (GCPs) to establish accurate geographic coordinates.
  • Digitized map layers are then georeferenced and aligned with the satellite imagery.

II. System Development & Integration

• Software Development: A web-based GIS software application is developed (outsourced to a vendor).
• Data Integration:
  • The digitized property card metadata is linked to corresponding parcels on the georeferenced digital maps.
  • Data from the existing ePCIS database is integrated, allowing comparison with the newly digitized data.

III. Data Analysis & Validation

• Superimposition and Visualization: The software overlays digitized maps on satellite imagery for verification.
• Discrepancy Detection:
  • The system automatically identifies discrepancies between: Data on the existing ePCIS system vs. the scanned property cards.
  • Area calculations from digitized maps vs. area recorded on property cards.
  • Overlapping or conflicting property boundaries.
  • Missing map data.
• Report Generation:The software generates reports detailing identified discrepancies, including duplicate property card numbers, mismatched areas, missing maps, etc.

IV. Discrepancy Resolution & Data Correction

• Verification & Adjudication: Identified discrepancies are reviewed and verified by the land administration department. This may involve further investigation or field surveys.
• Data Correction:
  • Based on the verification process, corrections are made to:
  • The digitized property card data.
  • The digital map layers.
  • The existing ePCIS database. (This step is crucial for ensuring the online data is accurate).
  Quasi-Judicial Process:
  • Significant discrepancies or disputes may require a quasi-judicial process to resolve ownership issues, following established legal procedures.

V. Output & Access

• Geographic Location Generation:The software generates geographic coordinates (e.g., KML files) for each property, enabling easy location using GIS applications.
• Online Access: The corrected and integrated property data, including maps and property details, is made accessible to:
• The public (through a web portal).
• Government departments (e.g., sub-registrar offices).
• Reporting and Analysis:The system provides tools for generating reports and analyzing property data for planning and decision-making.

VI. Maintenance & Updates

• Ongoing Updates:The system needs to be regularly updated with new mutations, subdivisions, and other changes in property ownership.
• Data Quality Control:Continuous data quality control measures are necessary to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information.

In essence, the project transforms a fragmented, paper-based system into an integrated, GIS-based platform that improves data accuracy, accessibility, and efficiency. It provides a valuable tool for land administration, urban planning, and citizen services.