Download 123 KB

Last revised:
February 14, 1995

Memo to:

Land Registrars

From:

Doug Aron
Examiner of Surveys

Contents of the memo:

Attached is a Notice which is to be sent to all Ontario Land Surveyors authorizing the use of ink jet plotters. The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is handling the distribution, and I expect each member will have it late this week.

The policy of this Branch remains that any change requested with respect to the use of new technology, to produce plans to be entered into the System, must be accompanied by proof that the resultant plans are acceptable from an archival point of view. This stems from the fact that we do not have the facilities to undertake archival tests. Ink jet plotting technology is identical to conventional pen plotting technology in terms of ink and plan materials utilized. Tests have been undertaken in other jurisdictions, and ink jet technology has been approved for their land registration systems. On this basis ink jet plotters were approved for use here.

The product produced by the ink jet plotter, if the ink and plan material used are in accordance with Bulletin 82005, is indistinguishable from plans produced conventionally. Accordingly, I do not expect you to spend time and effort policing this.

The onus is being placed on the professional surveyors to adhere to our policies with respect to approved materials and plotting technology. This is no different from the onus being placed upon the professionals in other areas of the land registration system. However, if you have any questions regarding a particular plan, and cannot obtain a satisfactory explanation from the surveyor, then please contact your Regional Surveyor for assistance.

Attached Notice:

Real Property Registration Branch

Dated: February 9th, 1995

Notice to all Ontario land surveyors:

The Real Property Registration Branch has received a number of inquiries regarding different types of plotters. The issue is whether or not certain drafting processes produce plans that are acceptable for registration or deposit in the Land Registration System.

The Branch's policy, as per Regulation 997 and Ministry Bulletin 82005, is summarized as follows:

  • the plan shall be on translucent linen, or on a polyester-based film with matte surface on one side (or both) being of a thickness of not less than 0.003 of an inch; and
  • an adhesion type of ink is used for drafting (such as Pelican "T" or its equivalent).

The plan may also, in whole or in part, be reproduced photographically, but must be on a plan material as specified above. All signatures must be original and in the same type of ink as specified above.

When the policy was developed pen based plotters were coming of age. Although technology has advanced considerably since that time, nonetheless the policy remains valid today in terms of ensuring, to the extent possible, plans submitted to the Land Registry Offices have a high archival quality.

Specific to the inquiries were the acceptability of ink-jet plotters and electro-static plotters.

Ink-jet plotters, provided the ink and plan material specified by Bulletin 82005 are used, allows the ink to be applied wet and left to dry on the plan material. To this end, it is not unlike the pen based plotter and therefore is acceptable.

Electro-static plotters, on the other hand, do not meet the criteria specified in Bulletin 82005 and consequently remain unacceptable.

It is inevitable that new processes will be developed and the onus for demonstrating its archival quality will remain with the individual wishing to utilize the new process to produce plans to be entered in the Land Registration System. If there is any uncertainty with respect to a drafting process, I would encourage If there is any uncertainty with respect to a drafting process, I would encourage you to consult with the Ministry's Regional Surveyor in your area.

Signed: D.R. Aron
Examiner of Surveys

Original signed by:

Doug Aron

Copied:

Ian Veitch
Kate Murray
Regional Managers
Regional Surveyors
Head Office Managers