Evaluation of an Urban Cadastral System Using Spatial Analysis and National Standards: A Case Study of Burayu City, Oromia, Ethiopia

Urban cadastral systems are vital for effective land administration, governance, and sustainable urban development. This study evaluates the cadastral system of Burayu City, Ethiopia, focusing on the spatial distribution of geodetic control points and conformity with national and international standards. The assessment aimed to identify institutional, technical, and spatial weaknesses to guide future development and avoid challenges seen in earlier Ethiopian initiatives. A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating ground control points (GCPs), cadastral data in AutoCAD and GIS formats, orthophotos, the town’s structural plan, and field observations. Spatial statistical analysis with the Average Nearest Neighbor (ANN) index, z-score, and p-value assessed GCP distribution, while GIS-based geometric and proximity analyses evaluated spatial coverage and compliance with cadastral requirements. Results show notable strengths, including the adoption of GIS and digital technologies, availability of digital cadastral data, a dedicated cadastral office and technical team, and government support. However, weaknesses were identified: absence of a standardized geospatial database, inadequate data management, gaps in GCP distribution, incomplete compliance with national standards, limited automation, and poor interoperability. The study recommends developing an interoperable geospatial database, systematically improving GCP distribution, enhancing compliance, increasing automation, updating cadastral data regularly, and establishing regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. These measures would strengthen land administration, improve governance, and support sustainable urban development in Burayu and other rapidly urbanizing Ethiopian cities.