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Frequently asked questions about errors on the cadastral map

  • What if there is an error on the background map?

    CadGIS offers two background maps: Cartoweb and Orthophoto.

    Both background maps are the property of the NGI and are intended only as a tool allowing faster orientation for the user.

    For any background map errors, you can contact the NGI.

    Note: the background maps are not visible on all scales.

  • What if the representation of my property on the map does not (or no longer) correspond to reality?

    The cadastral parcel plan is the graphical representation and collection on a map of all cadastral map parcels of the Belgian territory.

    The cadastral parcel plan does not record the horizontal scope of land ownership. Article 3.61, §2 Belgian Civil Code states that ‘The boundaries of land ownership are initially determined by acquisitive prescription. In the absence of this, the authentic deed of demarcation determines the parcel boundary, subject to later contracts modifying it. In the absence of demarcation, parcel boundaries are determined by titles of ownership. If these too are inconclusive, then the parcel boundaries will be determined according to the property status and other factual indicia, including actual barriers and cadastral documents.’

    We continuously update the cadastral parcel plan based on the information collected on the legal and physical modifications to properties (such as surveyor maps). Since 2018, the General Administration of Patrimonial Documentation (GAPD) has been working with the various regions to improve the quality of the cadastral parcel plan one municipality at a time (by means of photogrammetry, among other things). At the same time, the graphical representation of buildings is also being replaced by the graphical representation managed by the regions. As a result, the regions are becoming the authentic source (or manager) for the graphical representation of the buildings, while the GAPD continues to be the authentic source for the graphical representation of the cadastral map parcels. Several times a year, updated data on parcels and buildings are exchanged between the GAPD and the regions.

    The cadastral parcel plan is only a graphical representation of the cadastral map parcels and is not legally binding. As such, it is possible that there is a difference between the information recorded on the cadastral parcel plan (representation of the parcel on the cadastral parcel plan, surface) and the legal situation. Therefore, a modification of the graphical representation of a parcel or building within the framework of the cooperation agreements does not affect the legal character or the cadastral income in any way.

    Major errors in the representation of the parcel (for example, the deviation is very large or the shape of the parcel on the cadastral parcel plan is very different from reality) can be notified through the contact form. Do you have any maps or documents to corroborate your notification? If so, be sure to include them.

    Note: more details on quality improvement processes can be found here.

  • What if there is an incorrect house number on my parcel?

    You can notify it via the contact form. You should clearly specify what parcel is involved and what the correct house number is.

  • Why is it impossible to find my street?

    The application uses the addresses that are provided by the different regions.

    At present, each municipality still has its own method of recording street names. This sometimes causes problems for street names with certain words or prefixes such as Saint and Mayor. Some municipalities use an abbreviation, others do not. If the spelling of the address you enter does not match the spelling known in the databases, the address may not be found.

    In many cases, you can get around this by entering only the ‘most important’ part of the street name, without prefixes such as ‘Saint’ and without suffixes such as ‘street’ (e.g. ‘Jacobs Ghent’).

    The FPS Finance is currently working with the various regions and the FPS Policy and Support on a unified address register for Belgium. As soon as the unified address register is finalised, the search engine will be adapted.

  • Why do I get to the wrong parcel when I search for my address?

    When looking up an address, the application uses the location of the addresses provided by the various regions. That location is sometimes slightly different, so the blue dot may not fall in the correct parcel (but still in the immediate vicinity).

  • Why is the representation of buildings different in various municipalities?

    Under the cooperation agreements between the GAPD and the various regions, the cadastral buildings (i.e. the graphical representation of the buildings by the GAPD) on the cadastral parcel plan are gradually being replaced by the buildings of the regions (i.e. the graphical representation of the buildings managed by the regions). The transfer is made one municipality at a time.

    The schedule for the various municipalities can be found at:

    As long as the transfer has not yet taken place in a municipality, the cadastral buildings are depicted on the cadastral parcel plan. The cadastral buildings have a pink/red colour and are managed by the GAPD. Upon transfer, the cadastral buildings are replaced by the buildings of the regions. These have a beige colour and are managed by the respective regions.

    Note: as the definition of ‘a building’ and how buildings are graphically represented at the GAPD is not necessarily the same as at the different regions, the graphical representation of a building on the cadastral parcel plan may change upon transfer.

  • What if the building on my parcel has a completely different shape or no longer exists?

    Is your building depicted much larger or smaller than the actual size? Is your property not depicted at all? Has the depicted property been demolished? In that case, under certain conditions, you can notify the problem in MyMinfin.

    Which three conditions must be met?

    1. There is no inconsistency at your building or the area your building should be located. Inconsistencies are depicted on the map with a green house containing a symbol: a plus sign for new construction, a minus sign for demolition and a cross for renovation. We add such inconsistencies when we receive information about the modification of a building. When the building is updated, the inconsistency disappears.
    2. The last modification to your building was made more than two years ago (if it is located in Flanders or Brussels) or more than five years ago (if it is located in Wallonia).
    3. The difference is significant. The method used to graphically represent buildings on the cadastral parcel plan results in small differences between the graphical representation and reality. As such, minor differences should not be notified.

    How can you notify the problem?

    You can notify the problem in MyMinfin under the category ‘Consult my immovable property data’ (‘My property’ tab):

    1. Click the ‘Ask a question’ button.
    2. Under the subject, select ‘Representation building with location in Flanders or Brussels’ or ‘Representation building with location in Wallonia’ depending on the location of the property.
    3. In the second drop-down menu, select ‘Geometry (e.g. building shape deviates considerably, building missing ...)’ and enter the necessary data.
    4. Do you have any maps or documents to corroborate your notification? If so, be sure to include them.
  • What if my building is mispositioned?

    Is your building depicted on the parcel boundary when that is not the case? Is your building located on the wrong parcel? In that case, under certain conditions, you can notify the issue in MyMinfin.

    Which three conditions must be met?

    1. There is no inconsistency at your building or the area your building should be located. Inconsistencies are depicted on the map with a green house containing a symbol: a plus sign for new construction, a minus sign for demolition and a cross for renovation. We add such an inconsistencies when we receive information about the modification of a building. When the building is updated, the inconsistency disappears.
    2. The last modification to your building was made more than two years ago (if it is located in Flanders or Brussels) or more than five years ago (if it is located in Wallonia).
    3. The difference is significant. The method used to graphically represent buildings on the cadastral parcel plan results in small differences between the graphical representation and reality. As such, minor differences should not be notified.

    How can you notify the issue?

    You can notify the issue in MyMinfin under the category ‘Consult my immovable property data’ (‘My property’ tab):

    1. Click the ‘Ask a question’ button.
    2. Under the subject, select ‘Representation building with location in Flanders or Brussels’ or ‘Representation building with location in Wallonia’ depending on the location of the property.
    3. In the second drop-down menu, select ‘Position (e.g. building is not in correct location ...)’ and enter the necessary data.
    4. Do you have any maps or documents to corroborate your notification? If so, be sure to include them.
  • Do you have another question about errors on the cadastral parcel plan?