In a significant stride towards managing the dynamic and complex nature of coastal environments, researchers have developed a novel approach to coastal cadastre management. The study, led by Y. H. Atulukwu from the 3D GIS Research Lab at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, introduces a 3D Temporal approach based on the Land Administration Domain Model (LADM). This framework aims to enhance the management of coastal property rights, jurisdictional boundaries, and land-sea interactions, addressing the unique challenges posed by shifting shorelines and evolving marine parcels.
The research, published in ‘The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’ (translated to English as ‘The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’), integrates three-dimensional spatial data with temporal attributes. This integration enables precise tracking and representation of changes in coastal parcels, maritime zones, and shoreline boundaries. Atulukwu explains, “Our LADM-based model is structured within a spatial database for practical implementation, ensuring seamless interoperability with GIS-based visualization and web-based monitoring tools.”
For maritime professionals, this advancement offers substantial benefits. The framework supports harmonizing land and marine tenure systems, promoting regulatory compliance, and facilitating dispute resolution. It also aids in jurisdictional coordination among stakeholders, which is crucial for the maritime sector. As Atulukwu notes, “This approach strengthens cadastral decision-making by addressing key challenges such as shifting shorelines, overlapping land-sea rights, and the evolving legal status of marine parcels.”
Commercially, this research opens up opportunities for maritime sectors involved in coastal development, marine resource management, and offshore infrastructure. The enhanced transparency and legal clarity provided by the LADM-based 3D Temporal cadastre can streamline processes, reduce disputes, and ensure equitable access to marine resources. This, in turn, can foster sustainable coastal management and support the growth of maritime industries.
Moreover, the framework’s interoperability with GIS-based visualization and web-based monitoring tools can enhance maritime operations. It can provide real-time data and insights, enabling better decision-making and improving the efficiency of maritime activities. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the need for robust and adaptive cadastral models becomes increasingly apparent. This research by Atulukwu and his team at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia represents a significant step forward in meeting this need.

