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Surveying and Geoinformation in Africa: Problems and Prospects

SUMMARY Surveying profession is one of the oldest professions in Africa. In most of the countries, it was initially a profession that was connected with the military. This has to do with the colonial histories. For example, countries that have colonial links with Britain had their first set of surveyors trained in British Military Survey Schools. In the past, surveyors were people who came from other fields such as mathematics, physics, civil engineering and geography. Not many universities in Africa offer Surveying and Geoinformatics at degree level. Even in Nigeria where up to 11 universities offer Surveying and Geoinformatics at degree level, it is not as popular as other professional courses such as electrical/electronics engineering, computer science/computer engineering and chemical engineering. A number of reasons can be attributed for this lack of interest. These include: − The historical development of the profession; − Conservatism amongst surveyors; − Lack of well-trained academics within the profession; − The fact that the profession is associated with several hours of fieldwork under the intense African heat; and − Poor funding of surveying and mapping in Africa. Technological developments in the field of computer science, information technology and satellite technology have created new hopes for surveying and geoinformatics. For the full potentials of these developments to be realised however, there is a need for manpower development and training, funding of Surveying/Geoinformatics and mapping activities in Africa and expansion of professional boundaries to bring in information technology, communication and environments as major issues to be addressed within the profession. Holding on to very strict professional boundaries may not be of benefit to the profession. The profession should be willing to accept some peripheral courses such as remote sensing and environmental management as being part and parcel of the profession. Regular curriculum changes to take cognisance of new developments attract young people seeking admission into the profession. Finally, engaging lecturers with backgrounds in areas such as cartographers, computer science and environmental science will assist the profession in expanding and increasing young people’s interest.