Map links with asset registerMid-Sussex District Council has signed up to a new system which will provide its lawyers with a computerised system linking maps to an asset register database for the first time.When the GGP Geographic Information System is fully implemented this month, the 12-strong legal department will be free to ditch the cumbersome paper-based search system, which it had been using to research land title and highlight relevant transactions.

The legal section is part of the legal and administrative department, which has 24 officers.The system should make it easier for the council to litigate, plan and enter into contracts, giving instant access to information on almost 1,000 land holdings.A growing number of councils is signing up to systems which integrate Ordnance Survey electronic maps and the Institute of Public Finance's land asset register database.

Last year, Mid-Sussex brought in a senior solicitor to oversee the 'land terrier' side of the scheme, under which local authorities are required to list land-related assets.

The system is currently limited to inputting officers, but in May it will be introduced to all departments and will then be rolled out.

The council brought in the system last year.

Keith Stanton, the council's information systems project co-ordinator, said the council brought senior solicitor John Ockford in full time, to get the legal side running.

Mr Stanton said: 'It is compiling all our terrier records which is taking the time.'Anne Mizzi