Using GIS, KML Files, and Google Earth Support for Land Planning

The preparation of land maps is mandatory according to 27676 Regulation on the Principles and Implementation of Organic Agriculture Article 35 (1) a) 5), EU 2021/1698 Article 11 1 (a), and the US National Organic Program (NOP) §205.202 (c).

In agriculture, especially in organic farming practices, land planning and accurate record-keeping are of critical importance. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), parcel inquiry applications, and tools such as Google Earth help farmers both document their land and manage it efficiently. In this guide, we will go through the Parcel Inquiry system, its use in organic farming, methods for downloading KML/PDF files, Google Earth integration, and how inspectors can use these tools during field visits.

1. Parcel Inquiry System and Mobile Applications

In Turkey, access to cadastral and title deed information of lands is provided by the official platform Parsel Sorgu offered by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. In addition, Parsel Sorgu mobile applications are available for both Android and iOS devices.

• Google Play Store: Open the Play Store on your phone, type “Parsel Sorgu” in the search bar, and download the official application.
• App Store: iPhone users can follow the same steps on the App Store to easily install the “Parsel Sorgu” application.

2. Use in Organic Farming

In organic farming, it is essential to clearly define the boundaries and locations of plots. With the Parsel Sorgu applications, farmers can easily access cadastral details, coordinates, and ownership information of their land. These data are crucial for certification bodies to verify field records and for ensuring compliance with organic farming regulations. Furthermore, farmers can use the system to create digital records of their fields, track changes over time, and integrate the data with mapping tools like Google Earth for better farm management. For inspectors and consultants, this ensures transparency and reliability in the certification and control processes.

3. Querying a Parcel in the Farmer Registration System (ÇKS)

Verification of a parcel registered in the Farmer Registration System (ÇKS) can be carried out via the Parsel Sorgu system. To do this:

• Enter the province, district, and village/neighborhood information.
• Type in the parcel number and perform the search.
• The system will display the parcel on the map with red boundaries.

4. Downloading Parcel Information as PDF and KML

After locating the parcel you want on the parcel inquiry screen, click on it. A box titled “Attribute Information” will appear. Click on the three dots to the left of the title, and from the menu, choose the download option.

• Download as PDF: Select the PDF option to download a report containing all the parcel details onto your computer or mobile device.
• Download as KML: Choose the KML option to download the parcel boundaries in a geographic coordinate format (compatible with Google Earth).

5. Google Earth and Pro Version

Google Earth is a powerful GIS tool that allows users to explore all regions of the world through high-resolution satellite imagery. The Google Earth Pro version is free to download and provides advanced measurement, data import/export, and reporting features. You can download the Pro version from Google Earth Pro Download.

6. Viewing KML Files in Google Earth

KML files downloaded from the Parsel Sorgu application can be easily opened in Google Earth:

• Launch Google Earth.
• From the menu, select “File > Open.”
• Choose the KML file you downloaded.
• The parcel boundaries will automatically be displayed over the satellite imagery.

This way, both the legal records and the geographic positions of the parcels can be visualized together.

7. Land Verification Steps for Inspectors and Consultants

Inspectors and consultants can ensure they are on the correct land during field visits by using the Parsel Sorgu application through the following steps:

1. Enable location services. Activate the GPS function on your phone. Your current position will appear on the map.
2. Open the Parsel Sorgu application. The map will automatically display your location.
3. Enter the parcel details. Type in the parcel information (province, district, village/neighborhood, and parcel number) and perform a search.
4. Verify on the map. The parcel will appear outlined in red. Compare your GPS location with the parcel boundaries. If your position falls inside or along the parcel, you are on the correct land.
5. Optionally, download PDF or KML. For further verification, you can download the parcel information as PDF or KML. The KML file can also be opened in Google Earth to cross-check with satellite imagery.

With this method, farmers, inspectors, and consultants can ensure the accuracy of land verification both legally and geographically.