With artificial intelligence (AI) advancing at a record speed, it is becoming a more prevalent topic of discussion for a variety of industries and sectors, including the surveying industry.
In this article we are taking a closer look at how automation has already impacted surveying and how AI could continue to influence and disrupt the industry in the near future.
Automation in Land Surveying
Over the past decade, we have seen a shift from traditional surveying techniques to more automated techniques and processes, such as the introduction of drones for surveying. For drone surveys, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, are equipped with high-resolution cameras that capture data. Whilst facing initial resistance, drone surveys have been widely adopted within the surveying industry due to them allowing surveyors to collect data more quickly and efficiently than ever before.
In land surveying, another automation process that we have seen being used over the past few years is the use of machine learning algorithms to effectively analyse data. Machine learning algorithms are used to automatically detect and map changes in land use over time, allowing for land surveyors to easily recognise areas that may be of interest or concern, and to provide clients with accurate data that enables them to make more informed decisions.
The Future of Land Surveying
Whilst we have already started to see AI transforming the surveying landscape by enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and speed of traditional surveying techniques, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of AI in the field of surveying as these technologies to advance at a rapid rate.
However, unlike some other industries, we do not expect AI to replace the role of a surveyor. Instead, AI-powered software and tools will continue to help surveyors collect, process, and analyse large amounts of data, making it easier to map out land features, identify potential hazards, and assess the impact of development projects.
AI’s machine learning algorithms are expected to advance further and will be able to analyse vast amounts of data to outline patterns and insights that might be missed by human surveyors. As well as transforming land surveying through the use of machine learning algorithms, AI is also expected to streamline the process of surveying by automating repetitive tasks such as data entry and processing, whilst also standardising the surveying process to allow for surveyors to easily share and access other’s data.
AI has the potential to automate many of the processes involved in land surveying, enabling surveyors to work more efficiently, accurately, and safely. This technology is still considered to be in the early stages, but as it continues to advance, we can expect to see it revolutionise the land surveying field as we know it today.
At Landform Surveys, we use the latest technologies to provide our clients with the most accurate and efficient surveys as possible. We are interested to see whether or not AI will become a core technology in our industry.
Get in touch with our team of experienced surveyors today to find out how we can help you.
