Quick answer: in the Dominican Republic, parcel surveys for the Real Estate Registry are carried out with GNSS (static or RTK) or a total station, according to technical provision DNMC-DT-2023-007. LiDAR is not among those methods, but it is very useful as support: it shows the relief, roads and buildings before and after the survey.
Land surveying is one of the most sought-after technical trades in the Dominican Republic. With the arrival of drones and LiDAR, many owners and developers ask whether a survey can be done with these technologies. The short answer: for the Real Estate Registry, not as the main method; for everything else, yes, and it saves time.
What the Real Estate Registry requires for a survey
The National Directorate of Cadastral Surveys (DNMC) published technical provision DNMC-DT-2023-007 (August 28, 2023), with guidelines for parcel surveys and georeferencing. It operates under Resolution 789-2022, the General Regulation of Cadastral Surveys.
Accepted methods
- Static GNSS, connected to a valid permanent station (CORS).
- GNSS RTK, via NTRIP or with a radio base and rover.
- Total station, with double occupation and tied to control points.
- Handheld GNSS navigators are only for approximate locations.
- Satellite image interpretation is only for support in investigations or expert reports, not for submitting surveys.
The provision does not mention LiDAR, photogrammetry or drones as a parcel survey method.
Reference system
Work is referenced to the ITRF IGb08 frame (equivalent to WGS84 G1762), with the GRS-80 ellipsoid and the EGM2008 geoid. It relies on the National Geodetic Network and the Real Estate Registry’s network of permanent stations. PDOP limits are 1.5 for static GNSS and 3.0 for RTK.
Where LiDAR does add value in land surveying
Before the survey
A LiDAR flight shows the relief, roads, fences and buildings of a large property. The surveyor can better plan where to occupy points and spot visible boundary conflicts before going to the field.
In subdivisions and developments
To subdivide a property and design streets and drainage, the LiDAR terrain model is the basis of the design. Each parcel is then surveyed with GNSS or a total station.
On heavily vegetated land
On mountain or forested properties, LiDAR captures the real ground. That reduces trail cutting and field days for the topographic study, although the parcel vertices are measured with the official methods.
In land-use planning and cadastre
In March 2026 a market dialogue was held with the World Bank to generate terrain models and orthoimagery with LiDAR for the whole country. That information will serve as a basis for planning and the cadastre.
Recommended workflow
- LiDAR flight with control points measured by GNSS.
- Terrain model, contour lines and orthomosaic for design.
- Parcel survey with GNSS or total station, per DNMC-DT-2023-007.
- Plan and file submitted to the corresponding Regional Directorate of Cadastral Surveys.
How to choose a surveyor or company
Check that the professional is authorized by the Real Estate Registry and that the LiDAR company delivers its data in the same reference system. Look for surveying and geomatics companies on ConstructHUBS. If you are a surveying or LiDAR consultant, join as a consultant.
More context in LiDAR in the Dominican Republic and in how much a LiDAR survey costs.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cadastral survey be done with a drone in the Dominican Republic?
Not as a parcel survey method. DNMC-DT-2023-007 sets GNSS and total station; the drone serves as support.
What does a land surveyor do?
Measures and delimits land, prepares plans and processes surveys, boundary demarcations and subdivisions before the Real Estate Registry.
What coordinate system does the Real Estate Registry use?
The ITRF IGb08 frame, equivalent to WGS84 G1762, with the GRS-80 ellipsoid and the EGM2008 geoid.
What is LiDAR for if it does not count for the survey?
Designing developments, calculating earthworks, planning the survey and capturing the terrain under vegetation.
What is a boundary demarcation (deslinde)?
The procedure to individualize and precisely locate a parcel within registered land, with its own plan and certificate of title.
