Andenet Ashagrie (PhD)Haftom Gebremedhin2025-05-142025-05-142024-08https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/5473Rural cadastral mapping in Ethiopia has significantly improved since 2003, when a parcelbased demarcation system replaced the traditional method of registering parcels through written documents. This rural cadastral map aims to comprehensively document the land’s history and certify its usage types, including private, communal, state-owned, leased investment lands, and other holdings. During this process, parcels are delineated using printed Orthophoto images created from Remote Sensing or photogrammetric data. This study examines the horizontal positional accuracy and validation of the digital parcel map using in-situ total station measurements and direct digitization from digital orthophotos. The digital parcel map’s horizontal accuracy is evaluated according to ASPRS standards and general boundary criteria, computing the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) independently for both datasets and the RMSE in radial linear directions using thirty checkpoints. Additionally, the validation of the digital parcel map is based on general boundary principles. The planimetric accuracy of the digital parcel map for selected sample parcels is assessed using total station measurements, determining the horizontal linear RMSE in the radial direction errors for these parcel corners are 1.697 meters and 1.633 meters, respectively. Furthermore, this study validates the area and perimeter of the digital parcel map using data collected through total station surveys and digital orthophotos. During the validation of area for total parcels within the kebelle, 8.21% (446 parcels) fall outside the general boundary standard (with errors exceeding 17%) when compared to field measurements. Additionally, the validation of parcel perimeters process reveals differences ranging from 3.61% to 0.48% for distances of 135 meters and 270.547 meters, respectively, when using the total station. Comparing with digital orthophoto measurements, the differences range from -7.41% to 0.14% for the same distances. Based on the study findings, the second-level land demarcation process requires modernization to align with ASPRS fixed boundary standards. To achieve better accuracy in digital parcel map, the Rural Land Administration should prioritize the exclusive use of digital orthophotos for large-scale map production.en-USDelineationDemarcationOrthophotoRural cadasterSecond level land certificationSpatial dataThesis