The discussion turned to the precision of parcel area. Given the precise nature of a
GIS, it seemed reasonable to ask that each area be given in square meters to two decimal
places-certainly within the precision limitations of a modem GIS. The average parcel area was
about 1,000 sq m, so this represented precision of 1 part
in 105
far less than the limits of double precision. But how did this apparently reasonable request
compare to the
accuracy actually achievable by this process? Chrisman and Yandell (1988) have provided a
statistical analysis of the problem, but in this case a simple back-of-the-envelope calculation
was adequate. Assuming that paper-based mapping and digitizing are capable of sustaining a
positional accuracy of 0.5mm at the scale of the map, a figure that is broadly compatible with map
accuracy standards and common digitizing practice, Table 1 shows the original map scales needed
to sustain given levels of accuracy of an area estimate, based on different parcel sizes. For
a
1,000 sq m parcel, a map of 1:3,000 will sustain accuracy of 10%, that is, will ensure
reliability of the 100s digit in the area estimate. To achieve 1% accuracy, or reliability
of the lOs digit, it is necessary to map at 1:300 or better. For accuracy of an area estimate
to the second decimal place, we would need an original cadastral map at a scale of 3:1, or
three times larger than reality.