Use of geomatics for mapping and documenting indigenous tenure systems

Spatial information technologies such as geographic information systems (GI S), global positioning systems (GPS), and soft-copy photogrammetry, known c ollectively as geomatics, can be combined with methods of sociological inqu iry such as rapid rural appraisal and participatory rural appraisal (RA) to provide new techniques for gathering, organizing, analyzing, and conveying information about the land and resource tenure of indigenous people and co mmunities. The RA methods provide a means to solicit detailed information a bout complex and dynamic tenure status and resource conditions not ordinari ly captured in automated land records or cadastral systems. RA techniques c an be modified to use geomatics in the field or as part of the processing o f RA-gathered data. Recordation of rights and interests in land or resource s in automated systems recognized by groups (e.g., governments, companies) outside a community may bolster tenure security for the community or indivi duals if appropriate access and system security mechanisms are part of the system.