Melanesian Journal of Geomatics and Property Studies
Call for Original Papers Volume 12, 2026 Deadline for Submission: 31 st September, 2026 Expected date of Publication: December, 2026 Publication charge: Free Dear Researcher, Melanesian Journal of Geomatics and Property Studies (MJGPS) is a peer-reviewed open access journal in subjects of scholarly research and practical experience of a wide range of research areas including satellite remote sensing, change detection, image processing and pattern recognition, remote sensing applications, geographical information system, photogrammetry and digital mapping, geodesy sciences, spatial data analysis, environmental sciences, climate change, new-style energy, energy conversion, waste disposal strategies, environmental technologies, processes linking environments, soil science, environmental biology, ecology and sustainable development, geosciences and environmental physics, cadastral mapping, land information system, property valuation, development appraisal, property development / management, land registration/dispute settlement, land law, urban and regional planning, evaluation and management of environmental risk and safety or any other property/land related topics We are calling for paper submissions. Submit your article through our submission portal HERE More detailed information can be accessed from the following links: * Author Guidelines * Copyright * Manuscript Template Download For more enquiry, you can contact: Tel: +675 473 4962 Email: editor.mjgps@pnguot.ac.pg
Sustainable Rural Development Plan through UAV Drone Technology
The rapid advancement in UAV drone technology has paved the way for their widespread application in urban and rural environments. The field of urban /rural planning is one of the many areas in city life where “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles” (UAVs) and drones could find use. Compared to traditional surveying selections, drones may provide planners a more accurate, precise, flexible, and economical means of obtaining information. To maximize the public benefit from the use of ‘UAV drone technology’ in town planning, town planners and surveyors require flexible, practical drone regulations that address the several concerns adjacent the use of UAVs in urban spaces. The present study uses and applies ‘Remote Sensing Technologies’ and ‘Unmanned Aerial Vehicles’ for rural development in Papua New Guinea, with a focus on the Nomad District Planning in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea. The work aims to inspect the potential of remote sensing & UAVs in addressing the challenges faced by rural societies in terms of natural resource management, land-use planning, and infrastructure development. The study commences by providing an outline of the current state of rural development in Papua New Guinea and importance the specific issues faced by the Nomad District.
Copyright (c) 2025 Melanesian Journal of Geomatics and Property Studies
Evaluating the Impact of the Fourmil Standard Meridian on Cadastral Survey Accuracy in Modern Surveying Techniques: A Case Study in PNG UoT, Lae Morobe, PNG
The establishment of the Fourmil Standard Meridian in Papua New Guinea has had a significant impact on the accuracy of cadastral surveys in the region. This study examines the effects of this meridian on modern surveying techniques, with a focus on its influence on the quality and reliability of spatial cadastral data. Through a case study approach, the research investigates the challenges and opportunities presented by the Fourmil Standard Meridian, analysing its influence on boundary delineation, parcel identification, and spatial data integration. The findings provide insights into the importance of understanding the historical context and spatial infrastructure in improving the overall cadastral system and supporting land tenure security in developing countries. This study evaluates the impact of the Fourmil Standard Meridian on the accuracy of cadastral surveys in modern surveying techniques, with a specific focus on Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Fourmil Standard Meridian serves as a critical reference for angular measurements in surveying, influencing the precision of land boundary definitions. The research highlights the integration of advanced surveying technologies, such as Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Global Positioning System (GPS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which have significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of cadastral surveys. In PNG, where land tenure issues are often complex and contentious, the application of these modern techniques is essential for effective land administration and conflict resolution. The study further discusses the Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration (FFPLA) approach, which emphasizes adaptable and cost-effective land management systems. By leveraging contemporary surveying methods within this framework, stakeholders can improve the maintenance and updating of cadastral data, thereby securing land rights and promoting sustainable development. The findings underscore the importance of the Fourmil Standard Meridian in conjunction with modern surveying technologies in addressing the challenges of land administration in PNG.
Sustainability of economic benefits given to impacted communities of the mining project in Western Province, Papua New Guinea: A Case Study of Ok Tedi Mine
It is perceived by the mine impacted communities, and the respective stakeholders including key government officials, that the economic benefits received from the compensation agreement, also known as the social license to operate scheme, has not made any significant positive impact on the local economy of the study area covering Mine villages, North Oktedi, Highway and Lower Oktedi mine trust regions of the North Fly District of Western Province in Papua New Guinea. This paper investigates the sustainability performance of the economic sector benefit and the mitigation strategy of the lack of mine downscaling and closure negative impact on the mine impacted communities of the study area. A stratified random sampling method was adopted for the collection of primary data from the representative sample of 170 population interviewed from the study area to examine the adequacy and sustainability of the economic benefits invested in the local economic development area using research questions and hypotheses. The descriptive and inferential statistical analysis technique were employed to measure the sustainability performances of the economic dependent variable indicators (rubber, vanilla, eaglewood and investment) against the independent variable (environmental compensation benefit package). The results concluded that the compensation benefit received and invested in the local economic development area for the four trust regions is asserted to be inadequate and unsustainable as a result of lack of stakeholders’ collaboration and project counterpart funding. This paper, therefore, recommends for adoption of stakeholder project counterpart funding agreement to collaborate with compensation benefit agreement to deliver sustainable local economic development programs for sustainability of the mine impact communities, the province and the country.
An Investigation into the Current Process and Procedures of Land Taxation System in PNG: A Case Study of Lae City
Land Taxation in Lae City, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a value-based system where the unimproved value is the tax base for the entire country, while the tax rate is different in each province. In Lae City, the tax rate is 5% for commercial and industrial land and 2% for residential and other land. The common loopholes identified in this paper include: lack of implementation of penalties on land tax defaulters, lack of updated valuation roll, lack of updated fiscal cadaster, and the type of land tax payment in one year. Land tax revenue collected in Lae City has been steady between K5 and K6 million from 2007 to 2015 and has gradually increased after 2015. The increase in land tax revenue was caused by the updating of valuation roll in 2016 which was implemented in 2016. It is hoped that the land tax revenue will continue to increase in the coming years.
Evaluating Blockchain Efficiency for Large-Scale Geospatial Dataset Distribution
The secure and reliable distribution of geospatial datasets is an emerging challenge for a country like Papua New Guinea (PNG), where responsible agencies increasingly depend on satellite imagery, cadastral surveys, and environmental monitoring data for the national development growth. Existing government systems are centralized systems which often encounter bottlenecks, risk of tampering, and outages due to single points of failure, which undermine data trust and availability. This study develops and evaluates a blockchain-driven simulation framework that is customized to the PNG’s geospatial metadata distribution. We used synthetic datasets of varying sizes, model tests transaction creation, metadata logging, consensus validation, and block propagation under different consensus mechanisms. The performances were measured across throughput, latency, energy demand, and resilience against tampering. Results obtained from this simulation highlighted clear trade-offs between scalability and security across Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, Proof of Authority, and PBFT. The findings provide practical benchmarks for agencies such as the National Mapping Bureau, Department of Lands, and climate monitoring bodies in PNG, where transparency, low energy consumption, and efficiency are critical. The findings highlight how blockchain can be applied to build transparent and resilient data-sharing systems for national spatial data infrastructures operating under resource constraints.
Riverine Flood Susceptibility Analysis Through Frequency Ratio Model – A Case Study in the Sepik River Basin, Papua New Guinea
Riverine Flooding occurs when the rivers exceed the capacity of their natural channels to accommodate water flow and water overflows the banks, spilling out into adjoining low-lying land. A fishnet analysis generated 206 flood locations based on the historical flood inventory database of the Papua New Guinea Resource Information System (PNGRIS). 144 (70%) flood sample locations were selected randomly for model building. The Frequency Ratio (FR) model was used for flood susceptibility analysis in the Sepik River basin based on eight independent variables, namely, landforms, slope, rainfall, hydrological soil group, land use, distance from the river, soil drainage, and elevation. The developed flood susceptibility database was reclassified into five (5) flood susceptibility zones segmenting on the FR values, namely very low (less than 5.0), low (5.0-7.5), medium (7.5-10.0), high (10.0-12.5) and very high (more than 12.5). The FR model output was validated with the remaining 62 (30%) flood points, where 55 points were marked as correct predictions which shows an accuracy of 88.71%. The assessment report identifies a total population of 125936 residing within the very high-risk zone. The findings provide valuable insights for local authorities and stakeholders in flood risk management and mitigation strategies.
Copyright (c) 2024 Melanesian Journal of Geomatics and Property Studies
Wireless Communication and Its Application to Students' Learning and Practices with Surveying and Land Studies in and around PNGUoT
Wireless communication technologies change educational settings through the development of interactive teaching techniques and practical implementation channels. PNGUoT (Papua New Guinea University of Technology) uses important technologies to improve student's educational experiences and surveying and land studies practical aspects. This study investigates the impact of wireless communication tools such as GPS, GIS, and real-time data-sharing platforms on students' academic performance and fieldwork efficiency. The examination employed surveys in addition to interviews and case studies to assess 100 student participants and 20 faculty members. Students showed better knowledge of surveying concepts in 85% of cases according to survey results while platforms using cloud technology helped students collaborate more efficiently in 70% of instances. Data showed wireless technology succeeded in overcoming both physical distance limitations and operational obstacles for field research across remote locations. Barriers caused by insufficient internet access along with expensive technology and lack of technical abilities continue to impede progress so the development of infrastructure and essential training programs must take place. Research findings demonstrate how wireless communication technologies create new opportunities between classroom concepts and real-world implementation which prepares students to handle contemporary land management tasks. The conclusion provides suggestions for network infrastructure expansion as well as skill training measures and industry partnerships to make sustainable technology integration possible. The development of a benchmark for innovative surveying and land studies education at PNGUoT will advance Papua New Guinea's technologically sophisticated workforce development alongside other countries.
An Integration of Geomatics to Develop a DCDB for Peri-Urban Customary Land - A Case Study of Igam- Block Settlement, Lae
This study integrates GNSS surveys, UAV technology, and GIS applications to develop a Digital Cadastral Database (DCDB) for customary-owned land in a peri-urban settlement. The research addresses persistent challenges, including overlapping boundaries and title duplication, which have hindered land development in Papua New Guinea. The DCDB aims to resolve these issues by enabling precise monitoring and management of cadastral information in a digital format. A combination of survey techniques was employed, and their accuracy and precision were evaluated against the linear error limitations outlined in the 1990 Urban Class Two Survey Direction. A key finding highlights a knowledge gap in leveraging DCDBs for customary land to attract investors and promote development. The study advocates for cost-effective methods, such as drone imagery and vector data from subdivision designs, as viable solutions for surveying customary land. Results indicated a high level of positional accuracy, with uncertainties at a 90%-95% confidence level conforming to Urban Class Two standards. The achieved accuracy ranged between ±0.001m and ±0.02m for all methods utilized. The study recommends adopting modern technologies for cadastral monitoring and storage, implementing cost-effective surveying techniques, expediting project timelines, and minimizing positional misalignment and distortion when creating digital databases using GIS software.
UAV Technology Versus PNG’s Conventional Surveying Methods in Cadastral Survey Applications
Surveyors in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are challenged by the country’s difficult terrain which forces them to look for innovative ideas and emerging high-in-the-sky technologies that could reduce the field exposure time while upholding the accuracy specified for such surveys. One of those emerging survey technologies that a handful of surveyors are using in PNG is the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), commonly known as Drone. This study was specifically carried out with its objectives set to assess the accuracy and efficiency of UAV against total station (TS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to find out if UAV can meet the cadastral survey specifications set as standards for such surveys in PNG grounds. Based on the results obtained from the research, it was concluded that UAVs, with proper high-definition (HD) cameras/sensors, and enough lighting at a reasonably lower height with associated lower ground sampling distance (GSD) and proper coordination of ground control points (GCPs) can deliver accurate cadastral survey data to sub-centimeter or even to millimeter level. UAV not only meet the country’s cadastral survey requirements but is also an efficient equipment that reduces field exposure or data collection time to a fraction of an hour, reduces field surveyors down to 1 or 2, and thus, reduces redundant costs and labor associated with TS and GNSS receiver which are PNG’s conventional survey methods.
Applicability of Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Consciousness in Papua New Guinea
This paper presents an overview of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) along with artificial consciousness (AC) in the context of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The conclusion has been derived through theoretical method. The qualitative study followed dialectical inquiry on the application of artificial intelligence, natural intelligence (NI), Strong intelligence (SI), artificial consciousness, and finally the application of AI and AC in the context of PNG. The applicability of AI and AC in PNG concerning state-of-the-art, contemporary as well as futuristic has been presented based on feasibility. Depending on feasibility, this article makes the relevant comparison of PNG as a country or nations among some other few in terms of the research, development, and application. There are currently limited investigations into the use of AI, and we are uncertain about a holistic study of its applicability with AC in PNG. The study aimed to address that issue. This paper presents future trends with risks and problems of successful superintelligence with artificial consciousness.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping of Kundiawa Gembogl District in Simbu Province of Papua New Guinea
A landslide is the downslope and outward movement of earth-forming materials. The study area is Kundiawa Gembogl district, which is one of the six districts of Simbu Province in the highlands region of Papua New Guinea. More often, there are landslides on the roads that affect the traffic for both locals and the tourists who visit Mt. Wilhelm every year and affect the local revenue. This research aims to identify the landslide-prone areas and produce a landslide susceptibility map of the district of Kundiawa Gembogl, and a risk assessment of the properties. A wide variety of parameters or physical factors can affect the earth’s stability and cause landslides. In this research, six (6) physical factors were used to generate a landslide susceptibility map. They are rainfall, slope, lithology, soil types, distance from the road, and distance from the river, which were generated either from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) or through spatial analysis using Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) national database respectively. The Weighted Linear Combination (WLC), an analytical method that deals with multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) was used to generate the landslide susceptibility map. The resulting susceptibility map was validated by using fifteen (15) past-recorded landslides in the area and most of them were found to be in the moderate and high-risk zones.
Copyright (c) 2023 Melanesian Journal of Geomatics and Property Studies
Investigation of Issues in Operational Practices in the Health Care Establishments of Emerging Economies
The present study investigates many operational challenges linked to the digital transformation process of the healthcare supply chain. This study aims to examine the effects of external and internal factors on the health care industry by employing the SWOT-AHP (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat-Analytical Hierarchy Process) methodology. Furthermore, this study examines the various challenges and potential benefits associated with the incorporation of Industry 4.0 technologies, including blockchain technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), into the conventional operational practices of healthcare sectors operating within the Indian context. This study also examined the primary obstacles that administrative personnel in the healthcare industry encounter in terms of adopting AI and other disruptive technologies using the ISM technique.
Preparation of Void-less Topographic Wetness Index for Hydrological Analysis using Digital Elevation Model
Geographic information system (GIS) is an important tool to generate different types of information from digital elevation model (DEM) within a watershed region, where topographical and hydrological characteristics are very important. Topographic wetness index (TWI) is one of the essential parameters in topographical and hydrological modeling, which can be developed from DEM. Estimating the amount of soil moisture is directly correlated with TWI and amount of rainfall. There are several ways to calculate TWI, which uses DEM in different spatial resolution (cell size), different types of slopes, flow direction, flow accumulation, soil properties and rainfall distribution. In this research, TWI was calculated based on six topographic parameters generated from DEM of 30m spatial resolution. They are slope in degree, radian of slope, tan slope, flow direction, flow accumulation and scaled flow accumulation. The result shows that the slope factor has a greater correlation with an R-square value of 0.38. This type of void-less TWI data is most important for topographic and hydrologic modeling in a watershed region.
Gamma radiation measurements and dose rate in waste soil samples of OK-Tedi Gold – Copper mine in Western Province of Papua New Guinea
The specific activity of natural radionuclides in the twelve different mining waste soil samples from OK Tedi gold -copper mine in Western Province of Papua New Guinea were analyzed to study the radiation effects in that region. The mean specific activities of 238U, 232Th, 40Kand 235U in the samples were found to range from 53.1 to 85.0 Bq/kg with an average value of 68.7+ 5.0 Bq/kg, 41.6 to 130.0 Bq/kg with an average value of 90.5+31.4 Bq/kg, 0.6 to 1.3 Bq/kg with an average value of 0.8 + 0.2 Bq/kg and 55.4 to 253.7 Bq/kg with an average value of 174.7+ 55.9 Bq/kg respectively. The concentrations of 238U and 232Th were found to be 5.6 and 22.2 ppm respectively which are greater than the world average values of 2.64 and 11.1 ppm. The Radium equivalent activity was calculated and ranges from 144.5 to 248.6 Bq/kg with average activity of 197.2 ± 39.2 Bq/kg. The absorbed dose rate was calculated for the samples and ranges from 64.40 Bq/kg to 109.90 Bq/kg with an average value of 86.4 ± 16.9 Bq/kg. The average annual indoor dose of 605.3 ± 118.3 μGy/yr and outdoor annual effective dose of 151.3 ± 29.6 μGy/yr was estimated. The external hazard indices were calculated and observed to vary from 0.4 to 0.7 with average value equal to 0.5 which is lower than the permissible value of 1.0. The internal hazard indices were found ranging from 0.6 to 0.7 with average value equal to 0.7 which is lower than permissible value of 1.0. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was calculated using risk factors of International Commission on Radiological Protection and Biological Effects Ionizing Radiation and was found to range from 1.6x10-4 to 2.7x10-4 with an average value of 2.1x10-4 which is greater than the world average value of 1.45x10-4. Though the ELCR value is slightly greater, the radiation level in that region is less than the safe permissible level.
Spatial analysis of soil suitability for plantation development for suitable tree species in Markham Valley, Morobe Province
Soil suitability mapping is a vital component in the functions of Forest Plantation. Annual work programs and operations in plantation establishment, management, harvesting, and roads maintenance require soil map information to guide what type of activity or program is appropriate to apply. This study aims at mapping soil suitability for plantation development of selected forest tree species in the Markham Valley. It plays an especially significant role in determining what type of tree or forest can grow in what type of soil or land area in Markham Valley. GIS and Remote Sensing were used for spatial data analysis, to demonstrate simple techniques deployed in soil suitability mapping. Different land characteristics that contribute to soil suitability of selected tree species were identified for soil suitability potential areas in the Markham Valley. From the analysis the less suitable sites to more suitable sites were demarcated for suitable tree species. Within the study region, 909.35 sq. km. of land was identified as highly suitable for growing appropriate tree species. The map produced is recommended for adoption by the PNGFRI managers and officers in their management plans and operations in the Valley. It may also be especially useful to non-foresters, landowners and private sector players involved in plantation or woodlot development in the Markham Valley and similar areas.
Copyright (c) 2021 Melanesian Journal of Geomatics and Property Studies
Integration of Web-GIS and Remote Sensing in Power Pole / Line Asset Management System for PNG Unitech Campus
The use of GIS and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies, integrated with database management systems to manage electrical assets, is important to any electrical service provider, as it significantly reduces their workload while increasing the effectiveness of the utility’s operations. This research was done to explore the feasibility of establishing an asset management system for Papua New Guinea’s sole provider of electricity, PNG Power Limited (PPL), using the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) as its locale. Due to PNG’s diverse and complex geographical environment, the difficulty of power distribution within an area makes it challenging for the existing database system (MS Excel) to manage PPL’s electrical assets effectively. This has highlighted the need for GIS and information technologies to work in coalescence to effectively manage, communicate and disseminate information on PPL assets, which can aid in better decision-making for planning, monitoring, and budgeting purposes. The rapid advancement of GIS, RS and IT technologies has made it much easier to understand the complex dynamics of utility management. This paper demonstrates the application of GIS and RS utilizing approaches derived from web GIS development methods to create an interactive and user-friendly web-based asset management systems for specific electrical assets such as Power poles, Power lines and Transformers located on PNGUoT campus in Lae City.
Crime Mapping System for Papua New Guinea University of Technology Campus, Lae
Technological advancement has seen a dramatic surge in web mapping applications especially crime mapping applications. These online crime mapping applications are important, useful, and cheaper means of collecting with people and analyzing crime data to assist in curbing crime occurrences. The developed countries had recognized the usefulness and importance of crime mapping applications and are now collecting and displaying crime data online using crime mapping applications. The aim of this study is to develop an interactive crime mapping application for Papua New Guinea University of Technology Campus residents to display, view and report crime occurrences on an online web application using their smartphones, desktop computers or laptops.
Non-Inclusive Regulo-Administrative Ergonomics of Land Management System and Its Impacts on Sustainability of Nigeria’s Land Markets
Undebatably, smoothness and mutuality of approach ultimately buoy every system, land management system inclusive. They also help LMS to enduringly deliver and sometimes surpass the statutory mandates, with which it is saddled, as it resultantly soars the delivery and accessibility of urban lands in Nigeria, nay globally. Sadly, complementarity and symbiotism that are hallmarks of a smoothly and mutually operated system are either non-existent or at an appallingly poor state among land management systems in Nigeria with consequences in terms of retardation in the speed and volume of land delivery and accessibility. Hence, assessing the immediate and remote impacts on stakeholders of the parlous state of inclusive regulo-administrative ergonomics of land management system, in terms of supply and demand of land in Nigeria, is the purpose of this paper. Being quantitative research, the plethora of factors that are innate to the issues involved are scripted into 12 impact-measuring constructs: responsiveness+responsibility, bureaucracy, effectiveness+efficiency, people-centredness, elegance, institutionalism, trustworthiness, speed, pedigree-posterity, fairness, citizenship, and multi-dimensionality. These constructs are then used to prepare 69 copies of 5-Likert scaled questionnaire, which were distributed through purposive and simple random sampling techniques among land regulators, land administrators, independent land consultants, NGOs with land mandates, and registered land developers within southwest Nigeria. Out of this number, 56 completed questionnaires were retrieved, translating to a distribution-retrieval rate of 81.16%, while 48 copies were valid and used for data analysis. Percentile, multiple regression, exploratory factor analysis and mean item score were adopted to measure the degree by which inclusiveness of land’s regulo-administrative ergonomics impacts the land management system, and the delivery and accessibility of land in Nigeria. Based on an excellent output of 0.835 for Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin, together with good Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity value at p < 0.05 and 0.863 for average Cronbach alpha values for the totality of the 24 description measurement factor statements, the results show that the non-people centredness of government’s land MDAs, is the worst hit aspect of land management system, closely followed by bureaucratisation aspects occasioned by the non-inclusiveness question surrounding regulo-administrative ergonomics, which by extension has great adversity on the dynamics of land delivery and accessibility in Nigeria. Consequently, the land management system and the supply and demand aspects of land spectrum in Nigeria continually experience the ugliness that is heralded by the regulo-administrative ergonomics inclusiveness issues. The paper recommends, among other things, that drastic, decisive, and concerted measures allowing for increased mutuality among all hierarchical units and divisions of land management system be adopted to promote sustainability of land markets in Nigeria.
An Assessment of the Impacts of Special Agriculture and Business Leases (SABLs) on Customary Land in PNG: A Case Study of Ramu Sugar Agro- Industries Limited
The study attempts to analyse the perceptions of customary landowners, government officials and employees of Ramu Agro-Industries Ltd. (RAIL) about the impacts of Special Agriculture and Business Leases (SABLs) on the sugar company in Papua New Guinea (PNG). SABL is a product of the Lease-Lease Back Scheme devised in 1979 by the PNG government as a substitute for another legal apparatus for registration of customary land titles. Land registration is a requirement for agriculture and other forms of land development that empowers customary landowners to participate meaningfully in land development projects. Customary land on its own has been criticised as unsustainable for meaningful and sustainable economic development in PNG; therefore, the participation of SABLs in customary land development is a welcome development. The study reveals that SABLs are not beneficial and but pernicious in nature to landowners because they are mismanaged, misapplied and exploited by corrupt government officials colluding with land developers. Furthermore, the study findings indicate that there several challenges associated with the SABLs, such as flagrant abuse of landowner rights, violation of existing land laws, anomalous processes and procedures of granting SABLs, lack of consultation and awareness, management problems by illiterate landowners, benefit sharing issues, land disputes and social concerns. However, the benefits realised through SABLs cannot be repudiated. Such benefits include cash incentives, increased landowner participation and employment opportunities, creation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), provision of basic services such as schools and health care facilities and improved living standards for the landowners. Therefore, the paper argues that SABLs should not be abolished by the government. Rather, appropriate measures must be taken to correct the irregularities in the processes and reviews of the land laws to suit current land tenure challenges. The legal and procedural issues relating to SABLs are inherited problems stemming from the old colonial land laws, which appear to be outdated and incompatible with current realities. Therefore, the shortfalls, loopholes, inadequacies in law and anomalies in the entire SABL apparatus must be reviewed and overhauled putting in place stringent measures to guide their evolvement over time with due consideration to landowner rights. Finally, the entire land mediation mechanism in PNG should be revamped to empower land mediators to deal with land disputes with accountability, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness that will pave way for sustainable economic development of customary land through the full participation of SABLs in land development as agents of progress.
Copyright (c) 2020 Melanesian Journal of Geomatics and Property Studies
Analysis of land boundary and ownership disputes and settlements in Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea
This paper is a further step to previous research efforts at investigating the types and causes of land disputes in Papua New Guinea. The rationale behind the present research effort is the need to analyse the interrelationships and significance of boundary and land ownership disputes’ factors hindering socio-economic developments in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Using the purposive sampling technique, key informant interviews, questionnaire surveys and field investigations were conducted with disputants, State’s authorities and local dispute settlement officials and mediators selected from four political districts in Simbu Province. According to the findings, Simbu registered an average of 54 land disputes between 2013 and 2015. Nearly half of these disputes were about counter-ownership claims, while a third of them were related to boundary discrepancies. More than two-thirds of survey responses indicated that the relationships between land ownership and boundary disputes were strong, while 100% indicated that land ownership disputes are mainly about disputed boundaries and encroachments. The strong correlation coefficients are as high as 0.9 or more at the confidence levels of 99% and 95% (2-tailed). This indicated very strong and positive relationships and very high confidence levels of significance among land dispute factors exhibited by landowners in the study area. However, boundary and ownership disputes among individuals, families and clans with regards to oral and unfixed boundaries are ranked as the most frequent type of land disputes, followed by land grabbing offences committed by individuals. Based on these findings, it is recommended that customary landowners need to be guided well through the Voluntary Customary Land Registration Process (VCLR) and payments of service fees and charges, which must be affordable. Finally, full computerisation and regular updating of the PNG Land Dispute Settlement System are overdue to promote and stabilise sustainable land administration and economic development policies and practices in Simbu Province and the entire country.
In Search of a Conventional Urban Model for Explaining Factors Determining Residential Property Rentals and Prices in Lae City, Papua New Guinea
This paper reviews the literature on some conventional urban models that mirror existing patterns of residential property rentals and prices in cities, using Lae City in Papua New Guinea as a case study.The main purpose of the study is to identify which of the conventional models mirror the reality on the ground reflecting the decisions of residential tenants and landlords to live where they are in the city. There are serious concerns relating to spiraling residential property rentals and prices in Lae City that tend to push middle-income and low-income residents to go and live inthe squatter settlements surrounding the city where rents are affordable.Using stratified random sampling technique, arepresentative sample of Lae City residents consisting of 218 landlords and tenants was interviewed in conformity with Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in six (6) different residential districts of the city. These are China Town, Market, Top Town, Cassowary Road, Eriku and Kamkumung, in addition to selected real estate brokersof three popular real estate agencies operating in the city, urban planners working for Lae Municipality and the Department of Lands and Physical Planning (DLPP). The sample represents a mixture of residents in both the formal residential areas and the informal settlements around the city. Survey findings indicate that a plurality of social, economic, cultural and behavioural factors, rather than the overt influence of any conventional urban model of city structure play an overarching role in influencing residential tenants’ and landlords’ behaviour when searching for residence within the city to the extent that many of them now prefer to live in squatter settlements. As confirmed by three tested hypotheses, the study indicates that social factors like security and safety of lives and property, as well as economic factors like inflation and affordability concerns, are the major determinants of residential choice in the city. Recommendations, including policy implications of the study,are put forward regarding measures that need to be thoughtfully implemented in real time by city stakeholders to improve standards of city liveability, sustainability, housing affordability and livelihoods around the country.
Spatial assessment and identification of suitable landfills for solid waste disposal in Madang Urban, Papua New Guinea
Change is inevitable in any society that is geared to improving themselves and their surrounding environment, and with that change comes its negative impacts. One such negative impact is solid waste management. The study seeks to identify suitable sites for landfills in the Madang Urban area. Landfill suitability criteria such as roads, rivers and environmental resources are criteria that must be considered in site selection of Landfill sites. A cost-effective measure involving Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is the approach that has been identified for this study. The Madang urban local government needs this technology to improve its decision making in areas of waste management. The township is fast becoming an industrial centre from its once small population that prides itself in its tourism and hospitality. In this study, seven landfill site criteria were investigated. They include the river zones, the commercial zones, the industrial zones, land use land cover, slope, soil texture, and major roads. The selected criteria were given distances that are favourable for landfill sites to be located from the urban centre outwards. Then the buffered landfill criteria were set weightage values against them by observing their characteristics concerning landfill site. From there a final output map was produced, laying out both suitable and not suitable landfill sites. The technology has been used by developed countries for making informed decisions. It is a decision-making tool that describes space with its location. In summary, seven landfill site criteria were investigated and mapped thematically, and an output map was generated for identifying suitable and not suitable landfill sites.
Design of Storm Water Drainage System: A study in Lae City, Papua New Guinea
A drain is the drainage system component that collects runoff from inlets and transfers the runoff to a point where it is then drained into a stream, water source, or piped system. It is very significant that all roads must have a proper storm drainage design to avoid further problems such as, poor highway traffic due to flood on the main road, potholes causing accidents, and erosion on the road sub-grades. This research focuses on designing the storm water drainage system of Independence Drive in Lae City. Its purpose is to provide a complete summary of the existing drainage situation and facilitate the best alternative drainage design, including suitable ways to improve the current conditions of the road in terms of its drainage network. In order to design a better drainage network for the road, it is important to take into consideration, the users’ point of view with regards to the problem, the availability and reliability of geographical data, and the data analysis tools. Therefore, the research engaged a survey to obtain information about the state of the Independence Drive drainage system and the effect of poor drainage on road users, including the surrounding environment. Based on the survey findings, the research focuses on providing solutions to the drainage problem encountered along the Independence Drive using both survey and GIS data, processing of the data using spatial survey and geographical information tool and providing the appropriate drainage design output.
An Assessment of Land Taxation in PNG: A Case Study of Lae City
This paper investigates land taxation challenges facing property owners as land tax payers and Lae City Authorities as tax enforcers in Papua New Guinea. Following deep concerns that the land taxation system in the city is grossly unsustainable, a representative stratified random sample of 150 land tax payers and selected city officials was interviewed between May and November 2019 in order to elicit primary data in addition to secondary data extracted from published city’s land tax records. Gleaning from a rational, market–based valuation process for land taxation (Havard, 2001; Babarinde, 2011 and IVSC, 2019), as the conceptual framework, the study analyses data collected to answer three research questions. Highlights of data analysis and findings include a chi-square test producing a correlation coefficient of 0.379 at 0.01 significance level (2-tailed), which indicates a weak but positive relationship between land taxation system in Lae City and land taxation challenges from the tax payers’ perspective. Key challenges facing land tax payers include, inconsistencies in land tax assessment, tax affordability issues resulting in tax avoidance, lack of consultation and awareness, manipulation of the land tax system by unscrupulous city officials, delays in updating the valuation roll, and excessively high land tax. A second chi square test performed for the relationship between the challenges facing Lae City Authorities as tax enforcers and the land taxation system produces a correlation coefficient of 0.487, which also indicates a positive but weak relationship at a significance level of 0.01 (2-tailed). In other words, the combined effect of these two findings is that the challenges facing both the tax payers and enforcers are adversely affecting the efficiency of the land taxation system in Lae City. Some of the key measures recommended by both land tax payers and land tax enforcers for improving land taxation system in Lae City include: outsourcing of land tax assessment and collection to a third party, imposition of tougher penalties on land tax defaulters, updating of the valuation roll and fiscal cadastre, introduction of supplementary valuation roll to capture increases in land value and increased awareness of land tax liability to property owners.
Copyright (c) 2019 Melanesian Journal of Geomatics and Property Studies
Analysis of the Rental Market in Informal Settlements Complementing Housing Needs in Cities: The Case of Port Moresby and Lae Citiesin Papua New Guinea
This paperanalysesthe rental housing markets in the informal settlementsof the cities of Port Moresby and Lae in PNG, whichare complementing urban dwellers’ housing needs. The main purpose of the study is to investigate the operations and contributions of the rental housing market in informal settlements as submarkets to the mainstream housing market in the country.Purposive sampling technique was used to interview 75 respondents comprising landlords and tenants in the rental housing market in the informal settlements, based on several questionnaire surveys and a representative sample. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test are used for testing the relationship between selected key variables extracted from two research questions, namely: (i) What are the types of informal rental housing that are available in Port Moresby and Lae cities to complement housing in the formal market?, and (ii) How are the rental housing units in the informal settlements in Port Moresby and Lae cities managed and operated for purposes of sustainability? Findings reveal that there is no relationship between therental chargesand types of rental housing and housingstandards (χ² < 2.8=0.48).Findings also indicate that houses in informal areasare usually low-grade, built with scraps from waste, locally sourced materials and hardware materials that are not amenable to conventional housing maintenance and management technology. The median rentper month in the informal settlements was K700 (USD $180) as of 2015 while the median cost of constructing a typical house for rent is about K40, 000 (USD $10,000) for the same year. Furthermore, findings also show that rental houses in the informal settlements are frequently advertised through word of mouth (50%) and local notice boards (60%). There are economic incentives that drive the market for informal rental housing. Government needs to introduce appropriate laws leading to formalisation of informal rental housing to inject life into this dead capital, transform the country’s economy and increase the total housing stock.
Real Estate and Urban Planning Professionalism: The Impact of Entrepreneurship Education on Innate Talent, Self-employment Propensity and Consultancy Practice
Throughout the world, the increasing rate of unemployment has brought so many diverse realities, which have compelled governments to evolve realistic mechanisms to drive creativity and ignite self-employment instincts of their citizens,with a view to reducing poverty and increasing general prosperity. Hence, it is our desire to assess the impact of Nigeria’s government novel idea of entrepreneurship education on the innate talents, self-employment propensity and ultimate establishment of consultancy practice among Real Estate and Urban Planning professionals that spurred our interest in this research. The study employs a quantitative approach by administering 425 e-copies of questionnaire among 11 internet-controlled WhatsApp group platforms where well above 70% of practising and consultant Estate Surveyors and Valuers as well as Town Planners are domiciled. A total of 351 e-copies of questionnaire were valid out of a total of 364 e-copies of questionnaire that were returned, translating to approximately 86% distribution-retrieval rate. Amixture of Second-order Smart PLS version 2.0 and AMOS’ SEM version 18.0 statistical tools were used for analyses. The results show amongst other things that all the 5 structural paths that are theorized and hypothesized for all the four variables, which are innate talent, self-employment propensity, entrepreneurship education and consultancy practice are positively significant directionally at 99% confidence level, with cronbach alpha value of 0.975and model estimate 0.995 for self-employment propensity being the variable with the highest interrelationship with entrepreneurship education at p value of 0.016,which resultantly mediates the duo of innate talent and self-employment propensity and thus impacts positively on the establishment of consultancy practice by Estate Surveyors and Valuers and Town Planners in Nigeria. The study concludes that the efficacy of entrepreneurship education stands to continually impact upon both innate talent and self- employment propensity towards an increase in the establishment of more consultancy firms of Estate Surveyors and Valuers and Town Planners in Nigeria. Finally, it is recommended, among other things, that there is an urgent need for consistent review of the entrepreneurship education curriculato increase their elegance, thus making them relevant in addressing self-employment yearnings and reducing poverty.
Expert Classification of Land Use and Land Cover in Markham, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea
The expert classification approach useddata other than satellite images to improve and increase the accuracyof classificationof land use and land cover. This study was focused on understanding expert classification and formulating the rules for extracting LULC classes using 1992 and 2001 Landsat Thematic Mapper datasets. Auxiliary data of Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) were applied in order to improve the accuracy of classification using a decision tree approach for classification. A total of 7 classes, which include Dense Forest, Less Dense Forest, Agriculture, Grassland, Bareland, Built-Up Landand Water were identified and extracted with overall accuracies of 90% for 1992 and 92% for 2001 with Kappa statistics of 0.8786 and 0.8935. However, there were still issues faced with spectral similarities between classes for Landsat TM images. Despite this, the study has shown that expert classification technique can be used for acquiring useful and reliable LULC information for natural resource management in Papua New Guinea.
Suitability Analysis of Potential Cocoa Cultivation in Southern Highlands and Hela Provinces of Papua New Guinea
Cocoa is the second major cash crop in PNG after coffee. Listed 12th with other top 20 cocoa producing nations in the world, PNG has fairly been in the loop by contributing 41200 tons of cocoa per annual from the recent statistic released in September 2018. With the changing climate conditions, and the increased technology of genetics and hybrid cocoa seedling, there is a possibility of cocoa farming becoming very sustainable in the highlands region of PNG. Karimui of Chimbu province is the first highlands province that has successfully been cultivated and producing cocoa based on the technical support from Cocoa Coconut Research Institute of PNG. For this study, soil test and suitability analysis were carried out to identify, potential if any, of cocoa cultivation in Hela and SHP provinces. The study involves the use of GIS and geo-spatial multi-criteria decision-making approach. A total of nine geographic parameters were considered, such as temperature, rainfall, soil texture, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, Available Water Holding Capacity (AWC), Base Saturated (BS) and slope. Specific analyses involved were map manipulation and overlay, surface analysis, spatial interpolation, data management and data conversion. Each respective spatial technique was carried out throughout data input, processing and finally to produce output results.The result of the analysis revealed that 25% (6273km²) and 30% (7447km²) of the total area are very highly and highly suitable respectively. 31% (7864km²) of the study area is delimited as moderately suitable for cocoa cultivation. The remaining 11% (2651km²) and 3% (774km²) are low and very low in suitability for cocoa cultivation. This study highly recommends that the concerned government authorities in the provinces should start implementing and planting the trial hybrid cocoa clones at a small scale in some of those areas that are highly suitable for cocoa farming.
GIS and Remote Sensing in Identification and Change Detection of Wetland Reclamation Areas in Port Moresby, PNG
Wetland reclamation commenced in Port Moresby about 20 years ago, having started on a small scale and grown into a large scale following the burgeoning demands of urbanisation and industrialisation. Wetlands are identified as water-submerged areas exclusively inland and almost all the year round in areas connected to the shoreline with fluctuating waterline along with tidal movements. In this paper GIS and Remote Sensing technology are utilized to determine the temporal changes in reclaimed lands and also to identify the wetland areas. The data type used is high spatial resolution temporal data for the years 1990, 2007, 2011 and 2016. The method of feature digitisation and extraction with overlay technique is commonly used for identifying wetland areas as well as coastal reclamation areas. Findings indicate that a total land area of 580,131m2 has been reclaimed along the coastline with economic, environmental and social implications. Residents surrounding the reclamation site experience issues such as higher impact of sea level rise, air and sound pollution, destruction of wildlife habitats and associated species endangerment. Findings of the study can assist urban planners in minimising land management and urbanisation-related problems. On the other hand, the wetlands identified during analysis and mapping are vital to the environment and to humans as they provide functions that are necessary for a healthier environment. The land use and land cover of the newly reclaimed lands have indicated some progress in urban development in and around the city of Port Moresby.
Copyright (c) 2018 Melanesian Journal of Geomatics and Property Studies
Inquiry into the Stamina of Nigeria’s Land Administration System towards Sustainable Delivery of Urban Lands
It must be recognised that productive use of resources as cherished as land cannot be seen to be optimal, until it is keyed into sustainability indicators for proper calibration and assessment. The ease with which land as a resource, especially within the urban milieu, is delivered by various land agencies, in addition to its accessibility to several categories of potential users for varying developmental purposes, are arguably the most paramount of such indicators. Land delivery and accessibility issues predicate on several factors, chief of which is the techno-operational sophistication of the land administration system in the country under focus, especially those found within the stratification of underdeveloped and developing belts of the world. It is against this background that this study was conducted, so as to measure the stamina and level of sophistication of the arsenal of Nigeria’s land administration system. This is to ensure prompt and efficient delivery and accessibility of urban lands through formal land market mechanism, by different categories of developers, by benchmarking the assessment of the LAS stamina via the following score-cards, namely: promptness, capacity, reliability, foresight, quality, coverage, discretion, penetration, capability, drive, judgment, flexibility, output, precision and responsibility. Out of the total 189 individuals considered as the sampling frame for the study, 115 individuals qualified for inclusion in the sample that was subjected to a structured questionnaire survey involving career land officers, tenured land advisers, practising land consultants and land developers in the six states of south-western Nigeria. This was done so as to ensure a spread in the results that have greater breadth and are unbiased on the issues involved in this study. 101 questionnaires were retrieved, out of which 92 questionnaires were valid following data screening, and were used as basis upon which analyses were done. Emphasis was placed on the use of a 5-point Likert scale measurement, combined with both inferential and descriptive statistical tools for further explanations of the results. Findings indicate that the much desired level of sophistication in LAS for proper assessment of both past and present practices and to discern emerging challenges and frontally tackling them is inexplicably low. Hence, the study concludes that this not-so-impressive trend has rendered Nigeria’s land administration system (LAS) ineffective, inefficient and less globally competitive. Among the policy implications is that there is a strong need for a virile mechanism through which public systems, including the land administration systems (LASs), will be frequently monitored for continual updating and overhauling of their platforms for buoyed stamina and improved performance.