Social Tenure Domain Model

The Social Tenure Domain Model (STDM) is an inclusive and flexible land information system designed to capture and represent a wide range of land tenure relationships, particularly in contexts where formal land administration systems are limited or absent. Developed by the Global Land Tool Network (GLTN) under UN-Habitat, STDM recognises that people hold land through various forms such as customary, informal, communal, or even disputed. STDM provides a means to document these relationships without requiring formal legal titles. It uses both spatial and social data to link people to land, making it especially useful in informal settlements, customary areas, and post-conflict or disaster settings. STDM promotes participatory mapping, is built on open-source platforms, and aims to strengthen land tenure security for marginalised and vulnerable groups by supporting pro-poor, gender-sensitive, and affordable land governance approaches.


The latest version of the STDM tool was officially released on July 3, 2023. This update brings important improvements, including revamped user interface components, enhanced data import stability, and better performance.

Abstract based on original source.