Surveyors and Their Global Role as Humanitarians

摘要

A new generation of surveyors is using modern technology not just to map existing boundaries and improvements [in developing countries], but also to collect additional data that will be analyzed to help improve living conditions. With the introduction of GNSS technology, establishment of parcel boundaries now takes an accurate and precise shape in GIS databases created for improving conditions in these areas. Additional attributes are collected to determine utility needs, communication availability and access to medical care. We send teams of surveyors to these countries to locate and establish boundaries as well as perform site studies to determine living conditions and potential improvements. Often, these surveyors are going into regions where the local or national governments do not agree with empowering their citizens with property rights and allowing them access to basic utilities. Part of the humanitarian surveyor's role is to get to know the "lay of the land" when it comes to local order.