The Survey and Mapping Office (SMO) of the Lands Department is the official land survey and mapping agency for Hong Kong. It produces maps and plans, carries out land boundary surveys, establishes and maintains a territory-wide geodetic control network and computerised land information system. Moreover, the SMO administers the Land Survey Ordinance governing the standard, practice and conduct of Authorised Land Surveyors. It is given the job of naming streets under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, and naming geographical places.

Orthophoto maps are produced on a scale of 1:50 000 and 1:100 000 as well as general maps with different scales in both digital and paper form for the whole territory. These maps are available for sale to the public.

To enhance the service, the SMO has set up a Computerised Land Information System (CLIS) with related sub-systems and databases. The Basic Mapping System (BMS) contains digital map databases of graphic map features with attribute information. The Cadastral Information System (CIS) records all land boundaries for identifying land parcels to facilitate the land boundary surveys.

The CLIS has been in use since 1989 and a study is now being carried out to upgrade the system. An advanced data model will be developed in the new CLIS to facilitate fast data updates and data delivery to support real-time and mission critical Geographical Information System applications. The work will be completed in 2008.

In addition, a Digital Map and Land Records Dissemination System is being developed to disseminate more efficiently digital maps and land record data to government departments and the public through an electronic ordering and delivery service on the Internet. When completed, it will facilitate the submission, arrangement, integration and dissemination of geospatial data generated under the Data Alignment Measures project initiated by the Housing, Planning and Lands Bureau.