Cadastral surveyors

The duties encompassed by cadastral surveying are subject to public law. This applies particularly to the activities carried out by freelance cadastral surveyors. Surveyors entrusted with cadastral surveying are carrying out a sovereign function and are in this respect regarded as persons of public trust. By delegating sovereign duties to the responsibility of the private sector, the federal government can reduce its administrative work load.

A patent issued to cadastral surveyors and an entry in the register for licensed surveyors guarantee a minimal standard of professional and personal competence in cadastral surveying.

Through the federal register for licensed surveyors, the surveying ordinance makes a clear distinction between an educational certificate, professional practice and disciplinary measures. The association with the regulations governing attorneys at law is imposed through the fact that both of these professional groups are private parties entrusted with carrying out sovereign, legally relevant tasks.