1. RA 8560 - Philippine Geodetic Engineering Act 📜

Key Provisions

Definition: Practice of geodetic engineering includes surveying, mapping, photogrammetry, cartography, geodesy, and remote sensing
Board: Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) - Board of Geodetic Engineering
License requirement: Only licensed GEs can practice and sign survey plans
Continuing education: Required CPD units for license renewal

2. Land Laws & Regulations 🏛️

Law/Act	Coverage
CA 141 (Public Land Act)	Classification and disposition of public lands
PD 1529 (Property Registration Decree)	Land registration and titling (Torrens system)
RA 7160 (Local Government Code)	LGU powers on land use, zoning
PD 705 (Forestry Reform Code)	Forest land boundaries, A&D lands
RA 10023 (Residential Free Patent)	Residential lot titling

3. Survey Standards & Procedures 📋

DENR Survey Requirements

Survey returns must be submitted within 1 year
Technical descriptions must include bearings and distances
Monuments: Concrete with bronze marker for PSM
Accuracy: 1:5,000 minimum for isolated surveys

Types of Survey Authority

Ordinary: Private land subdivision
Special: Public land surveys, government projects
Isolated: Remote areas with no control

4. Professional Ethics ⚖️

Code of Ethics for Geodetic Engineers

Obligations:

Uphold public interest and safety
Maintain competence through CPD
Practice within scope of expertise
Protect client confidentiality

Prohibitions:

No false surveys or fake documents
No signing work not personally supervised
No bribing officials
No unauthorized practice

5. Government Agencies 🏢

NAMRIA

National Mapping and Resource Information Authority

Official mapmaker of the Philippines
Maintains geodetic control network
Issues topographic maps

LMB (DENR)

Land Management Bureau

Approves cadastral surveys
Issues survey authority
Maintains land records

LRA

Land Registration Authority

Registers land titles
Maintains Registry of Deeds
Issues decrees of registration

PRC

Professional Regulation Commission

Administers licensure exams
Issues/renews licenses
Enforces professional standards

6. Practice Questions 📚

Common Board Exam Questions

Q1: What law governs the practice of geodetic engineering in the Philippines?

A: RA 8560 - Philippine Geodetic Engineering Act of 1998

Q2: What is the Torrens system?

A: A land registration system (PD 1529) where the government guarantees the accuracy of land titles. Once registered, the title is indefeasible.

Q3: Which agency is the official mapmaker of the Philippines?

A: NAMRIA (National Mapping and Resource Information Authority)

🔥 GE Challenge 🔥

Master land laws and ethics! RA 8560, survey regulations, professional ethics - the legal foundation of GE practice!

Know the law to serve the land!

Laws