The Future of Surveying Technology: What’s Next?

Technology has been moving on in leaps and bounds at a startling rate over the past decade, but never more so than the past couple of years when artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the face of so many industries and professions.

Whilst it’s still not clear whether it will make a significant impact in the construction industry over time, it is impossible to ignore the subject of AI when discussing surveying technology trends.

How is AI being used in measured building surveys?

AI is increasingly being integrated into a variety of measured surveying procedures. Its ability to process large volumes of information at speed makes it useful for analysing ground penetrating radar (GPR) and mobile mapping data. And machine learning, a branch of AI, has been used in self-learning total stations and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensors for some time.

Also, in the field of movement monitoring, there are total stations that automatically adjust to environmental conditions, locking onto the set target regardless of how challenging the field distractions may be. Advanced analytics have the ability to transform complex captured data into realistic and meaningful 3D models, saving time and increasing accuracy.

However, whilst these advancements are impressive, they highlight a crucial point: whilst AI is good for interpreting scanned data quickly, human expertise is vital for making sense of that data, and specific construction knowledge is crucial for producing drawings with tangible value.

“Biggest leap in surveying technology in 20 years”

A significant leap in surveying technology over the past two decades has to be 3D laser scanning. A revelation in itself, the technology looks set to be further enhanced with AI integration.

One of the primary applications of AI in this area will be the automated classification and segmentation of point-clouds.

Traditionally, processing point-clouds to distinguish between different types of objects and surfaces (e.g., walls, floors, and structural elements) has been a laborious task requiring manual input. But the future of surveying technology trends will see AI algorithms analysing these massive datasets faster and more accurately, identifying and categorising elements to create more detailed and useful models.

Another use of AI in 3D laser scanning may be to enhance the accuracy and detail of scans. AI can help optimise scan settings in real-time, automatically adjusting parameters in line with environmental factors and surface materials, resulting in higher quality data capture.

What’s more, AI-driven software has the potential to be able to correct errors and fill in gaps in data, creating more complete and accurate 3D models.

AI will need to advance ‘significantly’ if there’s to be a substantial leap in measured surveys

However, if we are to make a substantial leap in measured surveys with artificial intelligence, we believe it will need to advance significantly. Because currently, despite AI and all its capabilities, there still exists a substantial need for human input in the survey process. And here’s why…

Whilst AI can count average lines to a plane, understanding how those lines join together requires the skill of an experienced surveyor.

Another point is that whilst AI and user interfaces have the potential to improve, speeding up processing and potentially making some procedures more efficient, there’s a real risk of over-engineering.

Certain tools – AutoCAD being an example – can become bogged down with unnecessary features, slowing down workflow rather than enhancing it. This underscores the fact that AI, whilst a powerful tool, is no substitute for human expertise, particularly in specialist industries like building surveying.

Drones… posed to shape the future of surveying?

Another surveying technology trend poised to shape the future of the industry has to be drones.

Drones offer huge potential, providing access to hard-to-reach areas and delivering efficient, safe and contactless surveying solutions.

However, the weight of the scanning technology they need to carry remains a significant challenge. If advancements can be made to reduce the weight and cost, drones could become even more prevalent in the industry.

Surveying technology trends: the essential role of human surveyors remains unchanged

Despite recent technological advancements, the essence of accurate surveying remains unchanged.

The accuracy of a measured survey, produced from scan data, depends on a chain of processes, each requiring careful attention, skill, and experience.

Nothing has yet been invented that’s going to automate the process of measured surveys to such a level considered acceptable to engineers and architects and other construction professionals.

And whilst AI will no doubt have a fair amount of input over the coming years, and whilst it may well improve the first-hand user interface and speed of data processing, the human touch – especially the human touch with specialist construction industry experience – remains irreplaceable.

In conclusion, whilst AI and other technologies are making significant strides in the surveying industry, they should be considered more as tools that enhance rather than replace the expertise of human building surveyors.

Surveying technology trends appear promising, but it is the skill and experience of surveyors that will continue to ensure the highest levels of accuracy and reliability in the field, supporting all the vital deliverables associated with a construction project.

Would you like to book a measured survey?

Founded in 1999, Callidus Building Surveys Ltd boasts a team of some of the UK’s most experienced measured survey specialists.

As well investing in the highest specification, cutting edge precision 3D scanning equipment, we also offer the added reassurance of every laser survey being overseen by one of our highly experienced principal surveyors.

Whether you require a 3D laser scanning, movement monitoring or topographical survey for any type of building, you can rely on our skill, expertise and experience to produce precisely what you need, on time and within budget.

Simply send us your specification and we’ll get back to you with a quote for your measured survey.