**Art. 1 Official Surveying Act (OSA)** (LMU)

[2] 1 Official surveys within the meaning of Article 950 of the Civil Code (CC) are those surveys for the establishment and maintenance of the land register approved by the Canton and recognized by the Confederation.

2 The data from official surveys are reference geodata used by federal, cantonal, and communal authorities, as well as by the economy, science, and third parties, to obtain geoinformation.

3 This Act pursues in particular the following objectives

a) to ensure the acquisition, management, updating, and dissemination of official survey data throughout the cantonal territory;

b) to implement and supplement federal legislation on the matter.

[2] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[3] The components of the official surveying are defined in Article 5 of the Ordinance on Official Surveying of 18 November 1992 (OOS).

[3] Art. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - FO 2026, 74; previous amendment: FO 2013, 540.

1 … [4]

2 For the ongoing maintenance of official measurements and related registers and documents, the municipal district may be divided into sections.

3 In the case of municipal amalgamations, the survey districts of the municipalities preceding the amalgamation may be maintained as sections of the district of the new municipality.

[4] Para. repealed by Law of 17.12.2025; in force from 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[5] The cadastral engineer registered in the register of cadastral engineers (cadastral engineer) is required to submit a request to the civil judge for the appointment of a guardian when he believes that the conditions for such an appointment are met according to the provisions of articles 392–395 CC.

[5] Art. modified by Law of 18.10.2021; in force since 24.12.2021 - BU 2021, 407; previous modification: BU 2013, 540.

[6] The Canton carries out demarcation, initial survey, cadastral renewal, special adjustments of national interest, periodic updating, and, limited to category 2 planimetric and altimetric fixed points, permanent updating.

[6] Art. amended by Law of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 7 4.

[7] 1 The municipality shall maintain the official survey components on a permanent daily basis, with the exception of planar and altimetric fixed points of category 2.

2 It shall determine and harmonize street names in accordance with Articles 25 and 26 of the Ordinance on Geographical Names of 21 May 2008 (OGN).

3 It shall determine the house numbers of buildings for the purpose of establishing building addresses. [8]

[7] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[8] Para. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74; previous amendment: BU 2014, 483.

[9] The Council of State is notably responsible for the following competencies

a) to extend, if justified by a general and permanent need, the content of official surveying prescribed by federal law;

b) to designate the department authorized to sign the multi-year programme agreement with the Confederation;

c) to designate the supervisory service for official surveying;

d) to designate the service competent for all data of the original and definitive official surveying;

e) to appoint the members of the Surveying Commission;

f) to appoint the members of the Nomenclature Commission;

g) to approve the data of official surveying and the extracts prepared on their basis, notably the plan for the land register;

h) to designate the competent service that submits to the Federal Office of Topography the changes to municipal names within the meaning of Articles 13 and 15 ONGeo;

i) to prescribe that, upon request of the interested parties, in addition to the data of official surveying, the boundaries of easements are also represented in the plan for the land register, provided that a clear planimetric definition is possible; [10]

j) to define supplementary extracts of official surveying data in addition to those defined by federal legislation. [11]

[9] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[10] Lett. introduced by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[11] Lett. introduced by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[12] 1 The Official Surveying Supervision Service is subject to the autonomous specialized direction of a surveying engineer registered in the register of surveyors.

2 The Supervision Service is responsible for

a) fixing the execution date of individual surveys after consulting the municipalities concerned;

b) determining the geographical names of the official survey in accordance with Article 8 paragraph 2 of the ONGeo;

c) determining the locality, establishing its delimitation, name, and spelling, coordinating perimeter changes with the municipalities concerned and the Post Office, geographically establishing the changes and communicating them to the Federal Office of Topography, in accordance with Article 21 of the ONGeo;

d) submitting the names of localities to the Federal Office of Topography in accordance with Article 22 of the ONGeo;

e) submitting the application to the Federal Office of Transport to establish station names in accordance with Article 28 paragraph 2 letter c of the ONGeo;

f) transmitting the documents relating to the determination of geographical names to the services defined in the regulation, for their archiving;

g) ensuring the participation of the municipalities concerned in accordance with Article 14 paragraph 2 of the Ordinance on National Surveying of May 21, 2008 (OMN);

h) issuing service instructions;

i) preparing the base plan.

3 For the rest, the competencies of the Supervision Service are set out in the OMU and in the present law.

[12] Art. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74; previous amendment: BU 2013, 540.

[13] 1 The execution of work relating to official surveying and the management of the relevant data is entrusted to the surveying engineer, who transmits the official surveying data as well as the related updates to the Canton.

2 The surveying engineer and their respective substitute are authorized to sign mutation documents and to issue authenticated extracts and valuations from the municipality for which they have been appointed for permanent updating work.

[13] Art. amended by Law of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BO 2026, 74; previous amendment: BO 2013, 540.

[14] 1 A Measurement Commission composed of 3 members and 3 substitutes is established and appointed for a period of 4 years, expiring on June 30 of the year following that of the election of the Council of State.

2 The Commission shall include, among its members and substitutes, a legal professional and a surveying engineer. Officials of the Supervisory Service may not be part of the Commission.

3 The Commission may validly deliberate in the presence of the legal professional and the surveying engineer.

[14] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[15] **1 The Commission deals with the resolution of oppositions filed against the results of the public deposit of official survey documents. [16]**

**2 The Commission is also tasked with formulating a preliminary opinion to the Council of State in the event of disputes regarding the determination of municipal territory boundaries. It may, if necessary, avail itself of the expertise of specialists. The Commission shall agree the consultancy fees with the Council of State in advance.**

**3 Actions against the decisions of the Commission may be brought before the ordinary civil court within a period of 30 days; decisions of the civil court may be appealed to the Court of Appeal within a period of 30 days. The Code of Civil Procedure of 5 October 2007 is applicable.**

**4 The Commission shall immediately communicate to the Supervision Service and to the land surveyor the list of decisions contested before the civil court.**

**5 Actions brought before the civil court shall be mentioned in the land register upon request of the Supervision Service and communicated to the land surveyor.**

**[15] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.**

**[16] Para. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.**

The indemnities are determined by the Council of State in the regulations and the financial contribution of the municipality concerned corresponds to the percentage of its own participation in the total costs of the official survey resulting from the final account.

[17] A cantonal Nomenclature Commission is established, in accordance with Article 9 of the Federal Act on Geographic Information Systems (ONGeo), composed of 1 president and 2 members, and appointed for a period of 4 years, expiring on June 30 of the year following that of the election of the State Council.

[17] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[18] 1 In addition to the tasks set out in Article 9 paragraph 3 ONGeo concerning the geographical names of the official survey, the Commission verifies the linguistic correctness of other geographical names within the meaning of Article 3 letter a ONGeo and communicates the results to the competent services.

2 It issues the relevant instructions and communicates them to the Supervisory Service and, where necessary, to the municipalities.

[18] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

Regarding the allowances of the Cantonal Nomenclature Commission, the regulation concerning allowances for state employees and other representatives in cantonal bodies is applicable.

… [20]

[20] Art. repealed by Law of 17.12.2025; effective from 1.1.2026 - Official Gazette 2026, 74; previous amendment: Official Gazette 2014, 483.

[23] 1 For assistance in the detection and updating of official survey data and for the protection of the materialization of boundary and survey points, the provisions of Articles 20 and 21 of the Federal Act on Geoinformation of October 5, 2007 (Geoinformation Act) apply.

2 For damages arising from permanent maintenance work, the provisions of the Act on the Civil Liability of Public Bodies and Public Agents of October 24, 1988, are applicable.

[23] Art. amended by L 22.9.2014; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2014, 483.

[25] 1 It is prohibited to move, remove, or damage the markers that materialize boundary points or measurement points (fixed points). [26]

2 The costs for their replacement and for consecutive damages shall be borne jointly and severally by the owners of the affected properties, who have a right of recourse against the author of the damage.

3 The provisions of the Criminal Code are reserved.

[25] Art. amended by L 22.9.2014; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2014, 483; previous amendment: BU 2013, 540.

[26] Para. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[27] 1 For movements, removals or replacements of measuring points (fixed points), an application for authorization must be submitted sufficiently in advance to the cadastral surveyor responsible for the official survey concerned. [28]

2 Any expenses shall be borne by the competent Authority for the respective survey marks.

[27] Art. introduced by L 22.9.2014; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2014, 483.

[28] Para. modified by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

Planimetric and altimetric fixed points of category 1 and 2 are mentioned in the land register at the request of the Federal Office of Topography.

[29] **1** As a rule, boundary surveys are conducted on-site and performed by the appointed cadastral surveyor.

**2** Boundary surveys may be conducted based on plans, photogrammetric surveys, or other suitable documents defined by the regulations in the following cases

a) in forest areas of mountain regions according to the production cadastre of the Federal Office for Agriculture;

b) in summer pasturage areas according to the production cadastre of the Federal Office for Agriculture.

**3** At the simple request of the cadastral surveyor, landowners are obliged, before the commencement of demarcation works, to clear existing boundary markers and the line of sight between them of branches and bushes. [30]

---

**Footnotes:**

[29] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[30] Subpara. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

In the case of boundaries of real estate or of independent and permanent rights, the survey is conducted in the presence of the owners or their representatives, with the exception of cases stipulated in the regulation.

[31] It is mandatory for municipalities, "patriziati" (groups of citizens with ancient rights to communal lands), consortia and any other entity, as well as private individuals, to provide the surveyor-engineer with all information and documents useful for the ascertainment of ownership.

[31] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

1 In the case of communal territorial boundaries, the ascertainment takes place in the presence of at least one delegate from the executive body of the public entities concerned.

2 The ascertainment of communal territorial boundaries requires the approval of the legislative bodies of the communes concerned.

3 In the event of a dispute by one of the communes concerned, the surveyor in charge submits his ascertainment project to the Measurement Commission, which formulates, within 6 months, an opinion for the attention of the Council of State. The Council of State decrees the ascertainment of the boundaries. [32]

4 An appeal against the decision of the Council of State may be lodged with the Grand Council within 30 days of notification. The Law on Administrative Procedure of 24 September 2013 is applicable. [33]

[32] Para. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[33] Para. amended by L 24.9.2013; in force since 1.3.2014 - BU 2013, 481.

[34] 1 The cession of small territorial entities and the rectification of municipal territorial boundaries due to a rational adaptation to the terrain configuration are carried out by the cadastral engineer upon request of the interested municipalities, subject to approval by their respective legislative bodies and ratification by the Council of State.

2 In cases of boundary rectification, ex officio procedures may be initiated by the cadastral engineer.

3 Boundary variations shall, where possible, coincide with roads, watercourses, and property lines, and shall be offset such that the territorial consistency of a municipality is not significantly diminished.

[34] Art. modified by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74; previous modification: BU 2013, 540.

1 In the event of a dispute by one of the municipalities concerned, the transfer or rectification report, respectively, shall be transmitted to the Measurement Commission, which shall formulate an opinion addressed to the State Council within 6 months.

2 The State Council shall decree the transfer or rectification, respectively, defining at the same time the financial relationships.

3 An appeal against the decision of the State Council may be lodged with the Grand Council within 30 days of notification. The Administrative Procedure Act of 24 September 2013 is applicable. [35]

[35] Para. amended by Law of 24.9.2013; in force since 1.3.2014 - BU 2013, 481.

The procedure for ascertaining and rectifying cantonal territorial boundaries is established by the regulations.

1 The Canton waives the placement of boundary markers where they are constantly threatened by agricultural activity or other causes.

2 In mountainous regions according to the production cadastre of the Federal Office for Agriculture, the Canton may waive the placement of boundary markers in forest zone lands and in uncultivated lands of the agricultural zone under the conditions established by regulation.

The characteristics of the termination marks and the methods of carrying out the termination are set out in the implementing regulation of this law.

1 Where measurements are not preceded by a land consolidation, the cadastral surveyor takes the initiative to propose and recommend to the parties all partial land reallocations, exchanges, and rectifications to achieve rational boundaries and reduce the number of boundary points. At the same time, he is obliged to propose the suppression, modification, or transfer of irrational servitudes and the regularization of real estate pledge rights. [36]

2 A protocol of these operations is kept, signed by the parties and prepared in the manner prescribed by the regulation, which constitutes the justifying title for the operations of adjusting the land register.

3 This protocol is promptly transmitted to the competent Land Registry Office for its preservation.

[36] Para. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - FO 2013, 540.

1 In forest areas or areas of low value, where parcels exhibit irrational boundaries or land situations, the cadastral engineer shall ex officio proceed with rationalizations of the land structure in order to reduce the number of boundary points to be materialized and measured.

2 The proposals of the cadastral engineer referred to in paragraph 1 shall be recorded and sent to the interested parties and may be contested during the public deposit of the official survey; once legally binding, the record of these operations, which constitutes the legal title for the land register adjustment operations, shall be transmitted to the competent Land Registry Office for its retention as a supporting document. [37]

c) liability of the cadastral engineer [38]

[37] Para. amended by Law of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 – Official Gazette 2026, 74.

[38] Marginal note amended by Law of 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 – Official Gazette 2013, 540.

For legal relationships recorded in the protocol, the contracting engineer-surveyor is subject to notary liability applicable by analogy.

[39] In cases of exchange, boundary rectification or servitudes, as provided for in the preceding articles, Article 656 paragraph 2 CC is applicable.

[39] Art. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

Once the border demarcation is completed, the surveying engineer prepares the final sketches and the related technical report and submits them to the Supervision Service for verification. The content of the final sketches and the related technical report are specified in the regulations.

In cases where the Council of State decides on the implementation of land consolidation under the Law on Land Consolidation and Exchange (LLCE), the official survey is carried out subsequently.

1 Once the demarcation, the initial survey, or the renewal of the official survey measurement has been completed, and after the correction of inconsistencies in accordance with Article 14a OMU, if the real rights of landowners are affected, the commune concerned, upon authorization from the Supervisory Service, proceeds with the official publication of the notice of public deposit in accordance with the OMU. [41]

2 The publication of the documents shall take place electronically in accordance with the procedures established by the regulation. [42]

[41] Para. amended by Law of 22.9.2014; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2014, 483; previous amendment: BU 2013, 540.

[42] Para. amended by Law of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[43] 1 Every landowner may file an objection with the Surveying Commission against the results of the public deposit that affect the real rights of landowners within 15 days from the expiry of the exhibition period. The Administrative Procedure Act of 24 September 2013 (APAct) is applicable.

2 Manifest contradictions in the representation of descriptive elements of the property that do not affect the real rights of landowners may be reported to the surveying engineer, who shall make the necessary changes to the official documents by drawing up a protocol to be preserved.

[43] Art. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74; previous amendments: BU 2013, 481; BU 2014, 483.

[45] 1 The supervisory service shall draw up the implementation plan provided for by the provisions of federal law.

2 The supervisory service shall take into account the provisions of Article 2b LRPT.

[45] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

… [46]

[46] Art. abrogated by L 17.12.2025; in force from 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74; previous amendment: BU 2013, 540.

1 For the awarding of surveying contracts, with the exception of those for cadastral updating, the provisions of the Intercantonal Agreement on Public Procurement of 25 November 1994 (IVöB) or, respectively, the Public Procurement Act of 20 February 2001 (LCPubb) shall apply, subject to the specific provisions of federal and cantonal law regarding surveying. [47]

2 The Canton shall enter into a contract for services with the successful bidder for the surveying works.

[47] Para. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[49] The execution of the initial survey, the renewal, the specific adjustments of national interest, and the periodic updating is determined in the measurement programs agreed upon with the Confederation.

[49] Art. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - FO 2026, 74.

[50] The determination of planimetric and altimetric fixed points of category 2 is the responsibility of the Supervision Service. The execution of the works may be entrusted to external land surveyors in cases established by the regulations.

[50] Art. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force from 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[51] Permanent ground displacement zones within the meaning of Article 660a CC are defined by the Law on Territories Affected by Natural Hazards of May 29, 2017.

[51] Art. amended by L 18.10.2021; in force since 24.12.2021 - BU 2021, 407.

[52] Once the works have been completed, the official survey documents and the related technical report must be submitted to the Supervision Service for technical verification.

[52] Art. modified by Law 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[53] After the approval of the works, the entrusted engineer-surveyor promptly transmits the data and documents provided for by the regulations to the competent Land Registry Office.

[53] Art. amended by Law of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

… [54]

[54] Art. repealed by Law no. 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - Official Bulletin 2026, 74; previous amendment: Official Bulletin 2013, 540.

… [55]

[55] Art. repealed by L 17.12.2025; effective from 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

Provisional digitizations are renewed or replaced by an initial survey carried out comprehensively according to a continuous implementation program.

[56] Provisional digitalizations may be renewed or replaced by a first survey progressively with the permanent updating work.

[56] Art. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

1 The municipality appoints the reviewing engineer surveyor. The legal relationship between the municipality and the reviewing engineer surveyor is established in a public law contract. [59]

2 The appointment occurs through public competition for a period of four years and is always renewable.

3 The appointment may be revoked at any time for serious reasons.

4 Up to six months before the expiry of the contract, the municipality may request the Supervisory Service to publish the call for applications; otherwise, the appointment of the reviewing engineer surveyor is deemed tacitly renewed for another four years. [60]

Duties and Rights of the Reviewing Engineer Surveyor [61]

[59] Para. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[60] Para. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[61] Marginal note amended by L 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[62] 1 The Council of State shall establish, by executive decree, a fee schedule for the updating work carried out by the cadastral surveyor-auditor.

2 The fee schedule shall take into account salary costs, general overheads, and a supplement for risk and profit.

3 The Council of State shall define, by regulation, the appointment procedure, the duties, and the rights of the cadastral surveyor-auditor.

4 The Council of State, upon prior opinion from the supervisory authority, may authorize one or more municipalities to employ the cadastral surveyor-auditor as their permanent official.

Approval and Verification by the Supervisory Service [63]

[62] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[63] Marginal note amended by L 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[64] 1 The appointment of the supervising engineer-surveyor and the contract for the ongoing maintenance require ratification by the Supervisory Authority.

2 In cases of serious and repeated violations of the supervising engineer-surveyor's duties or for other serious reasons, the Supervisory Authority may revoke the ratification without claims for compensation.

3 The Supervisory Authority verifies the ongoing maintenance work from a technical and financial perspective.

[64] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[65] 1 The land register regulations establish the communication procedure between the Land Registry Office and the certified cadastral surveyor in the event of changes to property boundaries, the division or merger of properties, or the creation of independent and permanent rights.

2 All authorities that authorize or bindingly ascertain activities related to land that modify the components of the official survey shall promptly provide the certified cadastral surveyor with the necessary documentation to carry out the update work.

3 For the rest, the communication system and the deadlines for updating are established by regulation.

Updating during survey and land consolidation works [66]

[65] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[66] Marginal note amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[67] 1 The updating of the components of the official survey during the execution of survey works and land consolidation is carried out by the inspecting cadastral engineer already appointed by the municipality. [68]

2 The inspecting cadastral engineer is obliged to promptly provide the cadastral engineer responsible for the works referred to in paragraph 1 with all necessary data and information.

[67] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[68] Para. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[69] 1 In cases of adjoining parcels of land belonging to the same owner, straddled by a new construction, the cadastral surveyor shall combine them or move their boundaries according to the procedures established by the regulations.

2 The cadastral surveyor is obliged to combine original condominium units (PPPO) according to the procedures established by the regulations. An appeal against the cadastral surveyor's decision may be lodged with the Surveying Commission within 15 days of notification. [70]

3 … [71]

[69] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[70] Para. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[71] Para. repealed by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

1 The Supervisory Service is the cantonal authority responsible for the periodic verification of the management of official surveying in accordance with Chapter 5 OMU and Section 4 of the DDPS Ordinance concerning Official Surveying of 24 August 2023 (OMU-DDPS). [73]

2 The implementing provisions are defined by regulation.

Management [74]

[73] Para. amended by Law of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - Official Gazette 2026, 74; previous amendment: Official Gazette 2013, 540.

[74] Marginal note amended by Law of 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - Official Gazette 2013, 540.

[75] 1 The surveyor-engineer revisor carries out the management of the official survey pursuant to Chapter 5 OMU and Section 4 OMU-DDPS. [76]

2 Within the scope of updating buildings and other construction works, the surveyor-engineer revisor shall, ex officio, reinstate termination marks that have been removed, hidden, damaged, or modified as a result of the works carried out; the related costs shall be borne jointly and severally by the affected owners, who shall have a right of recourse against the party responsible for the damage.

3 The procedures for the management of the official survey are defined in the regulation.

[75] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[76] Para. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[78] Contradictions between official survey plans and reality, or between the plans themselves, shall be rectified ex officio by the reviewing cadastral engineer after authorization from the Supervisory Service.

b) Procedure [79]

[78] Art. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - FO 2026, 74; previous amendments: FO 2013, 540; FO 2014, 483.

[79] Marginal note amended by L 22.9.2014; in force since 1.1.2014 - FO 2014, 483.

[80] 1 The cadastral surveyor immediately communicates decisions regarding the rectification of discrepancies between plans and reality or between plans themselves to the interested parties and to the land registry official, attaching the relevant documentation.

2 The registration of the rectification in the land register and in the survey records shall only take place after the public deposit has been carried out as per Articles 35 and 36, if the real rights of the affected landowners are impacted.

3 The public deposit shall be dispensed with in cases where there is written consent from all interested landowners.

4 The costs of the cadastral surveyor shall be borne by the Canton, which has a right of recourse against whoever caused the discrepancy.

[80] Art. amended by L 22.9.2014; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2014, 483; previous amendment: BU 2013, 540.

... [81]

[81] Article repealed by Law 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

… [83]

[83] Article abrogated by Law No. 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[84] 1 The Surveillance Service decides on access to and the use of official measurement data.

2… [85]

3… [86]

[84] Art. amended by Law of 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[85] Para. repealed by Law of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[86] Para. repealed by Law of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

1 A fee may be levied for the issuance of extracts and valuations from official surveys. [87]

2 The Council of State shall define by regulation the amount, charges, and conditions relating to such fees.

[87] Para. amended by Law of 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[88] The fee for the authentication of extracts is determined by the tariff established by the Council of State.

[88] Art. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74; previous amendment: BU 2013, 540.

-63 … [89]

[89] Arts. repealed by Law 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

-65 … [91]

[91] Art. repealed by Law 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

… [92]

[92] Article repealed by Law no. 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

1 The participation in the costs of demarcating territorial and property boundaries, after deduction of any federal subsidies, is as follows

Canton: – a maximum of 30 percent for forest areas

– a maximum of 20 percent for all other areas

Municipality: a maximum of 20 percent. [93]

2 The Confederation, the Canton, and neighbouring municipalities are not eligible for the communal subsidy.

3 Neighbouring municipalities bear half of the remaining cost of their respective political boundary markers.

4 The remaining costs relating to the demarcation of property boundaries are divided among public and private landowners according to the procedures set out in the regulations.

First Survey [94]

[93] Para. amended by Law of 17.12.2008; in force since 1.4.2009 - Official Gazette 2009, 171.

[94] Marginal note introduced by Decree-Law of 23.10.2007; in force since 1.1.2008 - Official Gazette 2007, 708.

1 The costs of the first execution of the survey of fixed planimetric and altimetric points of category 2, after deduction of federal indemnities, shall be borne by the Canton.

2 The costs of the first execution of the survey of all other data of the measurement, after deduction of federal indemnities, shall be divided between the Canton and the municipalities; the Canton's participation may not exceed 50 percent of the subsidized expenditure and shall take into account the financial capacity of the municipalities. [95]

[95] Para. amended by Law of 17.12.2008; in force since 1.4.2009 - BU 2009, 171; previous amendment: BU 2007, 708.

[96] The costs for the renewal of the official survey, after deducting federal subsidies, are divided between the Canton and the municipalities; the Canton's contribution may amount to a maximum of 60 percent of the subsidized costs and takes into account the financial capacity of the municipalities.

[96] Art. modified by Law of 17.12.2008; in force since 1.4.2009 - BU 2009, 171; previous modification: BU 2007, 708.

[97] The costs for special adaptation works of extraordinarily important national interest, after deduction of federal indemnities, shall be borne by the Canton.

[97] Art. introduced by Law of 18.10.2021; in force since 24.12.2021 - BU 2021, 407.

If, as a result of natural events, for an official survey, works become necessary of such a scope as to be comparable to an initial survey, the costs shall be apportioned according to the provisions of this chapter relating to demarcation, respectively to the initial survey.

The costs for the replacement or for the progressive renewal of provisional digitizations are borne by the Canton and the municipality, each to the extent of 50 percent.

… [98]

[98] Article repealed by L 17.12.2025; effective from 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[99] 1 The costs of permanent updating of the official survey data, after deduction of any cantonal and communal indemnities, shall be borne by the party that caused them. If the costs cannot be charged to the party that caused them, they shall be borne by the owner of the land parcel.

2 In the case of objects constructed, in accordance with construction law, more than ten years ago and not reported via the communication system, the costs of updating shall be borne by the municipality.

3 The costs of permanent updating of the planimetric and altimetric fixed points of category 2 shall be borne by the Canton.

4 The costs of permanent updating of data concerning nomenclature, permanent land shifts, building addresses, and technical and administrative subdivisions shall be borne by the municipality and shall benefit from a cantonal subsidy of 40 percent. The subsidy arrangements shall be specified in the regulations.

[99] Art. amended by Law of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74; previous amendment: BU 2013, 540.

1 The costs for the periodic updating of official survey data and fixed planimetric and altimetric points of category 3, after deduction of federal subsidies, shall be borne by the Canton and the municipality in equal shares of 50 percent each. [100]

2 The costs for the periodic updating of fixed planimetric and altimetric points of category 2, after deduction of federal subsidies, shall be borne by the Canton.

3 … [101]

[100] Para. amended by the Act of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[101] Para. repealed by the Act of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[102] 1 The costs for restoring geodetic control points damaged by natural events shall be borne by the municipality and shall benefit from a cantonal subsidy ranging from 10 per cent to 40 per cent. The scale and modalities of the subsidy shall be set out in the regulations.

2 The costs for restoring boundary points damaged by natural events shall be borne by the owners and shall benefit from a cantonal subsidy ranging from 10 per cent to 40 per cent. The scale and modalities of the subsidy shall be set out in the regulations. Municipalities shall grant owners a subsidy equal to that granted by the Canton.

[102] Art. amended by Law of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - Official Gazette 2026, 74.

1 The costs for data security shall be borne by the municipality to the extent of 80 per cent and by the Canton to the extent of 20 per cent.

2 The tariff established by the Council of State is applicable.

… [104]

Release of information [105]

[104] Article repealed by Law 17.12.2025; in force from 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[105] Marginal note amended by Law 17.12.2025; in force from 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

1 The cost of providing information on official survey data to third parties by the verifying surveyor outside of a mandate shall be borne by the municipality. [106]

2 The tariff established by the Council of State shall apply.

[106] Par. amended L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74; previous amendment: BU 2013, 540.

The decisions issued under Articles 11, 67, 73, 75, and 88 of this Act are equated with enforceable judgments, in accordance with the provisions of Article 80 of the Federal Act on Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy (DEBA).

1 Unless otherwise provided by the present law, an appeal may be lodged with the Council of State against the decisions of the engineer-surveyor and the Supervision Service. [107]

2 An appeal may be lodged with the Cantonal Administrative Court against the decision of the Council of State.

3 The Administrative Procedure Law of 24 September 2013 is applicable to both appeals. [108]

[107] Para. amended by Law of 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[108] Para. amended by Law of 24.9.2013; in force since 1.3.2014 - BU 2013, 481.

[110] The costs for the management of the plans, documents, and components of the old official survey prepared according to the old provisions shall be borne by the municipality and shall benefit from a cantonal subsidy of 20 percent, with the exception of archiving costs, which shall be entirely borne by the municipality.

[110] Art. amended L 17.12.2025; in force from 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74; previous amendment: BU 2013, 540.

… [111]

[111] Art. repealed by Law 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 - BO 2013, 540.

[112] The municipality shall insure against fire and natural damage the documents of official surveying still in force, prepared according to previous law.

[112] Art. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

1 The Supervisory Service is competent for keeping the chorographic plan up to date until the data from the official survey necessary for its automatic production become available.

2 It may delegate this task to third parties.

3 The costs for keeping the chorographic plan up to date and its management, after deducting federal subsidies, shall be borne by the Canton. [113]

[113] Para. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BO 2013, 540.

… [114]

Kept up to date [115]

[114] Article repealed by Law of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 – FO 2026, 74.

[115] Marginal note amended by Law of 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 – FO 2026, 74.

1 Provisional measurements and updated cadastral maps are continuously kept up to date. For this purpose, after cantonal approval, they are entrusted to the surveyor engineer of the respective maintenance district. [116]

2 The Council of State issues regulations governing the updating operations.

[116] Para. amended by Law of 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

… [117]

[117] Art. repealed by Law 17.12.2025; effective from 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[118] The costs of permanent upkeep, after deducting any cantonal and communal subsidies, shall be borne by the party that caused them. If the costs cannot be attributed to the party that caused them, they shall be borne by the owner of the land.

[118] Art. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force since 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

… [119]

**Costs of management [120]**

[119] Article repealed by L 17.12.2025; in force from 1.1.2026 – BU 2026, 74.

[120] Marginal note amended by L 28.1.2013; in force from 1.1.2014 – BU 2013, 540.

[121] 1 The costs for the management of the components and bases of the provisional cadastral survey, after deduction of the cantonal allowance, shall be borne by the commune.

2 The costs referred to in paragraph 1 shall benefit from a cantonal subsidy of 20 per cent of the total cost, with the exception of archiving costs which shall be entirely borne by the commune.

[121] Art. amended by L 28.1.2013; in force since 1.1.2014 - BU 2013, 540.

[122] For the release of information and the dissemination of extracts from the provisional measurement, the articles of Title IX and Article 78 shall apply by analogy.

[122] Art. amended by Law of 17.12.2025; in force from 1.1.2026 - BU 2026, 74.

[123] The transition to the new geodata model for official surveying must be completed by December 31, 2027. Until that date, the cantonal extensions to the Confederation's data model remain in force.

[123] Art. amended by L 17.12.2025; in force from 1.1.2026 - FF 2026, 74; previous amendment: FF 2013, 540.

With the entry into force of the present law, the following are repealed

– the Law on Cadastral Surveys of February 2, 1933;

– Articles 1, 2, 3 and 6 of the Legislative Decree concerning the execution of the official survey of the Canton of Ticino, according to the new federal order (MU 93) and the allocation of a credit of 1,000,000 francs for the realization of a first stage of works of June 27, 1995;

– the Legislative Decree concerning the approval of provisional maps surveyed by aerial photogrammetry of February 27, 1950;

– the Legislative Decree concerning the subsidization of costs for updating cadastral maps of certain municipalities of September 12, 1978.

This Act, together with its annex, shall be published in the Official Bulletin of Laws and Executive Acts after the expiry of the time limits for exercising the right of referendum, and shall enter into force immediately. [124]

Published in OB 2006, 1.

[124] Entry into force: January 10, 2006 - OB 2006, 13.