The Federal Government of Nigeria has partnered with PLACE, a United States-based technology firm, to launch a cutting-edge aerial mapping project for Abuja. This initiative, led by the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF), aims to revolutionize urban planning and infrastructure development through high-resolution drone imagery and 3D city mapping.
Surveyor General Abduganiyu A. Adebomehin confirmed the collaboration during a meeting with PLACE representatives in Abuja. He emphasized that the project, the first of its kind in Africa, will provide critical data on building footprints, locations, and road networks, enhancing urban development strategies.
Revolutionizing Urban Planning with Advanced Aerial Data
The PLACE aerial technology boasts a ground sample distance (GSD) of approximately 5 cm, significantly surpassing the 40-50 cm resolution of conventional satellite imagery used by Google and Apple. This ultra-high-resolution data will be instrumental in identifying property boundaries, land use patterns, economic activities, and population distribution across Nigeria’s capital.
Beyond aerial mapping, the initiative will also include anonymized street-level data collection, further improving infrastructure planning and road network validation. "This data will allow us to build more accurate street maps and verify road existence efficiently," Adebomehin explained.
Empowering Organizations with AI-Driven Mapping Solutions
The Surveyor General urged the technical team to ensure seamless implementation and explore AI-powered machine learning models to classify road surfaces and automate mapping processes. These innovations will streamline urban planning, boost economic investments, and enhance governmental service delivery.
Unlocking Economic Opportunities with 3D City Imaging
Frank Pichel, PLACE’s team leader, highlighted the vast business and governmental benefits of the Drone Imagery Acquisition and 3D City View project. According to him, the initiative will unlock new opportunities across various sectors, from real estate and infrastructure to security and environmental monitoring.
"This data will drive decision-making, improve road expansion projects, and offer limitless possibilities for business innovations," Pichel added.
With this collaboration, Abuja is set to become a smart city hub, leveraging advanced technology to support sustainable development, economic growth, and urban efficiency.
