IMIESA July 2021

Page 14

GEOMATICS

Like any other built environment professional group, geomatics practitioners are experiencing a constant evolution in their day-to-day activities spurred on by Industry 4.0 technologies. Rather than viewing it as a threat, the South African Geomatics Institute (SAGI) says embracing the change presents exciting new opportunities to evolve the survey profession. By Alastair Currie

T

o practise, all geomatics professionals must be registered with the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC), in accordance with the Geomatics Profession Act (No. 19 of 2013). The latter defines the actions and responsibilities of the survey profession, and makes it illegal for someone who is not registered to perform these duties. The geomatics field is diverse and encompasses land surveying, engineering surveying, planning, photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographical information systems (GIS) and land management. Within this scope, the two main registered groups are either land surveyors or engineering surveyors. “The advent of relatively cheap positioning systems, as well as GPS apps on smartphones, may give the impression that anyone can produce a typographical map or accurately position survey beacons,” says Altus Strydom, chairperson: Northern Branch, SAGI. “However, this is far from the case.” Only a trained survey professional has the proven expertise to analyse and accurately interpret cadastral and engineering data, and then apply it within the host of Acts

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IMIESA July 2021

The future of surveying

that govern land development, ownership and management. “Despite this, however, there’s still widespread evidence of unregistered activity; where it occurs, SAGI is committed to taking legal action,” he explains. So far, SAGI has approximately 30 cases of illegal surveying on record and is in the process of lodging the matter with the courts in one case. SAGI has also established a special committee to map out a more comprehensive plan of action.

Roles and responsibilities “As SAGI, it’s crucial that we continue to inform and educate SOEs and municipalities so there’s a clear distinction between our profession and others, like town and regional planning, as defined by the Planning Profession Act (No. 36 of 2002). To develop their models, for example, town and regional planners depend

A digital elevation model produced using drone imagery

on accurate survey data and expert advice from a land surveyor, who then lodges general plans for approval with the Chief Surveyor General (CSG),” says Strydom. The CSG defines its mission as follows: ‘To provide a national cadastral survey management system in support of an equitable and sustainable land dispensation that promotes socio-economic development.’ Within this framework, the CSG’s office has the sole responsibility for approving development applications, which must be prepared and signed off by a registered professional land surveyor. Currently, the typical approval process can take anywhere from two to four years


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Admixture accelerators for cold conditions

2min
page 57

Turning concrete waste into a resource

2min
page 54

The FUSO FJ26-280C HYP receives a stamp of approval

6min
pages 50-51

A variety of solutions for driver management

2min
page 53

Lifting with a difference

4min
pages 48-49

Local knowledge key to success of cross border projects

6min
pages 44-45

Affordable technology that builds brick businesses

4min
pages 46-47

Infrastructure news from around the continent

4min
pages 42-43

Inclusionary housing: addressing the elephants in the room

3min
page 40

Youth participation in the social housing value chain

2min
page 41

University switches to green energy

1min
page 39

Working towards a just energy transition

2min
page 38

Substation upgrade for new data centre

2min
page 37

Trenchless techniques are optimal for urban zones

1min
page 35

Energy efficiency starts with consumption

2min
page 36

Riverbank training and protection

4min
pages 28-29

Whistleblowing hotlines for municipalities

5min
pages 30-31

Unpacking barriers for women in construction

4min
pages 32-33

Geogrids in civil engineering applications

5min
pages 26-27

Empowerment through quality, education and training

6min
pages 24-25

uMshwathi Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme Phase 2

5min
pages 22-23

Asset maintenance is a lifelong journey

4min
pages 18-19

The BUILD programme makes every project count

6min
pages 12-13

The future of surveying

6min
pages 14-16

Editor’s comment

4min
pages 5-6

Repairing concrete with concrete in sewer systems

8min
pages 8-11

The durability of steel for bulk water delivery

4min
pages 20-21

Establishing a new docking site for MSC

3min
page 17

President’s comment

2min
page 7
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