Scotland could unlock significant benefits for communities, public services and the wider economy by modernising how land information is gathered and used, according to new research published by the Scottish Land Commission.

The study — produced by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) — reviews land data systems in Finland, Estonia, Belgium, the Netherlands and Scotland. It finds that countries investing in modern, joined-up digital platforms are making faster, better-informed decisions on housing, infrastructure, taxation and climate policy. The report says Scotland can achieve similar gains by building on what it already has.

Many jurisdictions have moved beyond traditional land registers to integrated digital systems that bring together legal ownership, mapping, valuation and land-use data in one place. This provides a clearer, more up-to-date picture of how land is used — and by whom — improving forward planning and responsiveness to changing priorities.

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The research stresses that complete, high-quality datasets are essential. It highlights the value of linking existing public datasets so organisations can share information more easily, reduce duplication and strengthen the evidence base for policy.

Estonia is highlighted as a leading example, demonstrating how real-time data sharing across government systems can increase efficiency and enable quicker responses to shifting policy needs.

Beyond better transparency, the report suggests modern land information systems can help governments assess policy impacts, support public services and make more effective long-term decisions.

The findings build on previous Scottish Land Commission research into international approaches to valuation and taxation, providing further evidence to inform the development of Scotland's land information infrastructure.

Kathie Pollard, Head of Policy at the Scottish Land Commission, said: "When we have a clearer picture of how land is owned, used and valued, we can make better decisions that benefit people, communities and the economy.

"This research isn't about copying another country's system. It's about understanding what works elsewhere and identifying practical ways Scotland can build on the systems and information it already has to help underpin Scotland's future public policy ambitions."

The report identifies opportunities for Scotland to enhance how datasets work together, expand the information linked to land records and make greater use of digital tools to test and model future policy options.

It concludes that continued investment in land information and tax administration could deliver substantial long-term benefits, creating a more efficient, transparent and evidence-based system.