Data integration of subsurface utility maps and cadastral maps as a new business model in South-Korea

Cadastres have been developed gradually with technical evolution and social needs; but the traditional cadastre (2D) could not satisfy new requirements from society where the 3D legal and spatial representation of properties is concerned. 3D cadastres have been introduced including surface and subsurface rights. The South-Korean Law defines the ownership ‘extending above/under the land within legitimate interest’ (Civil Code, article 212). Population growth, urbanization and industrialization brings a need for more space (Aien et al., 2011). For example utilities are moving to underground space in South-Korea (Lee et al., 2007). In the past, the utility is laid to underground without any recordation at all or with improper recordation of the situation concerned. Incorrect information brought two disasters in Ahyundong and Sangindong with huge property damages (Son et al., 2004). After those accidents the South-Korean government tried to correct inaccurate information of underground utilities and develop a system for managing underground utilities since 1998 (Lee et al., 2007). But the availability of primary data of underground utilities is still depending on the willingness of co-operation of utility companies and organizations. Two different maps are used for different domains in South-Korea. The cadastre maintains and uses the cadastral map and the utility companies use and maintain the topographic map. Those maps have differences in geo-reference and registration. The cadastral map presents all the information related to ownership and the utility map presents the actual situation including buildings, type of utility, elevation etc. Moreover the cadastral map is maintained by cadastral surveying and utility map is maintained by utility surveying. Different base map bring deferent results in the projection of the same objects In this research, the problems of South-Korea spatial data and the reasons of different between two maps are discussed based on data integration and data sharing perspectives. The data integration method is addressed by a prototype developed. To assess the quality of data integration, field measurements have been conducted to check the differences between reality and the cadastral map at Seogwipo Dong Moon. Auto-CAD, Arc-GIS and Google Sketch-up have been used for the prototype to integrate the two maps. The prototype shows the possibility of successful data integration of two maps combined with a 3D visualization. Furthermore to find suitable business model in South-Korea, a comparative study has been performed between the Netherlands and South-Korea. The proposed business model expects to support in the improvement of the South-Korean spatial data infrastructure.