Surveys and Mapping Division

Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs

The Surveys and Mapping Division is the national authority responsible for providing, storing, and maintaining geographical data, land-related information, and aerial and hydrographic data for the Government, Private Sector, and the General Public. The Surveys and Mapping Division operates under the Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs. Our core mandate is to manage the nation’s spatial data infrastructure, ensuring that high-quality geodetic, cadastral, and topographic information is available to support the development of Trinidad and Tobago.

Our History

The Division’s roots date back to the appointment of the Crown Surveyor, followed by the first Surveyor General in 1922. Over time, the role evolved into the Director of Surveys and Sub-Intendant of Crown Lands.

In 1959, the Public Service re-organization began the process of separating Land and Survey functions. While the post of Commissioner of Lands was legally established in 1980, it wasn’t until 1988—following recommendations from the Ministry of Planning and Mobilization—that the Division was officially restructured into two distinct entities: Surveys and Mapping Division and Commissioner of State Lands.

Mission & Vision

Mission Statement: “To contribute to the development and economic success of Trinidad and Tobago by adopting new technologies for providing up-to-date and authoritative maps, charts and land and sea information, in conventional paper and progressively in digital form to meet the needs of Government, the General Public and the Private Sector.”

Vision Statement: “To forge a partnership between management, the staff, trade unions, customers and the Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs to adopt new technologies and create a modern high-performance learning service organisation.”

Major Responsibilities

  • Administer and maintain the National Survey Control System, including geodetic networks and precise leveling.
  • Produce and maintain cadastral and topographic maps, hydrographic charts, and photogrammetric data.
  • Coordinate aerial photography for government mapping and spatial analysis.
  • Provide the survey infrastructure necessary to integrate all land-related information.
  • Specify requirements for land acquisition surveys, state leases, licenses, grants, and boundary redefinitions.
  • Act as the primary hub for the sale and reproduction of maps, aerial photographs, and survey documents.
  • Maintain the National Survey Register and index all survey plans created by Trinidad and Tobago Land Surveyors.
  • Establish precise boundaries for national waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Legislation & Statutory Obligations

The Division’s operations are guided by the following legal framework:

Act/Regulation Reference
Land Surveyor’s Act No. 33 of 1996
Land Acquisition Act 28 of 1994
Trinidad and Tobago Surveys Act Ch. 60:01
State Lands Act Ch. 57:01 (1980)
Archipelagic Waters & EEZ Act No. 24 of 1989
Real Property Ordinance Ch. 27 No. 11
Territorial Sea Act No. 23 of 1986
Land Survey Rules Legal Notice No. 275 (1998)