Case Study: How Open-Source Data Helped Resolve a Land Dispute

At Tremark, we specialise in uncovering the truth using innovative tools and open-source data. Our team thrives on transforming problems into strategic advantage through creative, case-specific solutions. In this case study, we’re sharing a real-life example of how Gardner Leader, a leading UK law firm acting for the landowner, partnered with us to resolve a complex land dispute – without the need for a courtroom showdown.

The Challenge: A Claim of Long-Term Land Occupation

Gardner Leader approached us with a high-stakes challenge. Their client, a landowner, faced a legal claim from an individual (Mr. A) who alleged he had occupied the land for over 30 years, using it for his haulage business since the early 1990s. If proven, this could have granted Mr. A ownership rights via adverse possession, jeopardising the landowner’s multi-million-pound asset.

“The case hinged on proving whether Mr. A’s timeline was credible. Our client needed concrete, irrefutable evidence to demonstrate how the land had been used over the previous 30-40 years.” – Gardner Leader

Our task was simple but critical: verify whether Mr. A’s claims matched the physical evidence on the ground.

The Tremark Approach: Turning to the Skies

After discussing options with Gardner Leader, we jointly agreed on a course of action: leveraging decades of open-source satellite imagery and aerial photography to build an evidence-based timeline. Here’s how we delivered:

1. Timeline Analysis (1989–2021):
Using images spanning 32 years, we mapped changes to the land year by year. This revealed vegetation patterns, structural developments, and human activity – or the lack thereof.

2. Key Findings vs. Mr. A’s Claims:

• 1991 Claims Debunked: Mr. A alleged he’d built hard surfaces and parked vehicles by 1991. Satellite data from 1989–1992 showed only untouched grassland and dirt tracks.
• Business Activity Absent: No HGVs, storage containers, or caravans appeared in 1990s–2000s imagery. The first truck surfaced in 2006 – 15 years after Mr. A’s claimed start date.
• Shifting Boundaries: Fences and access points changed repeatedly, undermining claims of “consistent occupation.”

3. The Smoking Gun:
A 2019 image revealed the land had briefly been repurposed as a car park – a detail Mr. A omitted entirely.

The Outcome: A Swift Settlement

By presenting clear, visual evidence from decades of satellite data, we helped Gardner Leader challenge Mr. A’s claims effectively. The parties subsequently reached a settlement without a final court hearing, and Mr. A agreed to vacate the land – a resolution that not only saved substantial legal costs but preserved the client’s multimillion pound asset.

“Tremark’s ability to see the problem differently – combining technical expertise with legal strategy – gave our client the edge and assisted us in resolving this adverse possession claim to a satisfactory conclusion. It’s a prime example of how forward-thinking collaboration delivers results.” – Gardner Leader

Why This Matters

This case underscores how powerful open-source data, like satellite imagery, can be in resolving complex disputes. In this instance, historical images provided a clear, objective timeline of the land’s use over decades, allowing us to irrefutably challenge Mr. A’s claims. By comparing his statements with the visual evidence, we helped Gardner Leader expose inconsistencies that were crucial in settling the dispute without the need for a lengthy court process.

What makes open-source data so valuable is its ability to offer hard evidence that can’t be altered or disputed, making it a powerful tool in legal investigations. However, it’s not just about gathering data – interpreting it correctly is key, and that’s where our expertise comes in. With the right analysis, what might seem like simple images can become pivotal in turning the tide of a case.

At Tremark, we combine creative methods with investigative expertise to deliver results.

Got a tricky land dispute or need some solid evidence to back up your claims? We’re here to help. At Tremark, we use smart tools and expert know-how to uncover the facts, so you can get the clarity you need. Contact us today.