| Surveying | |
Constraints of surveying and mapping awareness in Nigeria: A comprehensive review
This paper sheds light on the key obstacles that prevent the widespread recognition and appreciation of surveying and mapping in Nigeria |
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Abstract
This accounts for the various forms of complexity that contribute to the lack of awareness surrounding surveying and mapping in Nigeria. Despite the crucial importance of accurate geospatial information in shaping the development of the nation, there exists a substantial gap in awareness among the general public. By meticulously analyzing and synthesizing a wide range of existing literature, this paper sheds light on the key obstacles that prevent the widespread recognition and appreciation of surveying and mapping in Nigeria. From outdated perceptions to insufficient educational initiatives, this study uncovers the underlying factors that hinder progress in this critical field. Ultimately, by bringing these constraints to the forefront, this paper aims to spark a much-needed conversation and pave the way for greater understanding and support for surveying and mapping in Nigeria.
Introduction
The field of surveying is an essential aspect of urban planning, resource management, and economic development in Nigeria. It involves a diverse range of disciplines, including geodesy, geometry, trigonometry, physics, and law, to accurately determine terrestrial positions. Surveying plays a crucial role in preventing boundary disputes, ensuring informed land valuation, and guiding construction decisions, all of which are vital for the progress and development of the country. Despite its importance, there is a significant lack of awareness about the pivotal role that surveying plays among the general public, policymakers, and certain professionals in Nigeria. This lack of awareness can lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions about the profession, hindering its effectiveness and impact on the development of the country. Furthermore, the surveying profession in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, ranging from technological advancements that continuously reshape employment practices to legislative changes that impact the way surveys are conducted. As highlighted in previous studies (Adeoye, 2007; Kabir et. al., 2022), these challenges must be addressed to ensure that the surveying profession in Nigeria can continue to effectively contribute to the country’s development and progress.
This paper aims to:
a. Identify the key constraints affecting the awareness of surveying and mapping in Nigeria.
b. Analyze the impact of these constraints on national development and
c. Propose strategies for overcoming these constraints and enhancing awareness.
Constraints to surveying and mapping awareness
The field of surveying is an essential aspect of urban planning, resource management, and economic development in Nigeria. It involves a diverse range of disciplines, including geodesy, geometry, trigonometry, physics, and law, to accurately determine terrestrial positions. Surveying plays a crucial role in preventing boundary disputes, ensuring informed land valuation, and guiding construction decisions, all of which are vital for the progress and development of the country. Despite its importance, there is a significant lack of awareness about the pivotal role that surveying plays among the general public, policymakers, and certain professionals in Nigeria. This lack of awareness can lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions about the profession, hindering its effectiveness and impact on the development of the country. Furthermore, the surveying profession in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, ranging from technological advancements that continuously reshape employment practices to legislative changes that impact the way surveys are conducted. As highlighted in previous studies (Adeoye, 2007; Kabir et. al., 2022), these challenges must be addressed to ensure that the surveying profession in Nigeria can continue to effectively contribute to the country’s development and progress.
Constraints on national development
Several strategic measures are proposed for consideration in analyzing the impact of these constraints on national development surveying practices in Nigeria. The voice and tone of the response text should maintain a professional demeanor.
Educational Gaps
In Nigeria, there is a significant gap in the integration of geospatial education at various academic levels, which poses a challenge to the educational system. Currently, only twenty (20) Universities and thirty-six (36) Monotechnic/ Polytechnics/ Colleges of Technology in Nigeria offer Surveying and Geoinformatics at different levels, as recognized by SURCON (2019) and Kabir et al. (2022). However, these institutions often lack the necessary resources to provide quality training in this field. Moreover, the national curriculum does not adequately emphasize the importance of surveying as a discipline, resulting in a lack of foundational understanding among students and professionals. The absence of a strong educational foundation in surveying perpetuates a cycle of unawareness. As a consequence, graduates enter the workforce with limited knowledge of the field’s significance, which hampers their ability to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Limited Public Outreach
Despite its crucial role in infrastructure development and disaster preparedness, the communication of surveying to the general public in Nigeria is insufficient. There is a noticeable absence of targeted public outreach programs aimed at increasing awareness about the valuable contributions of surveying. As a result, the general population remains uninformed about the significant impact surveying has on shaping their everyday lives. This lack of awareness undermines public support for surveying activities and diminishes the perceived importance of this field.
Technological Barriers
The world is undergoing continuous change, driven by constant technological advancements. However, Nigeria is facing a technological divide in the field of surveying practices. While new surveying instruments and advanced methods are being introduced regularly, there is a lack of uniform adoption, resulting in disparities between those who embrace modern tools and those who lack access or resist innovative approaches. The surveying industry in Nigeria has evolved significantly over the past decade, and even more so in the past five years. We are currently experiencing a period of constant movement, with rapid technological advances, legislative changes, and evolving demands on the skills of surveyors (Adeoye, 2007). This technological gap hinders the effectiveness of surveying practices in Nigeria. Professionals who are not up-to-date with modern technologies may struggle to compete globally, impeding the country’s progress in geospatial data collection and analysis.
Limited Government Initiatives
The absence of comprehensive government initiatives in Nigeria has hindered the promotion of surveying as an important profession. The lack of supportive policies has resulted in a lack of recognition and integration of surveying into national development strategies. Without government advocacy, surveying faces difficulties in gaining the necessary attention and support for its inclusion in critical decision-making processes. This lack of recognition limits the potential contribution of the field to the nation’s socio-economic growth.
Perceived Lack of Relevance
Surveying in Nigeria faces the challenge of being perceived as irrelevant or disconnected from everyday life. The general populace may not recognize its crucial role in shaping infrastructure, land use, and disaster preparedness. This perception diminishes interest in surveying as a career, resulting in a shortage of professionals. The lack of skilled individuals in the field further reinforces the notion that surveying is not a vital aspect of national development, perpetuating a cycle of Under-recognition. An exploration of existing studies and initiatives within Nigeria related to surveying and mapping awareness to establish a baseline for this research.
Insecurity and Safety Concerns
The current state of insecurity in Nigeria has significantly impacted the safety of both lives and properties, which has consequently affected the Surveying profession. Insecurity and safety concerns within the field of surveying manifest in various ways, such as posing threats to the physical safety of surveyors, particularly in areas characterized by civil unrest, political instability, and high crime rates. These challenges often hinder fieldwork and jeopardize the wellbeing of survey teams. Additionally, surveyors in certain regions face risks from wildlife, challenging terrains, and criminal activities. Moreover, geopolitical issues contribute to the risks associated with land disputes or border conflicts, further escalating tensions and posing threats to surveyors, especially when conducting surveys near disputed or sensitive areas.
Insufficient Collaboration
Effective surveying and mapping rely heavily on collaboration, as it facilitates the sharing of knowledge, best practices, and resources. Unfortunately, Nigeria is facing a major hurdle due to the lack of collaboration among survey professionals, government agencies, and stakeholders. This constraint is impeding the progress and effectiveness of surveying and mapping initiatives in the country. Insufficient collaboration has resulted in challenges such as data fragmentation, duplicated efforts, limited information exchange, and inconsistent standards. The absence of standardized practices across surveying entities has further exacerbated the issue, leading to inconsistencies in data collection, processing, and reporting. As a consequence, the reliability and comparability of survey results are compromised.
Discussion on strategies for improvement
Several strategic measures are proposed for consideration to address the challenges faced by surveying practices in Nigeria.
Curriculum Enhancement
The integration of geospatial education into formal academic curricula is not only a response to current challenges, but also a proactive strategy to equip future surveying professionals with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the modern world. This initiative serves as an investment in the future of the surveying sector in Nigeria, ensuring its resilience, relevance, and ability to make meaningful contributions to the country’s development and sustainable land management. By closing the existing educational gap, this approach aims to produce graduates who possess a comprehensive understanding of the impact of surveying on the landscape, thus fostering informed citizens. The adoption of curriculum enhancement is crucial for the advancement of the surveying profession in Nigeria.
Public Awareness Campaigns
The implementation of focused public awareness campaigns is regarded as a strategy to change the perception of surveying from just a profession to a fundamental element for the advancement of sustainable development. This endeavor seeks to foster a shared understanding of the importance of accurate surveys and mapping by educating communities about their significance, advocating for best practices, and actively involving the public through different communication channels. Consequently, this will assist in establishing trust, minimizing conflicts, and cultivating a cooperative and knowledgeable society that acknowledges and encourages the crucial role of surveying in shaping the future of the nation.
Technological Training
Technological training is a powerful solution for addressing the challenges faced in the field of surveying in Nigeria. This training program aims to equip professionals with the essential skills needed to effectively utilize modern surveying technologies, thereby improving the efficiency, accuracy, and global competitiveness of the surveying profession. The implementation strategies, such as integrating the curriculum, providing practical training, and collaborating with technology providers, are designed to create a workforce that can not only adapt to technological advancements but also drive innovation. As Nigeria progresses in terms of technology, it is crucial for the surveying profession to keep up, and investing in technological training is an investment in the overall development of the country.
Collaboration with Security Agencies
It is essential to establish collaboration with local law enforcement and security agencies in order to enhance project operations. This partnership may include sharing project plans, obtaining security briefings, and receiving support in high-risk areas. Moreover, providing trainings to the survey teams on safety protocols and situational awareness will greatly enhance their ability to navigate challenging situations. This will ultimately contribute to the overall improvement of the team’s performance. The tone of the response text should maintain a professional demeanor.
Establishment of a Collaborative Platform
The objective is to establish a centralized platform or network that facilitates efficient collaboration among survey professionals, government agencies, and stakeholders. This platform will function as a central hub for sharing information, coordinating projects, and initiating joint initiatives. By promoting a cooperative environment, it will support professionals nationwide in leveraging their collective expertise and resources to progress in the field of surveying. Effective collaboration is not just a solution; it serves as a driving force for innovation, efficiency, and sustainable development.
Conclusion
The aforementioned strategies are positioned as practical measures aimed at addressing current challenges. They are intended to contribute to a Nigeria where surveying is not only seen as a profession but as a vital force that shapes our collective destiny. The emphasis lies in the belief that an educated, aware, and technologically adept approach to surveying can drive the nation towards unprecedented growth and prosperity. These strategies are presented with a focus on practical implementation and tangible outcomes. This paper emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness of surveying and mapping in Nigeria and proposes actionable strategies to overcome the identified constraints. By fostering a culture of understanding and appreciation, Nigeria can fully utilize the potential of geospatial information for sustainable development.
References
Adeoye, A. A. (2007). Changes in Surveying Practices in Nigeria: Opportunities, Responsibilities and Challenges, Nigeria, FIG Working Week 2007.
Kabir, M. M., Pepple, G. T., Ajie, U. E. and West, E. B. (2022). Surveying: Academic and Professional Discipline, Proceedings of the FIG XXVII International Conference, Warsaw, Poland, September 11 – 15.
Pepple, G. T., West, E. B., Lenyie, P. and Oteyi, A. (2023). Surveying in Nigeria: Academic and Professional challenges, Coordinates, Vol XIX (6).
Idoko, N. (2023). Challenges and Opportunities for Surveyors in Nigeria.
NIS, (2013). “History and Practice of Surveying and Mapping in Nigeria” published by Concept publications Limited (Press Division), Palmgrove, Lagos, Nigeria.
SURCON, (2019). Accreditation status of Institution 2019 for Senate (Surveyors Council of Nigeria), pp. 1 – 5.
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