The DLS PORTAL is one of the most important keys to the success of the new vision of change in the Department, shifting the focus to the citizen and the daily increasing needs for information and services. Using the Web Platform, the Department is no longer perceived as a closed box, offering a wealth of information to the public. It is the first and largest electronic library of geographic and descriptive data for all immovable property in Cyprus.
It is undoubtedly an integrated dynamic solution that covers both the development of specialised web applications and the supply of off-the-shelf software and data processing equipment. It contributes to reducing the time needed to serve citizens and organised bodies, while at the same time increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the DLS and the public sector in general. It has become an essential tool for certain specialised teams to carry out their work, and in particular it provides instant information and easy access/transparency to everyone, from anywhere, at any time of the day. It enables access to the Department's data, online submission and processing of applications to all citizens via the Internet on a 24-hour basis. Citizens, specialised groups and organisations can use this platform to navigate the site and properties, submit applications to the Department, export data and catalogues, purchase maps, subscribe to services and other features.
The redesign and automation of the Department's procedures, as well as the upgrade of its systems to the latest flexible and stable technologies that provide enhanced unified functionality, led to more efficient procedures and new services/prospects of services. This has contributed to the enhancement of productivity and new areas of development, more friendly service and two-way communication with citizens.
The Web Platform consists of four main pillars:
- A dynamic Home Page featuring all Static Information about the Department and the Services it offers.
- Site and Property Navigation option using Online Real-time open and free applications.
These applications employ the Department's Geographic Land Information Systems and provide free access to multiple subject layers and data, such as parcels, buildings, sheets/plans, aerophotos, town planning zones, etc. It provides various parcel identification options, providing important information such as property details, General Valuation value, scanned cadastral plan, etc. Two other important layers of information are also available, the topographic and the hydrographic, providing a range of complex and important geographic data and layers.
- E-Applications.
Citizens, specialised groups and organisations can submit on-line applications to the Department for data and catalogue export, for the purchase of maps, for subscription to specialised services, etc. This includes applications for demarcation, correction of errors and objection to the general valuation, search certificates and copies of title deeds, removal of mortgages in respect of banking institutions, etc. Working with the Local Authorities and Sewerage Boards, tax data are exported, and property data are introduced and updated. A dynamic selection of geographic data and specialised services are offered to Private Surveyors and Valuers.
- Implementation of / Compliance with the European Directive INSPIRE INSPIRE.
This Directive aims to create a single Spatial Information Infrastructure between the EU Member States and enables the exchange of spatial information between public organisations and bodies of the Member States, and access to all citizens. The search in metadata provides the option of reviewing, searching and storing converted spatial data generated by various Government Services and Bodies.
Since its launch in June 2016, there has been an ever-increasing demand for its use and an increase in user requirements/requests. A number of new features/data/information (geographical area levels etc.) and new functions have been added to the original application. Further increase in the use of the system arises from the publication of each new General Valuation (on 1.1.2018, 1.1.2021 etc.), both for information purposes and for the submission of applications relating to Correction of Errors and Objections.
Following a decision of the DLS Management and in view of the emergency measures related to the pandemic, all e-Applications available on the DLS Portal have been rendered mandatory, the procedure of submitting them in person at the District Land Offices has now been withdrawn and their submission is effected only through the DLS Portal. This measure constitutes probably the most important redesign of procedures made within the DLS providing direct benefits to citizens. The citizens' response has been very positive and the whole process has been a complete success. The indirect benefit of this redesign is that a considerable number of staff has been made available to focus on more important tasks.
The DLS Portal is a dynamic project that is in continuous development, expansion, enrichment, and therefore, due to the nature of this project, there is a need for continuous improvement and maintenance of its technological infrastructure. There is a constant need to create new online applications/services and provide information in a Web Service format.
The upgrade of the technological infrastructure of the DLS PORTAL is in progress, always focusing on the service of the citizen. In addition, the online portal is gradually being enriched with the addition of new electronic applications in order to meet the national e-government strategy for providing better service to the public and to strengthen and grow the government's economy.
