Navigating the future
Utopia for surveyors in the next decade: CICES Utilities and Subsurface Mapping Panel
As we stand at the cusp of a new era, the field of civil engineering and surveying specifically is on the brink of a revolutionary transformation. Over the next 10 years, advancements in technology and a paradigm shift towards digitalisation are poised to redefine the landscape for surveyors. In this article, we will explore the utopian vision that awaits surveyors, focusing on three key pillars: cutting-edge land surveying equipment, enhanced access to digital data, and improved standards across the digital surveying sector.
Drone at night.
In the utopia of the future, surveyors will find themselves equipped with a dazzling array of cutting-edge tools that promise to redefine efficiency and accuracy in land surveying.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will soar through the skies, equipped with high-resolution lidar and advanced imaging systems.
These drones will not only cover vast expanses of land in record time but also navigate challenging terrains with unparalleled precision making them indispensable for large-scale surveys.
However, this is now, not in a decade from now. Remote sensing has arguably been used for the past ten years in that site due diligence using Google Earth for example is part of day-to-day research. Better sensors, new sensors, automated flights, cloud-data; all examples of minor adjustments to accelerate technical advances.
Better sensors, new sensors, automated flights, cloud-data; all examples of minor adjustments to accelerate technical advances
Ground-based equipment will undergo a technological renaissance, featuring improved satellite positioning systems and 5G data networks, robotic total stations and 3D laser scanners will be upgraded and connected to live project common data environments.
Noting that rapid data-capture techniques include the underground as well as above ground. Will the data generated by the radars and cameras filled on the EVs of the future be able to feed into Smart Cities and digital networks? The fibre-optic cables buried in the streets beneath our feet will be used to inform 3D models of the subsurface.
These innovations will empower surveyors to capture data with speed and detail, ensuring that projects are executed with unprecedented accuracy. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms into surveying equipment will automate routine tasks, allowing surveyors to focus on more complex decision-making processes.
The utopian vision for surveyors in the next decade revolves around seamless access to digital data. geographic information system (GIS) platforms will evolve into interconnected ecosystems, allowing surveyors to access real-time data from a variety of sources. We’ve seen the release of the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) across England and Wales for example. In our utopian vision, information held in silos will merge to form a single point of truth.
This requires a digital guardian. This interconnectedness will not only streamline the decision-making process but also enable collaboration on an unprecedented scale contributing to huge increases in productivity.
These innovations will empower surveyors to capture data with speed and detail, ensuring that projects are executed with unprecedented accuracy.
Cloud computing will play a pivotal role in this utopian landscape, offering surveyors the ability to store and retrieve vast amounts of data with ease. Real-time data sharing will become the norm, fostering collaboration between surveying teams and other stakeholders. The democratisation of data will empower surveyors at all levels, from small-scale projects to large infrastructure developments, ensuring that every professional has access to the resources needed for success.
In the utopia of the future, the digital surveying sector will be characterised by standardised practices that prioritise quality and consistency. International bodies and industry associations will collaborate to establish and update guidelines that ensure interoperability between different surveying systems. This will not only facilitate smooth collaboration on a global scale but also enhance the reliability of surveying data.
Adherence to these standards will be reinforced by strict requirements for organisations to prove professional competence before accessing or supplying data, for example through schemes of accreditation and professional registration.
There will be a need for gatekeepers to ensure the smooth flow of information and output is not disrupted by poor quality inputs.
Look at pioneering standards like the model for underground data definition and integration (MUDDI) and learn from the past by avoiding protected file types, muddled notation and an unwillingness to share survey data to benefit society – it’s civil engineering for a reason, for civilians.
Training programmes and certifications will evolve to encompass the latest advancements in technology, ensuring surveyors are well-equipped to leverage the full potential of digital tools.
Quality control measures, supported by advanced analytics and AI, will be implemented throughout the surveying process, minimising errors and guaranteeing results accuracy.
There is a need for digital guardians, gatekeepers and industry collaboration. CICES is arguably the institution to maintain oversight and ensure competencies move with technological advances.
It’s the body that can bring all areas together and facilitate the relationship building required to usher in the future, whilst also holding up a yardstick by which to measure the surveyors of tomorrow.
The utopia for surveyors in the next 10 years promises a transformative journey fuelled by technological innovation, enhanced access to digital data, and improved standards across the digital surveying sector.
As we navigate this exciting future, it is crucial for professionals to embrace the evolving landscape, adapt to new technologies, and actively contribute to the development of standards that will shape the industry for years to come.
The journey towards utopia begins with a collective commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of surveying.