The Department of Lands and Surveys, of the Ministry of Interior, is the oldest, and one of the largest departments of the Republic of Cyprus. Its role and responsibility have been of immense importance, particularly in operating the Cyprus Land Registration systems. It manages the major land matters of Cyprus regarding surveying including maintenance of the state survey infrastructure, mapping, investigation into title, registration, conveyance, valuations, conservation and management of State Lands, compulsory acquisition/requisitions and encumbrances. It administers statutes providing services for the property rights of individuals effectively and efficiently within a unified coordinated structure, with distinct branches in Tenure, Registration, Valuation, Management of State Lands, Survey, Cartography and Administration. Additionaly, the Department acts as the Official Cartographic Organization of the Republic for the compilation, production and issue of maps and plans for which the state copyright is reserved through its Cartography Branch, and represents Cyprus in various Cartographic bodies throughout the world.