The first two phases of the landmark project to put the Land Registry’s millions of paper-based records online have been completed.
Steps completed so far in the mammoth document imaging project include producing a detailed design for integrating the document imaging application with the agency’s current IT systems and the creation of a bureau imaging facility at its premises in Chancery Street, Dublin. The latter gives the Land Registry greater project control and quality assurance over captured data and minimises the risk of loss or destruction of records.
The main objective of the project is to create an online resource for Land Registry staff, customers as well as the general public at www.landregistry.ie. Production of output images commenced last January with the scanning of records relating to land in Dublin. Imaging of live data and the loading of output images onto the new document imaging system began in May. The Land Registry has now converted over one third of its folios and made them available on an extended basis.
The capture requirements involved in the project include 6.4 million pages to be indexed and scanned with 36,000 index mapping sheets. This results in approximately 10,000 to 12,000 additional pages of Land Registry records being made available online each day.
Technology suppliers to the project, which is being managed by EDS Ireland, include Cendris (for imaging services), IXOS (image management software) and Memorex Telex (HP hardware).
“An early project decision was that The Land Registry would scan documents once and once only,” said Peter Donnelly, managing director, EDS Ireland. “The Land Registry also specified stringent indexing accuracy requirements, as any errors would cause major problems when solicitors searched the databases across the internet. As a result, superb quality documents are now produced for delivery to clients,” he said.
By Brian Skelly
