Based on experiences in South Africa, a conceptual framework is described which makes it possible to analyse how a cadastral system interacts with other land management sub-systems in volatile, changing situations. Soft systems theory, strategic management theory and existing cadastral theory under-lie this framework. The soft systems approach, when applied to the cadastral field, makes it possible to move away from the conventional simplistic, hard interventionist, sub-system-focused design exercises and instead undertake holistic analyses of complex situations, which include human behaviour and a range of non-static land management sub-systems. It is also possible to analyse technical processes from different points of view, or contexts, over time, which facilitates more robust and sustainable cadastral systems' design and management.