Cadastral map (digital DKM, KMD)
The official map of all parcels and buildings with parcel numbers. Digital almost everywhere, but boundary accuracy depends on the original survey.
Under Section 2 of the Czech Cadastral Act, the katastrální mapa (cadastral map) is a large-scale map showing all land recorded in the register, the boundaries of cadastral areas and other features such as building outlines. Plots are labelled with parcel numbers and land-type symbols. It is an official state map, kept digitally in the national S-JTSK coordinate system at a reference scale of 1:1000 (Sections 3 and 4 of Decree No. 357/2013 Coll.).
DKM and KMD: digital does not mean precise
ČÚZK considers the conversion of maps to digital form complete; only a few cadastral areas will be finished through land consolidation or a new survey. The origin of the maps, however, differs:
- DKM (digitální katastrální mapa) was created from maps based on numerical surveys in S-JTSK, and its boundaries are usually more precise,
- KMD (katastrální mapa digitalizovaná) was converted from graphic maps based on the stable cadastre survey of the first half of the 19th century.
According to ČÚZK, most of today's maps go back to the stable cadastre, and their accuracy can be off by metres. Digitisation cannot improve boundary accuracy; only a new survey on the ground can.
How to read it
The accuracy of boundary points is expressed by a quality code. Codes 3 to 5 mark points surveyed on the ground, codes 6 to 8 points only measured off the original graphic map. Under the Decree's annex, code 3 corresponds to a standard coordinate error of 0.14 m and code 8 to 1 m. ČÚZK's web map service also has a layer that colours boundaries by reliability; see boundary accuracy.
What it means for a buyer
For legal transactions, the geometric definition of a plot in the register is binding (Section 51 of the Cadastral Act). What is sold is the plot within the boundaries recorded in the register, not within the fence. Where boundaries are less precise, ČÚZK recommends having them surveyed or staked out before buying and comparing the result with the map. The record can only be refined on the basis of a survey plan together with a joint declaration of the affected owners or a court decision (Section 50 of the Cadastral Act).
Where to find the map
For free in the online viewer Nahlížení do KN, as a ČÚZK web map service (WMS) and as open data by cadastral area. The digital map also shows the extent of easements over part of a plot.
Want this information on your property's website?
We find, analyse and clearly present data about the place. On the website for clients and in the location check for the agent - depending on the nature of the information.
The explanation is general and informative, not legal advice. Binding are the land register, the zoning plan and other official sources.