• Abstract and Figures
• Public Full-text

University of Calgary PRISM: University of Calgary's Digital Repository Graduate Studies The Vault: Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2021-04-27 An Investigation of Coordinates as Mathematical Evidence for Cadastral Surveying in Alberta Sakatch, Matthew Michael Philip Sakatch, M. M. P. (2021). An Investigation of Coordinates as Mathematical Evidence for Cadastral Surveying in Alberta (Unpublished master's thesis). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. http://hdl.handle.net/1880/113354 master thesis University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission. Downloaded from PRISM: https://prism.ucalgary.ca UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY An Investigation of Coordinates as Mathematical Evidence for Cadastral Surveying in Alberta by Matthew Michael Philip Sakatch A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN GEOMATICS ENGINEERING CALGARY, ALBERTA APRIL 2021 © Matthew Michael Philip Sakatch 2021 Abstract This research delves into the topic of coordinates as legal survey evidence for boundary positions. It is spurred by the recently adopted Hybrid Cadastre project in Alberta, Canada and the evidentiary changes concurrent with this initiative. A review of literature pertaining to how survey evidence in assessed historically under the Hierarchy of Evidence, as well as the implications of modern evidentiary initiatives with coordinates is provided. Hypothesis are formed from this literature review and enlighten the qualitative study design. Key informant interviews apprise of the profession’s perspectives on this form of evidence are assessed using qualitative methods. Informants included practicing land surveyors, academics, members of the public, and government officials. A descriptive narrative approach was applied to the informant’s feedback to generate emergent themes. Informant feedback was assessed against the themes by incorporating an ordinal scale to provide a parameterized data set. Inferences made from this dataset prime the synthesis and theory development. In synthesis, an emergent theory on coordinates as evidence is provided as well as a continuum for assessing coordinate based evidentiary initiatives. When properly framed within the legislative framework and in specific de facto applications coordinates can govern legal survey boundaries and be considered a sui generis form of boundary evidence. An emergent continuum is proposed to provide a metric for assessing future applications of coordinates as evidence in alternate jurisdictions. This continuum is founded in the principles of cadastral management, and ensuring the publics continued faith in the land framework. Conclusions are provided relating to the adoption of coordinates as evidence currently within the land framework and case law. Ultimately future adoption of coordinates as evidence is a topic that requires legislative intervention to provide for widespread adoption and acceptance. i Preface This thesis is the original, unpublished, and independent work of the author, Matthew Sakatch. The key informant interviews and data collection described in Chapters 3-4 were covered by Ethics Certificate number REB17-0481-REN3, issued by the University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board for the project “Modern Perspectives on Coordinates as Boundary Evidence and the Alberta Hybrid Cadastre” on July 7th, 2017. This approval has been extended and is effective until July 7th, 2021. ii Acknowledgements In writing this the author is grateful for the assistance and support provided by the following individuals and institutions. Without this assistance this research and the resulting thesis would not have been possible. First and foremost, my mother Joan for all hours and sleepless nights editing and polishing this work and her continued support of my graduate studies. Even when this path seemed impossible, she pushed me to continue. My brother James for pushing me to continue down this path. Dr. Michael Barry for all his guidance and assistance throughout my graduate studies and providing me the desire to pursue this degree. Dr. Elena Rangelova and Dr. Ivan Detchev for all their support in finalizing this thesis, without their guidance this finished product would not be before you. My close friend and colleague Kent Jones for all of his assistance in steering my studies back onto the course throughout this program. My fellow graduate students Dennis Muthama and Dillon Pullano, who provided invaluable insights into my research. My Uncle Richard, for his guidance throughout my academic studies, and being a crucial academic role model. My Aunt Diane for all her assistance with editing. My articling principal, David Mazurkewich for all of his guidance as it pertains to surveying and his continued support in pursuing this research. Mitch Scheuerman, for his assistance in all things surveying, and for being my sounding wall. The ALSA registration committee for their continued support throughout my articles and providing the educational leaves that make this product possible. To all of the participants in the key informant interviews for your unique and insightful perspectives of the topic and taking the time to speak with me. Also, for having faith in this research throughout the duration of the study. iii Dedication This thesis is dedicated to my late father, Francis Michael Sakatch. For all you taught me in this life, and for pushing me to finish this after you are gone. iv Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ i Preface ............................................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ iii Dedication ...................................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ v List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. xi List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... xii Glossary of Terms ........................................................................................................................ xiv Glossary of Cases .......................................................................................................................... xx Glossary of Legislation ................................................................................................................ xxi Acronyms and Abbreviations ..................................................................................................... xxii Body of Thesis ................................................................................................................................ 1 Chapter One: Introduction and Research Problem .............................................................. 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1 Background ................................................................................................................... 5 Coordinates as Evidence ....................................................................................... 6 Recent Initiatives ................................................................................................... 7 Problem Statement ........................................................................................................ 9 Context of the Research .............................................................................................. 10 v Research Objectives and Questions ............................................................................ 11 Scope and Limitations of the Research ...................................................................... 13 Thesis Outline ............................................................................................................. 14 Chapter Two: Literature Review ...................................................................................... 15 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 15 Definitions and Preamble ........................................................................................... 15 Coordinates .......................................................................................................... 16 Boundaries ........................................................................................................... 18 The Three Ds ....................................................................................................... 19 Framing Coordinates ..........................................................................................

Load more

  172

Copy Link