Dubai to have virtual land map

It is now possible for landowners or real estate brokers to locate their property in Dubai by double-clicking on a virtual map, courtesy Land Department.

This revolutionary service, linked to the Department's website www.dubailand.gov.ae, will be launched in time for the inauguration of GITEX 2002 on October 13.

The Land Information System was used internally for a few months to ensure its efficiency and that it was without any glitches. E. Senthil Kumaran, Project Manager, demonstrated how LIS merges a conventional map of the emirate with other data, such as distance, nearby monuments, and prices.

"This is an intelligent object combining graphics with database information," he said, as he double-clicked on an area of the map, and showed how the screen zoomed into a Deira neighbourhood.

"It gives you the special number allocated to any given parcel of land, it calculates the distance from here to there, and it can take you to the website of the plot owner."

It was a task of mammoth proportions as there are more than 80,000 parcels (or plots) in the emirate. Kumaran managed to devise a programme, which automated the process of inputting all the requisite data. Work is still underway to apply the finishing touches and enhance the map's aesthetic allure.

One unique aspect of the system is that it is superimposed on a world atlas. Users can zoom in, or zoom out, according to their own particular purposes.

Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita, Technical Administration Director, explained how the system can benefit real estate brokers, landowners or prospective buyers in Dubai.

"The information can be used by real estate brokers to estimate the price of a property, based on the last few sales in that area. They can double-click on the parcel and view an index of the last five transactions," he said.

"It also indicates whether the property is 'free hold' or 'government grant'."

Bin Ghalita said more sophisticated features will be added on by the end of the year. These include facilities for property owners to post virtual "for sale" signs, or link their own personal websites to their parcel.

Since its establishment in 1960, the Land Department has developed in sync with the growth of Dubai. All procedures related to sale, purchase, and mortgage are conducted electronically.

The Department has gained the trust of UAE nationals, by offering distinguished services and sound advice. With property now available to buy for foreigners, the Department has had to expand its services to meet a broader scope of needs as it places a premium on customer care.

It currently has detailed information on a total of 45,993 landowners and 49,302 plots of land all over the emirate. Most clients are UAE nationals, or GCC investors.

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