AI – a force for good
ARTIFICIAL Intelligence (AI) can be the force for good in carrying out computational and data processing tasks, as well as helping us solve the problems that we have. It is key that users have a clear definition of the problem statement by asking the right questions and weeding out the wrong answers.
Like with any process that relies on inputs, we need to ensure that we feed AI tools the right inputs so as not discourage us from using AI and technology.
All these processes clearly need civil engineering surveyors to apply their skills to enhance their own and their organisation’s productivity.
My observation is that instead of potentially over considering the possibility of being replaced by machines we should eye the opportunities to make ourselves even more relevant and valuable by adding to organisational and customer outcomes.
AI can be the force for good in carrying out computational and data processing tasks, as well as helping us solve the problems that we have.CICES members produce an enormous amount of data on a daily basis.
The Financial Times has recently reported that a tacit approval for the law profession has been given for ‘administrate or repetitive tasks’ but with caution to weed out wrong answers1.
Our colleagues in commercial management practice stand to benefit from this AI application endorsement too.
My observation is that instead of potentially over considering the possibility of being replaced by machines we should eye the opportunities to make ourselves even more relevant and valuable by adding to organisational and customer outcomes. According to AeonGreen Ltd, who, empowered by technology, develop and implement innovative solutions to some of the most complex projects and enterprises, a 1.8km length of carriageway on the A12 Project took 16 minutes to survey and generated a georeferenced point cloud file of circa 17 gigabytes.
This data is used in many ways, such as measuring the amount of work done, confirming assets’ geospatial data, and surveying the work still needed to be done, plus other data request reasonings.
From the commercial management perspective, big data is necessary for initial cost/budget modelling, application of reference class forecasting methods, as well as productivity control, risk forecasting or mitigation and overall cost control requirements.
We have a part to play in helping the industry develop AI for measurement and geospatial engineering. AI is being used for automation, data analysis as well as improving the accuracy of surveying tasks.
AI presents us with opportunities to increase productivity by processing the cost and productivity measurement and surveying data faster, in addition to improved accuracy through AI-driven analytics and a huge potential in its application in autonomous survey and data processing tools.
The time is now for all civil engineering surveyors to demonstrate the value we bring by equipping ourselves with and embracing digital skills. I believe that AI has the potential to become the most transformative invention in the world and its applications will become a force for good.
The indications is that we are getting closer to achieving semi-autonomy in surveying techniques from laser mapping to collect details of existing features to augmented reality to help us better interact with the real world by allowing users to access computer-generated information and data about the real world.
On the other hand, virtual reality technology helps us gain a better understanding of the real world and planned real world before we make irreversible and costly alterations to it.
Far from seeing AI in a negative light, the key to productive and value adding AI, is for everyone to embrace the opportunities it brings alongside appreciating the risks and mitigating them. Civil engineering surveyors have proved to be resilient and adaptable in the past in adopting technology.
The time is now for all civil engineering surveyors to demonstrate the value we bring by equipping ourselves with and embracing digital skills. I believe that AI has the potential to become the most transformative invention in the world and its applications will become a force for good.
It would, however, be remiss of me to not mention the challenges presented by AI in terms of data management, data security, AI algorithm training and how ethical use and biases can be minimised as well as the role of regulation and legislation to minimise the unintended consequences.
These are legitimate concerns which must be taken into account in commissioning AI systems and are all tasks to be taken up by CICES members and our fellow professionals.
Batsetswe Motsumi FCInstCES, President
1 Alister Gray, 12 December 2023, ‘Judges in England and Wales told to restrict their use of AI in cases’, Financial Times Online.