Demarcatie

Demarcatie is the on-site marking of a boundary to separate jurisdictions, territories, or properties. It refers to the practical, physical aspect of boundary establishment that follows an agreement or legal determination about where the line lies, and it typically precedes enforcement and administration.

In international and national boundary practice, demarcatie is distinct from delimitation. Delimitation (delimitatie) is the legal or diplomatic process of defining a boundary line on a map or in a treaty, while demarcatie is the subsequent field work that marks that line on the ground with monuments, markers, fences, or other observable features. Together, delimitation and demarcatie aim to create a visible, enforceable boundary.

Methods and tools used in demarcatie include geodetic surveys, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements, total stations, and detailed field mapping. The resulting boundary network typically comprises markers or pillars at designated points, sometimes connected by visible lines or fences, and is recorded in official cadastral or administrative documents. The process may involve verification with local communities, landowners, and authorities to ensure accuracy and acceptance.

Applications of demarcatie span international borders, regional or local administrative boundaries, and property lines within cadastral systems. It can be affected by terrain, vegetation, land use changes, and political or legal disputes, as well as by budgetary and logistical constraints. Effective demarcatie requires clear documentation, standardized procedures, and ongoing maintenance to preserve the integrity of the boundary over time.