The geomatics sector in South Africa – an interdisciplinary field integrating the measurement of earth – on surface, underground, water and air – collection, analysis, management and display of spatial data – is currently experiencing uneven and “under pressure” growth owing to a range of structural and capacity challenges, says regulatory body South African Geomatics Council (SAGC) Registrar Morena Letsosa.

He explains these challenges to include skills absorption, professional progression and uneven development across a range of disciplines in the sector.

“The future of the profession lies in embracing digital transformation while strengthening the pipeline and capacity of registered professionals,” emphasises Letsosa.

With just under 4 000 registered geomatics professionals nationally, he adds that professional capacity remains limited relative to the country’s infrastructure and development needs.

The geomatics profession is a “silent enabler of government”, as every infrastructure project, land transaction and spatial plan depends on the collection of accurate geospatial data, states Letsosa.

“The geomatics sector in South Africa is strategically essential, and if capacity constraints are not addressed, they pose a risk to infrastructure delivery, land administration and evidence-based planning in South Africa,” he says.

In addition, Letsosa says the geomatics sector is at a transition point, moving from traditional surveying methods to a fully digital, data-driven geospatial ecosystem, and that while this transformation is improving at entry levels, targeted interventions are required to accelerate progression into senior roles.

The future of the sector is “strongly positive” if investment in skills, professional capacity and technology adoption is accelerated, he notes.

Emerging Technologies

Letsosa says that new technologies in the sector – which assist with data integration and digital twins, automation and AI, cloud and real-time data – include the introduction of drone and unmanned aerial vehicle technology, just to name a few.

Other technologies include global navigation satellite system technology, geographic information systems, building information modelling integration and light detection and ranging systems.

In deploying these technologies, Letsosa says there needs to be collaboration between SAGC and other role players who impact the profession, similar to that undertaken by Air Traffic Navigation Services for drone piloting which requires registration with the SAGC for geomatics related work.

‘FIG-uring’ it Out

Speaking at this year’s International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) World Congress – set to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, in Cape Town, from May 24 to 29 – SAGC Letsosa says the Council will focus on a collaborative and integrated approach across the professional groups in the built environment at the event.

He points out that this year’s FIG World Congress theme “The Future We Want – The Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond” is strongly aligned with SAGC’s strategic priorities in advancing sustainability, transformation, professional development and technological innovation.

The SAGC’s participation and alignment with the FIG World Congress 2026 enables it to position South Africa as a global leader in geomatics, while accelerating skills transfer and innovation adoption, says Letsosa.

“We will also strengthen policy influence, enhance capacity building and transformation efforts, as well as showcase local expertise and attract investment and collaboration opportunities,” says Letsosa.