Survey experts have called on the young surveyors Network to embrace digital technology and innovations in their course of practice so as to align with the evolving changes in the world.
They made the call during the 4th Southeast Camping of the Young Surveyors Network (YSN) Southeast Zone, held between the 16th – 18th April at the Surveyor’s House, Amawbia, Anambra state, a subgroup of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors, News Echo Reports.
The event, themed: “Beyond Coordinates: Technology, Relevance and the Future of Surveying. Smart Surveyors for a Smarter World: Innovation, Precision and Impact” had in attendance members from Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu converge in Anambra for the summit.
Declaring the event open, the Zonal Chair Young Surveyors Network, Southeast, Surv. Ukanwa Samuel Ogwo (MNIS) said the theme Beyond Coordinates: Technology, Relevance and The Future of Surveying is not just timely but a call to Action. ” For decades, surveying has been the backbone of development providing the the partial framework upon which infrastructure, good governance environmental management and economic planning are built. Traditionally, we have been defined by coordinates, boundaries and measurements. But today, we are being challenged to think beyond these fundamentals.”
“We are now in era where technology is redefining boundaries of our profession. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to drone mapping LiDAR systems, satellite remote sensing, and real time geospatial analytics, the tools at our disposal are evolving at an unprecedented pace. The surveyors of today and certainly of tomorrow must not only understand these technologies bit must also lead their applications.”
“As we embrace Technology, we must also confront a critical question;:How relevant are we in today’s rapidly changing world?. Relevance is not automatic, it is earned. It requires adaptability, continuous learning, innovation and above all the willingness to step beyond our comfort zones.”
“We must position ourselves not just as data collectors, bit as Geospatial solution providers, professionals who can interpret, analyse and deliver insights that drive decision making across multiple sectors.”
In his welcome address, the Host and State Chair, Young Surveyors Network, Anambra State, Surv. Anyaegbunam C.D (MNIS) described the theme as a charge for young surveyors. “For too long, the world has been surveyors as people who only plant beacons and give coordinates. But we are more, we are the bedrock of national development. We are data custodians, spatial analylists and solution providers. This camp challenges us to move beyond mere points on paper but to embrace Technology as our new theodalite, to prove our relevance in a world driven by smart cities, GIS, drones , Ai, and geospatial intelligence, and boldly define the future of surveying.”
He maintained that the essence of the gathering was to raise smart Surveyors for a Smarter world , professionals defined by innovation in thought and tools, precision, good character, and impacts to communities.
In his Goodwill message, NIS Chairman, Anambra State who is also the Chief Host, Surveyor High Chief Gabby Okeke, (FNIS), commending the Young Surveyors of Network, Anambra State and Local Organising Committee, said its both timely and prophetic as Surveying is no longer confined to beacons and boundaries. “The world has moved beyond coordinates into an era where technology drives everything we do from UAVs to Ai, from GNSS to digital twins. So our relevance will be measured by how we adapt and the future of surveying belongs to those who combine innovation with precision to deliver real impact in governance, infrastructure and national security.
“To our Young Surveyors from Southeast, NIS is proud of you. You remain the most vibrant arm of the institution, you are not just a future, you are the present energy of the profession.”
The Anambra State Survey Boss, however, tasked them to take ownership of the camp, learn aggressively, network internationally and challenge every resource person. “The skills you acquire here are what will keep the Southeast competitive at the national front,” he added.
One of the Awardee who is a Fellow of NIS, Surveyor Chukwuemeka Donatus said the event as one of its kind is educative targeted to showcase our young surveyors into core experiences which is very vital part of our practice so that they can key on on time and not make fundamental mistakes while practising.
“We inform them what to expect, how to navigate all those problems and how to present themselves in court to be a credible one.”
He expressed happiness over the award by the young surveyors while urging them “to be dedicated in the work and always look out for the truth because it is a challenging work, any money bag can lure you into rendering fake documents which will put you in trouble.”
National Internal Auditor, NIS, Surveyor Dr Chukwubueze Onwuzuluigbo, disclosed that the theme ‘Beyond Coordinates’ is a vocal point in whatever a surveyors are doing. “If you do not have a Coordinates that is a mere piece of paper because that is what binds the property that have been surveyed.”
“Young Surveyors in the southeast have come together to look at what is beyond the ordinary survey practice. When you say ‘Beyond Coordinates’, your looking at survey practice beyond mere production of maps. You saw a courtroom presentation where we try to depict to surveyors what happens in court. As young surveyors many of them have not been in court but with this presentation we have tried to insight them what it looks like and be able to inspire them to probably be equipped if such need arises.”
He adviced them to follow the process because with the process you cannot go wrong and in the surveying profession we have a fantastic career growth and once you follow it, they will surely succeed.
Local Organising Committee Chairman and sponsor, Surv. Obiora Ifechukwu Eugene (MNIS), CEO, Brila Universal Survey Limited, stated that the impact of surveying practice have been wonderful over the past few years because of the recent innovations present in surveying practices. “Atleast we have the innovation of the satellite instruments unlike before. Now younger people have access and these instrument are handy. It has given survey a new light not just in Anambra State but in the southeast in general.”
He disclosed that one of the reasons he sponsored the programme we borne out of the desire to support young people. “For me this programme is motivating for our young personals so that they can atleast make use of the instrument shown to as well as learn from he court exhibition.
Meanwhile, the three days power packed event was equally enriched with activities such as courtesy visit to officials, walk for life (from Aroma to Amawbia state Office) courtroom exhibition, lectures on Geo -flow presented by Surv. Cajethan Ndukwe (MNIS), technical session with the use of Ai Assisted Automated AutoCAD, Instrument Exhibition and Award presentation to deserving members.
Some of the dignitaries present were, the father of the day, Survy, Chigbo Okeke (MNIS), Survy A.C, Indigo – Survey General of Anambra State, Surv. I.K Ajogu – APPSN Chairman, Anambra State and Surv. Eze .H. Chukwuemeka (MNIS) Committee Chairman, Southeast Survey Camp Committee, among others.
