A Survey Monument (SM) in Jamaica refers to a permanent physical marker placed on or in the ground to define, reference, or preserve a specific geographic position, most commonly associated with land boundaries, survey control networks, and cadastral mapping. Survey monuments form a fundamental part of Jamaica’s land administration system, providing the fixed points upon which property boundaries, titles, and spatial data are based.
In both legal and practical terms, an SM is more than a marker; it is a recognised point of reference in law, often forming part of the evidence used to establish ownership, resolve disputes, and maintain the integrity of land records. Without reliable survey monuments, the system of registered land, mapping, and development control would be significantly weakened.
