{"id":1981,"date":"2026-11-09T20:28:10","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T01:28:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/lidar-land-surveying-dominican-republic\/"},"modified":"2026-11-11T16:23:38","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T21:23:38","slug":"lidar-land-surveying-dominican-republic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/lidar-land-surveying-dominican-republic\/","title":{"rendered":"LiDAR in Land Surveying and Cadastral Surveys in the Dominican Republic"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2>What the Real Estate Registry requires for a survey<\/h2>\n<p>The National Directorate of Cadastral Surveys (DNMC) published technical provision <a href=\"https:\/\/ri.gob.do\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/DNMC-DT-2023-007-Ejecuci%C3%B3n-de-Levantamientos-Parcelarios.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DNMC-DT-2023-007<\/a> (August 28, 2023), with guidelines for parcel surveys and georeferencing. It operates under Resolution 789-2022, the General Regulation of Cadastral Surveys.<\/p>\n<h3>Accepted methods<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Static GNSS<\/strong>, connected to a valid permanent station (CORS).<\/li>\n<li><strong>GNSS RTK<\/strong>, via NTRIP or with a radio base and rover.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Total station<\/strong>, with double occupation and tied to control points.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Handheld GNSS navigators<\/strong> are only for approximate locations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Satellite image interpretation<\/strong> is only for support in investigations or expert reports, not for submitting surveys.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The provision does not mention LiDAR, photogrammetry or drones as a parcel survey method.<\/p>\n<h3>Reference system<\/h3>\n<p>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&#8217;s network of permanent stations. PDOP limits are 1.5 for static GNSS and 3.0 for RTK.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1757\" src=\"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Simple-infographic-background_-three-survey-instruments-GNSS-static-receiver-RTK-rover-total-station-in-a-row-and-a-drone-with-LiDAR-set-apart-flat-style-white-background-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Parcel survey methods and LiDAR as support\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Simple-infographic-background_-three-survey-instruments-GNSS-static-receiver-RTK-rover-total-station-in-a-row-and-a-drone-with-LiDAR-set-apart-flat-style-white-background-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Simple-infographic-background_-three-survey-instruments-GNSS-static-receiver-RTK-rover-total-station-in-a-row-and-a-drone-with-LiDAR-set-apart-flat-style-white-background-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Simple-infographic-background_-three-survey-instruments-GNSS-static-receiver-RTK-rover-total-station-in-a-row-and-a-drone-with-LiDAR-set-apart-flat-style-white-background-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Simple-infographic-background_-three-survey-instruments-GNSS-static-receiver-RTK-rover-total-station-in-a-row-and-a-drone-with-LiDAR-set-apart-flat-style-white-background-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Simple-infographic-background_-three-survey-instruments-GNSS-static-receiver-RTK-rover-total-station-in-a-row-and-a-drone-with-LiDAR-set-apart-flat-style-white-background-590x332.jpg 590w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Simple-infographic-background_-three-survey-instruments-GNSS-static-receiver-RTK-rover-total-station-in-a-row-and-a-drone-with-LiDAR-set-apart-flat-style-white-background-1191x670.jpg 1191w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Simple-infographic-background_-three-survey-instruments-GNSS-static-receiver-RTK-rover-total-station-in-a-row-and-a-drone-with-LiDAR-set-apart-flat-style-white-background-577x325.jpg 577w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Simple-infographic-background_-three-survey-instruments-GNSS-static-receiver-RTK-rover-total-station-in-a-row-and-a-drone-with-LiDAR-set-apart-flat-style-white-background-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Simple-infographic-background_-three-survey-instruments-GNSS-static-receiver-RTK-rover-total-station-in-a-row-and-a-drone-with-LiDAR-set-apart-flat-style-white-background-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Simple-infographic-background_-three-survey-instruments-GNSS-static-receiver-RTK-rover-total-station-in-a-row-and-a-drone-with-LiDAR-set-apart-flat-style-white-background.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Where LiDAR does add value in land surveying<\/h2>\n<h3>Before the survey<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>In subdivisions and developments<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>On heavily vegetated land<\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h3>In land-use planning and cadastre<\/h3>\n<p>In March 2026 a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldbank.org\/en\/events\/2026\/03\/27\/dominican-republic-generarci-n-de-mds-mdt-vuelos-fotogram-tricos-y-ortoim-genes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">market dialogue was held with the World Bank<\/a> to generate terrain models and orthoimagery with LiDAR for the whole country. That information will serve as a basis for planning and the cadastre.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1749\" src=\"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Digital-terrain-model-of-a-hilly-farm-in-shaded-relief-with-parcel-subdivision-lines-and-lot-numbers-overlaid-top-view-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Digital terrain model with parcel subdivision\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Digital-terrain-model-of-a-hilly-farm-in-shaded-relief-with-parcel-subdivision-lines-and-lot-numbers-overlaid-top-view-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Digital-terrain-model-of-a-hilly-farm-in-shaded-relief-with-parcel-subdivision-lines-and-lot-numbers-overlaid-top-view-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Digital-terrain-model-of-a-hilly-farm-in-shaded-relief-with-parcel-subdivision-lines-and-lot-numbers-overlaid-top-view-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Digital-terrain-model-of-a-hilly-farm-in-shaded-relief-with-parcel-subdivision-lines-and-lot-numbers-overlaid-top-view-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Digital-terrain-model-of-a-hilly-farm-in-shaded-relief-with-parcel-subdivision-lines-and-lot-numbers-overlaid-top-view-590x332.jpg 590w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Digital-terrain-model-of-a-hilly-farm-in-shaded-relief-with-parcel-subdivision-lines-and-lot-numbers-overlaid-top-view-1191x670.jpg 1191w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Digital-terrain-model-of-a-hilly-farm-in-shaded-relief-with-parcel-subdivision-lines-and-lot-numbers-overlaid-top-view-577x325.jpg 577w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Digital-terrain-model-of-a-hilly-farm-in-shaded-relief-with-parcel-subdivision-lines-and-lot-numbers-overlaid-top-view-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Digital-terrain-model-of-a-hilly-farm-in-shaded-relief-with-parcel-subdivision-lines-and-lot-numbers-overlaid-top-view-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Digital-terrain-model-of-a-hilly-farm-in-shaded-relief-with-parcel-subdivision-lines-and-lot-numbers-overlaid-top-view.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Recommended workflow<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>LiDAR flight with control points measured by GNSS.<\/li>\n<li>Terrain model, contour lines and orthomosaic for design.<\/li>\n<li>Parcel survey with GNSS or total station, per DNMC-DT-2023-007.<\/li>\n<li>Plan and file submitted to the corresponding Regional Directorate of Cadastral Surveys.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>How to choose a surveyor or company<\/h2>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/hub-category\/companies\/surveying-and-geomatics\/\">surveying and geomatics companies<\/a> on ConstructHUBS. If you are a surveying or LiDAR consultant, <a href=\"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/join-as-a-consultant\/\">join as a consultant<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>More context in <a href=\"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/lidar-in-dominican-republic\/\">LiDAR in the Dominican Republic<\/a> and in <a href=\"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/lidar-survey-cost-dominican-republic\/\">how much a LiDAR survey costs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Can a cadastral survey be done with a drone in the Dominican Republic?<\/h3>\n<p>Not as a parcel survey method. DNMC-DT-2023-007 sets GNSS and total station; the drone serves as support.<\/p>\n<h3>What does a land surveyor do?<\/h3>\n<p>Measures and delimits land, prepares plans and processes surveys, boundary demarcations and subdivisions before the Real Estate Registry.<\/p>\n<h3>What coordinate system does the Real Estate Registry use?<\/h3>\n<p>The ITRF IGb08 frame, equivalent to WGS84 G1762, with the GRS-80 ellipsoid and the EGM2008 geoid.<\/p>\n<h3>What is LiDAR for if it does not count for the survey?<\/h3>\n<p>Designing developments, calculating earthworks, planning the survey and capturing the terrain under vegetation.<\/p>\n<h3>What is a boundary demarcation (deslinde)?<\/h3>\n<p>The procedure to individualize and precisely locate a parcel within registered land, with its own plan and certificate of title.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What the Real Estate Registry requires for a survey in the DR, which methods it accepts and how to use LiDAR as support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1754,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[523],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1981","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology-and-innovation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1981","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1981"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1981\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2002,"href":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1981\/revisions\/2002"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1754"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1981"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1981"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/constructhubs.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1981"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}