GIS

RICS launches global AI standard for surveying

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has published the first global professional standard for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in surveying practice.

Set to take effect on 9 March 2026, the new standard sets out mandatory requirements and best practice expectations for RICS members and regulated firms worldwide. Some of the key provisions of the new standard include:
• Governance & Risk Management Firms must implement clear policies around data use, AI system governance, and risk documentation – including the creation of risk registers and due diligence procedures.
• Professional Judgment & Oversight Surveyors must assess the reliability of AI outputs and remain accountable for all work, applying professional scepticism and expertise throughout.
• Transparency & Client Communication Clients must be informed, in writing, of when and how AI will be used in service delivery, including options for redress or opting out.
• Ethical Development of AI For firms developing their own AI systems, the standard mandates assessments of data quality, stakeholder involvement, sustainability impact, and legal compliance. www.rics.org

USGS unvelis national geologic map

The new USGS map, called The Cooperative National Geologic Map, was created using more than 100 pre existing geologic maps from various sources and is the first nationwide map to provide users with access to multiple layers of geologic data for one location. This feature allows users to access the multiple data sources included in the map to look at or beneath the surface to understand the ancient history of the nation recorded in rocks.

The new interactive web tool was designed to be as user friendly as possible, making it accessible to both geologists and the public. Users can search for specific properties of geologic units or click on the map for additional geologic information and links to more detailed maps of local areas. www.usgs.gov

Ghana launches digital geospatial data system

The Lands Commission unveiled the Continuous Operating Reference System (CORS) Network to enhance data accuracy of fieldwork and survey operations across the country. The global positioning system (GPS) CORS Network would provide 24/7 nationwide geospatial data access, ensure real-time centimetre-level accuracy for fieldwork and boost revenue stream for the Commission. Currently, 52 COPS Network stations are deployed nationwide and zoned into southern, middle belt and upper sectors. www.ghanabusinessnews.com

Taiwan’s Integrated Disaster Management

Taiwan, highly exposed to natural disasters, has transformed its disaster management through the Taiwan National Federated Research Data Repository (NFRDR). Powered by the datacube engine rasdaman, this platform integrates satellite imagery, UAV data, and IoT sensor streams across agencies, overcoming long-standing silos. By enabling real time AI analytics, 3D flood simulations, and secure inter-agency data sharing, it enhances national resilience and supports evidence-based decision-making.

Historically, government agencies collected and stored Earth observation data in isolated silos, preventing timely sharing and reducing interoperability. This fragmentation hampered rapid decision making during emergencies. To overcome these limitations, Taiwan launched a national federated data infrastructure under the leadership of the National Center for High-Performance Computing (NCHC), supported by academic and public partners. https://rasdaman.com