Experts task Surveyors on Artificial Intelligence
Experts task Surveyors on Artificial Intelligence
By: Edirin Robinson
A Principal Instructor at the General Aviation Operation and Aeronautical Information Services of Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Mr. Gwon Markus Garba, has admonished Surveyors to key into Artificial intelligence (A.I.) and blockchain technology if they want to be relevant in the profession.
He asserted this in his keynote address delivered at the 7th edition of Harvest of Ideas 2023, a training workshop and Conference organized by the Young Surveyors Network (YSN), with the theme: Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics, Solutions, and Implementation held in Kaduna on 15th November 2023.
According to him, in recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changing technology that is altering a variety of industries, including land surveying.
He added that AI is changing the field of land surveying with its ability to analyze massive volumes of data, understand complex patterns, and automate repetitive activities, providing unparalleled efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.
Mr. Gwon Markus Garba explained that one of the key advantages of AI in land surveying is its capacity to efficiently manage massive volumes of geospatial data.
“Traditional land surveying methods frequently required time-consuming manual data gathering and analysis that was prone to human error.
“Surveyors, on the other hand, can use AI-powered algorithms to utilize machine learning and data analytics approaches to extract significant insights from large datasets in a fraction of the time.
“AI algorithms can process aerial and satellite photos, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data, and other geospatial information automatically, allowing for the rapid identification of topographical features, land boundaries, and changes over time.
“These innovations greatly simplify the surveying process, allowing for speedier decision-making and shorter project schedules,” he said.
In his remark, the National Vice President International, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Dr. Akachuwu Chukwuocha, said AI-based land surveying tools offer exceptional accuracy and precision, mitigating the limitations of traditional surveying methods.
He expressed delight that the idea of young surveyors relating with one another and forging a way forward while developing good strategies is brilliant in a time when the world is evolving.
He called on the Young Surveyors to keep pushing by doing more in their fields and generating ideas that can improve the sector.
Similarly, the National Chairman for YSN, Surv. Nicholas Taka, said the students are being taught the rules that govern the use of Artificial intelligence.
The Local Organising Committee Chairman of the Conference, Surv. Samson Maikano, said this year’s theme aims at bridging the gap between artificial intelligence and the profession.
The Secretary-General of the Northern Surveyors Forum (NSF), Surv. Musa Ephraim, who is also a member of the LOC, said the benefit of AI in land surveying is the automation of tedious and repetitive operations.
“In the past, surveyors took their time manually identifying and measuring geographical features. Drones and autonomous ground vehicles with cameras and sensors can efficiently collect data with the help of AI-powered tools, minimizing the need for human interaction in the field.”
The Royal Father of the Day, the Emir of Kajuru, Alhaji Alhassan Adamu, advised Young Surveyors to take advantage of the Conference to milk the best from the technology so their value does not diminish.
Represented by the Salanken of Kajuru, Idris Murtala Yenusa, the Royal Father admonished the young surveyors to tread carefully so they don’t give room to quacks in the field.
