LADM for sustainable development: An exploratory study on the application of domain-specific data models to support the SDGs

Abstract

Individual land titling will not deliver land tenure security to the majority of people by 2030. Nevertheless, tenure security is implicit to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and deep-rooted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Land tenure security underpins the SDGs related to poverty reduction, food security, disaster risk management and gender equality. The cross-cutting benefits of land tenure security with regards to sustainable development suggests equally cross-cutting conceptual frameworks, management cooperation and data sharing are needed within, and between, those sectors. Additionally, previous research in the land administration domain developed approaches, frameworks and data models linking across different domains. This latter achievement showed how developments using standardised modelling approaches and domain terminologies can be used to support gathering, organising and disseminating information relevant to reporting on and monitoring of the SDGs. From the perspective of data sharing, domain models - such as the Land Administration Domain Model LADM (ISO 19152), a globally recognized standard - are seen as supporting this capability. In response, this paper explores whether and how LADM, in terms of data model additions and adaptations, could support other SDG-relevant domains. The approach used is exploratory, including elements of literature review, case study analysis, conceptual data modelling, and synthesis. It shows the potential and added value of an integrated data modelling approach, with regards to Land Administration and its intrinsic feature to other fields of study including poverty reduction, food security, and gender equality. • Data models using standards, such as the LADM, can be used to support gathering and disseminating information relevant to the SDGs. • There is value in creating shared understandings about the value and role of shared data models between different domains, and country contexts. • Both models, LADM as well as STDM, are flexible and can accommodate other attributes and associations and are extensible to link disciplines. • The interrelationship of Land Administration with various other disciplines reflected in the SDGs becomes visible through data modelling. • A holistic approach strengthens the demand for interlinkages with the 2030 Agenda and its 5Ps and the domain of Land Administration.