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Nova Scotia's
Geographic Information
Standards
Chapter 7
Linkage
7.0 Introduction:
Linkage standards define the methods by which graphic data entities are indexed to attribute
databases and are cross-referenced to other databases which contain relevant geographic information.
Over time, this chapter will encompass material related to both the definition of index keys and the
procedures for maintaining the indices.
7.1 Topic:
Land Use Coding Standard - Defining a Unit of Measure
7.1.1 Background:
There is no doubt that Land Use is a complex issue. The coding systems which go into land use vary
widely depending on various factors such as purpose, methods and data handling. Most land use
coding systems have been designed to fit individual agencies needs and therefore lack compatibility.
Information exchange must often be manually reformatted, thus making compatibility time consuming
and inefficient.
In evaluating the future of land use coding it has been realized that there are a number of issues
surrounding standardization. One of these issues is the standardization of a unit of measure upon
which a code may be referenced.
7.1.2 Standard:
Adopt the parcel as the minimum standard, unit of measure for referencing land use coding activities.
Agencies wishing to reference their codes to other units of measure are encouraged to do so,
however, they must cross reference their information at the parcel level.
7.1.3 Additional Information:
As defined in the glossary (Appendix A) a parcel is "an area of land that is described in a single
description in a deed or as one of a number of lots on a registered plan of subdivision; or a plan of
amalgamation where applicable, separately owned, either publicly or privately; and capable of being
separately conveyed."
As the above standard indicates, the parcel as the minimum unit of measure does not necessarily
replace other land use coding units of measure. If, however, agencies elect to use another unit, they
must maintain a cross-reference to the parcel.
7.2 Topic:
Parcel Identifier (PID)
7.2.1 Background:
Dale and McLaughlin [1989], outline some of the desirables in a parcel referencing system:
- easy to understand
- easy to remember
- easy to use both by the general public and administrators
- easy to process in computers
- permanent so that, for instance, the parcel reference does not change with the sale of the property
- capable of being updated when there is a subdivision or amalgamation of two adjoining properties
- unique - no two parcels have the same reference
- accurate and unlikely to be transcribed in error
- flexible
- economic to introduce and maintain
In the early to mid 1970's the three Maritime provinces did not have the above mentioned guidelines
for developing a parcel referencing system. They did however, recognize a number of very important
items. First, the system selected had to be unique and flexible. Second, regardless of the system
selected, it would not be perfect. In the end the parcel identifier, or PID was selected as the parcel
referencing system.
The PID has been and continues to be a highly demanded parcel referencing mechanism in Nova
Scotia. In April 1993 the Nova Scotia Land Use Committee (Deputy Ministers) approved "A
Property Records Information Management Policy for the Province of Nova Scotia". In this policy
document the PID was identified as a mechanism for linking the land parcel information to other land-related information.
7.2.2 Standard:
Adopt the LRIS Parcel Identifier (PID) as the standard reference number to land parcels.
7.2.3 Description:
The PID is a unique identification number assigned to a parcel of land. It is comprised of an 8 digit
number with the last digit being a computed check digit. The PID is numeric character only and no
spaces are permitted in the number. PID's are assigned by the Land Information Management
Services Division, Department of Municipal Affairs. (For more information regarding the internal
workings of the PID, please contact the Land Information Services Division.)
7.2.4 Additional Information:
The PID standard does not necessarily replace other departmental referencing systems. If, however,
agencies elect to use another system, they must maintain a cross-reference to the PID. Such a cross-reference will facilitate the effective exchange of parcel related data.
Chapter 7 continued -
[Section 7.3]
[Sections 7.4 to 7.5] [Sections 7.6]
 Chapter Seven Table of Contents
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