Geospatial intelligence and its impact on infrastructure development – Emmanuel Sampson writes - MyJoyOnline

Emmanuel Sampson, Regional Manager for Leica Geosystems in Eastern and Central Africa, asserts that geospatial intelligence is essential for solving critical challenges in poverty, unemployment, and climate change across the continent. Leading business leaders and governments are increasingly harnessing these tools to automate data analysis, predictions, and pattern recognition, enabling data-driven decisions that optimize resources in agriculture, mining, construction, and urban development. Geospatial intelligence derives from analyzing data and imagery tied to specific locations, evolving from 1960s GIS origins to today's AI-enhanced platforms. In Africa, these technologies drive sustainable growth, supporting World Bank projects exceeding $500 million continent-wide. By deploying GNSS, Total Stations, CORS, laser scanners, and monitoring solutions, companies in Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda have boosted productivity and profitability while enhancing safety through real-time hazard detection. Data indicates that GIS and remote sensing in African mining boost productivity by 35-40 percent via precise volumetrics and cut costs by 20-25 percent by reducing rework. Furthermore, these tools lead to a 40 percent increase in safety through hazard mapping, evident in operations in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Globally, the sector is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, powering resilient cities such as Lagos through initiatives like LASGIS. Despite proven benefits, demerits persist including high upfront costs ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 per system and significant skills gaps where 80 percent of firms lack trained operators. Limited connectivity, with only 25 percent of sub-Saharan Africans online, and fragmented policies hinder 70 percent of deployments. Sceptics highlight job displacement risks in manual surveying, though counterfactual analysis suggests that without geospatial technology, mining disputes and land conflicts could persist at 50 percent rates, delaying projects by years. The future integrates AI-LiDAR digital twins and ESG platforms for predictive infrastructure. Sampson foresees Africa leading with hubs like Kenya, noting that policy and training investments will unlock trillions in sustainable growth. His frameworks enhance situational awareness and workflow efficiency while minimizing environmental footprints, positioning geospatial technology as central to sustainability.