SURVEYING, AND NOT GEOINFORMATICS

SURCON QUESTION: THE SCIENCE OF DEPICTING THE POSITIONS OF POINTS ON THE EARHT’S SURFACE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRODUCING MAPS AND MAP-RELATED INFORMATION IS SURVEYING, AND NOT GEOINFORMATICS.

Surveying is the science of obtaining information about relative positions of points on, above or below the earth’s surface and representing the information on maps. Surveying concerns itself with collection and processing of geospatial data. Being one of the oldest professions, over the years surveying has remained one of the most important tasks man engages for the sustenance of the earth and its resources.

However, as technology changes, the techniques of surveying have changed from plane-table surveying to satellite techniques. The old has been replaced (or displaced) by advanced techniques which are technology-driven. As more intelligence is being built into surveying equipments, data gathering is now being simplified and ordinary people who can operate computerized equipment can collect data as much as any surveyor. Thus, the surveyor is fast losing most of his data collection tasks.

This situation called for re-examination of the essential work of the surveyor. It was therefore agreed that the work of the surveyor is not only data measurement, which traditional surveying presupposes, but also data management, which geoinformatics describes.

Thus, in the advanced world, the term ‘surveying’ has been supported with another professional term ‘geomatics’ or ‘geomatics engineering’. Geomatics properly describes what is now known as ‘paradigm shift from measurement to management.’

Geomatics (or geoinformatics) is the modern scientific term referring o the integrated approach of measurement, analysis, management, storage and display of geospatial data. Unlike traditional surveying in which data are collected using field methods, modern data capturing techniques include the use of satellite sensors and computerized equipment. These data are processed, analyzed, manipulated and displayed using computer systems. The digital data are used to produce digital maps. These map products have applications in earth-based professions such as environmental resource planning, monitoring and exploitation, socio-economic planning, engineering design and construction and so forth. Geomatics lends itself to digital mapping, which is the modern technique of mapping.

As mentioned above. There has been a major ‘paradigm shift’ in surveying and mapping. The change is comparable to a change from plane-table survey to satellite mapping. The fact is that mapping by traditional field surveying to produce analogue maps has been replaced by digital mapping using satellite imageries, Geographic Information systems (GIS) and other computer systems to produce digital maps.

It is therefore generally agreed that the term ‘surveying’ no longer accurately describe the roles of the modern surveyor. As GIS, digital and space technologies gain prominence in their applications in surveying, the modern surveyor uses new techniques for data acquisition, data analysis and data management. A change in the name of the profession has become necessary and all stake holders agree.

The problem, however, is whether or not the term ‘geoinformatics’ or ‘geomatics’ can completely replace (or should completely replace) the term ‘surveying’. From the descriptions outlined above, it is clear that both surveying and geoinformatics in principle refer to the same role of depicting the positions of points on earth’s surface for the purpose of producing maps and map-related information. The difference between the two concepts is the techniques employed to achieve the same aim. Surveying employs traditional methods while geoinformatics makes use of modern techniques to achieve the same aim of map production. The name change reflects the modern techniques of mapping and the new roles of surveyors as geodata managers, custodians and maintenance experts.

In conclusion, it is appropriate to note root words in geoinformatics: geo (meaning the earth), information and mathematics. These words describe the modern surveyor as the professional who manages and makes available earth resources data in mathematical format. In realization of the name change, and while not willing to completely dump the traditional name, academics have changed the name of their surveying departments in institutions to ‘surveying and geoinformatics’. This is a commendable way of integrating the old and the new. But then, who is afraid of replacing the old with the new? Who is afraid of change?

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.