A body, the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS) has made case for the adoption of proper technology to enhance competition in the built environment.

NIS made the call during the recent interactive & orientation session for resident and non-resident surveyors of Lagos State.

Surveyor-General of Lagos State, Ayokunnu Adesina, in the event, noted that artificial intelligence is making its way into the field of surveying and is poised to revolutionise the way professionals gather data, analyse information, and deliver solutions.

He noted, “It is important to note that AI is still in its early stages of development within the surveying industry. However, the potential benefits are significant, and AI is expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of surveying.

“AI can automate tedious tasks like feature extraction from LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data or aerial photographs. This frees up surveyors to focus on more complex tasks and analysis.

“Improved Data Quality and Accuracy: AI algorithms can be trained to identify and flag inconsistencies or errors in surveying data, leading to more accurate and reliable results”.

Adesina claimed that AI could be used to automate quality control checks on survey data, ensuring that it meets the required standards.

He added, “It can also be used to detect anomalies or unexpected features in the data, which could be potential areas of concern.

“AI can be used to create highly detailed and accurate 3D models of terrain and infrastructure from surveying data. This can be valuable for a variety of applications, such as construction planning, volume calculations, and visualisation.

“In the future, AI could be used to develop autonomous surveying systems that can operate without human intervention. This could be used for tasks such as surveying hazardous or difficult-to-reach areas”.@

In a similar vein, the immediate past Vice President of the Nigeria Institution of Surveyors, Olumide Adewebi, said the field of land surveying was rapidly evolving with advancements in technology.

“Embracing these technologies will enhance your efficiency, accuracy, and competitiveness. Embrace cutting-edge technologies, such as light detection and ranging, which uses laser light to create high-resolution maps and models, significantly enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of your surveying projects”, he stated.

He urged surveyors to use advanced software for data processing, mapping, and project management, adding that software tools could automate many tasks, reduce errors, and improve workflow efficiency.