In many countries, and especially in developing countries and countries in transition, the national capacity to manage land rights, restrictions and responsibilities is not well developed in terms of mature institutions and the necessary human resources and skills. In this regard, the capacity building concept offers some guidance for analysing and assessing the capacity needs and for identifying an adequate response to these needs at societal, organisational and individual levels. The paper analyses the various means of capacity building for institutional development within surveying and land management. Finally the paper discusses the role of FIG in pursuing the motto: “Building the Capacity”.