The overall scheme for China's second national land survey was examined and approved at a meeting presided over by Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan on Monday.

A prime aim of the land survey is to improve control of land resources.

The survey "should provide a reliable basis for land control," Zeng said at the meeting.

According to Zeng, China conducted its first national land survey in 1996. Since then, a great deal of changes have taken place in urban and rural areas, and the data collected 11 years ago is out of date. New land data is needed to improve control and safeguard the total area of farmland nationwide at 233.8 million hectares.

The second national land survey will improve land survey systems and statistics, and make possible computerized, network-based land control, Zeng said.

The land survey will take advantage of new technology to ensure the authenticity and reliability of the data collected, Zeng added.

The second national land survey will start on July 1 and should be completed by 2009 as planned. It will cover classification, demarcation, location, the area and usage of every plot of land in both urban and rural areas.