Fit-for-Purpose Survey Techniques Applicability Assessment Across Diverse Physical Location Environments in Uganda

ABSTRACT   


Context and background


Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration (FFP-LA) framework provides a pragmatic approach to enhancing tenure security, reducing disputes, and facilitating planned urban development in resource-constrained areas. Its use of Fit-for-Purpose (FFP) survey techniques including RTK GNSS, SW Maps, Google Earth imagery, and Mobile Topographer among surveying geospatial techniques and methodologies are increasingly recognized for their adaptability, cost-efficiency, and timeliness in supporting inclusive Land administration (LA). Although FFP survey techniques are designed to overcome limitations of conventional systems, they have varying operational efficiency including cost, adaptable, participatory suitability, and relative accuracy. Existing studies have only evaluated FFP tools such as SLAAC, STDM, CRISP, and SOLA OT, and compared GPS and satellite imagery; yet little is known on the operational efficiency of the techniques behind those tools, which is central and critical for effective implementation of FFP-LA.


Goal and Objectives:


This study assessed the applicability and performance of selected FFP survey techniques across diverse physical location environment contexts in Uganda, comparing their operational efficiency and identifying the most suitable techniques or combinations for varied contexts.


Methodology:


The study employed controlled field comparisons using RTK GNSS, SW Maps, Google Earth imagery, and Mobile Topographer techniques. Ground control points were established, and parcel boundaries were mapped to evaluate accuracy, data completeness, cost, simplicity, community participation, and usability. Metrics included percentage error, range, mean, standard deviation, and error ellipses. Techniques were ranked by operational efficiency across hilly, vegetated, flat, and hedged areas.


Results:


No single technique was universally optimal. RTK GNSS achieved the highest accuracy, while satellite imagery combined with GPS performed well in hilly, vegetated, and flat areas, and excelled in hedged landscapes. SW Maps provided the best balance of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and participatory suitability as FFP principles, highlighting the importance of aligning survey techniques with environmental contexts and land governance objectives.