GEODATA MANAGEMENT IS THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT OF THE SURVEYOR

GEODATA MANAGEMENT IS THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT OF THE SURVEYOR

Geodata or geospatial data are data that have spatial dimensions. That is, they are tied to a particular location on the earth surface. Traditionally, there are several professions whose activities are earth-based. In addition to land surveyors, these professionals include geographers, town planners, civil engineers, geologists, geo-physicists, and estate surveyors. Among all these professionals, land surveyors have always been the experts whose work involves collection, analysis, processing and management of geospatial data.

Examples of geodata collected surveyors include coordinates of points describing locations of phenomena on, near or under the earth surface; hydrographic data describing the hydrodynamics of water bodies and locations of features in water; magnetic and gravity forces acting on the earth and impacting its crustal formation and deformation. Modern geospatial data include aerial photographs satellite imageries, and other data received from satellites orbiting the earth. These data are used to determine the shape and size of the earth, and resources in the earth. In a word, geodata are needed for location, positioning, earth resource management and navigation.

Traditional works of the surveyor include capturing of geodata through several techniques of measurement, analysis of the data using rigorous mathematical computations, and processing of the data to produce maps and map products.

Advances in technology, availability of computer software and hardware, sophisticated surveying equipment and satellite positioning systems have made capturing of geodata less tedious and analysis less rigorous. Now, anybody who is fairly computer literate can operate computerized surveying equipment and capture geodata in the field. But that does not make them surveyors any more than the ability to detect a sick person makes any one a medical doctor. Being able to build a hut does not make anyone a building engineer, nor does it give them the technical expertise to take over the role of the professional.

In addition to simplifying data capture, technology also opens up for the surveyor new and challenging professional roles. These roles include Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) expertise, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) expertise, satellite remote sensing analysis, location-based systems expertise, and geospatial data management expertise, which is the area some professionals are contesting with surveyors. This contest is as absurd as contesting with a pregnant woman for her pregnancy.

There is no need wasting time on such absurdity. Surveyors must be at the top of their profession in order to maintain their role as geodata managers. In that regard, surveyors must come to terms with the changing realities of their profession. One of such realities is that the term ‘surveying’ no longer accurately and adequately describe the tasks of the surveyor. That is why another term ‘Geomatics’ has been provided by surveying experts.

Geomatics is the modern scientific term which refers to the integrated procedure of measurement, analysis, management, storage and display of geospatial data. Geomatics clearly describes the shift from measurement to management of geodata. The modern surveyor (Geomatics Surveyor) is not only a gatherer of geospatial data but also a manager. Geomatics Surveyors are resource managers because they deal on management of earth resources data.

The modern surveyor should think along this line of data management and not bother himself with professional pirates who lack fresh ideas in their own profession and want to steal from us. Even the law recognizes surveyors as geo-data experts and has appropriate punishments for quacks. The law should be strengthened so that its arms become long enough to catch up with professional pirates.

Meanwhile, surveyors should become better at data management. After capturing, analysis and processing data, surveyors should learn well the art of managing data for optimum benefit to people. Geodata and geoinformation are public goods that should be enjoyed by all citizens within the ambit of the law. It is a role of the surveyor to ensure this. As resource managers, surveyors should make sure that geodata are always available to all users. Any resource that is not well managed will soon become a waste, likewise geodata and geoinformation. It is a sacred responsibility of surveyors to manage geospatial data efficiently so that they are always available to the public. These data should always be updated so they are adequate, accurate and up-to-date; thereby they become functional and useful to both professional and non-professional users.

In conclusion, it must be repeated that geodata management is the exclusive right of surveyors who hold it in trust for the people. As no other professional manages patients for medical doctors, no more should any professional attempt to manage geodata on behalf of surveyors. If that was done, as patients who were managed by a quack doctor, those geodata would waste away in some office cabinets.

DISCLAIMER: This material is only an attempt to answer an examination question, though written from a background of solid knowledge and practical experience in Surveying and Geoinformatics. It has not gone through peer review. Therefore, all views and opinions expressed therein remain the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent that of any institution.  Feedback on corrections and constructive criticisms are welcome. Thank you.