By Shubham Baranwal, Co-Founder & Director, Nibrus Technologies
One of the most impactful implementations of the massive digital revolution in India is that of AI-based photogrammetry software, which is transforming how land surveying and mapping is done by providing faster, more precise, and cost-effective options, which makes time-consuming and labor-intensive traditional techniques on land surveying obsolete.
This has instead replaced them with advanced systems that work on building and analysing enormous volumes of geographic data rapidly and effectively. As infrastructure and urbanisation continue to take shape in the nation of India, this is the time when AI is bringing a change in the area of land surveying.
What is AI-based Photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry is the capturing of measurements from photographs shot by drones, satellites, or aerial photography and generating maps, and 3D models even up to including a Geographic Information System (GIS). Traditionally, photogrammetric processing involved collecting a huge amount of data through manual efforts with post-processing taken care of by experts over a considerable period. The introduction of AI and machine learning into photogrammetry, has smoothened all these processes to make them fast as well as more automation-friendly. Now with AI photogrammetry software, one can explore thousands of aerial images automatically to acquire accurate topographic maps and also in real-time 3D models.
Key Benefits of AI-based Photogrammetry for India
Cost-Effective Surveys
Cost is arguably the most significant hurdle when it comes to undertaking traditional land surveys in India. Surveying a large expanse, specifically in the case of rural or remote areas, requires a lot of resources, i.e. the people, the equipment, and the time, among other things. These types of project work cost less when AI-enabled photogrammetry is incorporated into the design. With drones and satellites having high-resolution cameras, they can cover large areas in a short period, while the AI software requires little or no processing of data by people. Thus, this option is practicable for both governmental organisations and private companies.
Speed and Efficiency
The traditional process of land surveying may take weeks or even months, especially if the area is not developed and is inaccessible and huge. The AI-based photogrammetry software propels the process in such areas within the timeline by making it possible to run the imagery through a computer in a fraction of the time it would take to do it all by hand. For instance, taking aerial images of a rural area with a drone—for example, detailed topographical maps or even 3D models could be produced within hours, thus helping planners and developers make decisions quicker. This speed is particularly important in a fast-emerging country like India, where infrastructure projects must begin to roll on without any delay.
Improved Accuracy and Precision
Errors in land surveys can be very expensive and lead to many complications, especially in construction, farming, and city management. Using AI-based photogrammetry increases accuracy in measurement and reduces human errors in the process. AI algorithms improve the quality of the resultant maps and models by identifying and rectifying any anomalies in the data automatically. The system can also blend images from different sources, such as aerial pictures, LiDAR departments, as well as satellite images, to provide a better and more accurate picture of the land.
Real-Time Monitoring and Updates
Another great advantage of AI-based photogrammetry relates to real-time land and infrastructure monitoring. These are quite indispensable in many applications for analysing areas that go into the specifics of disaster management, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. The software will be able to continuously analyse data for real-time information for the speedy reaction of decision-makers over changes in specific areas. For instance, AI-based systems will monitor the condition of roads, bridges, or flood-prone areas and assist the authorities in identifying problems early enough and taking corrective measures before they escalate.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
The utilisation of AI-driven photogrammetry is of great importance in protecting the environment and achieving sustainability. Satellite imagery coupled with aerial photographs can help AI detect changes in land use patterns such as deforestation, urban expansion, and soil degradation. These observations will help government authorities, non-governmental entities, and other stakeholders in environmental supervision and control to devise strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, water deficiency, and even the loss of biodiversity. Aerial mapping also ensures judicious utilisation of land and water resources in agricultural practices.
Applications of AI-based Photogrammetry in India
Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development
AI photogrammetry has emerged as the savior for urban planning with rapid urbanisation in India. The high-resolution 3D models prepared by using this technology enable better infrastructure design, transportation network optimisation, and drafting of new housing projects by city planners. It also helps to identify disaster resilience and point out flood zones, landslide-prone zones, and earthquake-prone zones for better planning of a sustainable city.
Agriculture and Precision Farming
Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors in India, and the use of AI-based photogrammetry has converted the entire idea of farming. Drones can capture the imagery of large agricultural fields, and farmers can easily monitor crop health, analyse soil conditions, and find those areas where they need to pay close attention. The AI algorithm works via those images to give insight into irrigation requirements, pest control, and crop yield predictions so that one gets more efficient in farming, leading to less resource wastage and higher productivity.
Disaster Management
India is susceptible to floods, cyclones, and earthquakes. AI photogrammetry offers real-time damage analysis by establishing maps of the affected areas. For instance, with floods, aerial images can be captured in a short time using drones and mark areas requiring interventions in real-time, especially because of the identification potential of algorithms using AI. It also helps with post-disaster recovery as it enables damage assessment and preparation for reconstruction work.
Land Record Digitisation
The land records management system in India is outdated and inefficient, as inaccuracies often cause conflicts. AI-based photogrammetry creates accurate land maps digitally, which can be uploaded to a single database for effective management of land titles. This digitisation process assists in curbing fraudulent practices, smoothens the process of property transfer, and enhances the accountability of land transactions.
AI and the Future of Land Management in India
As the advancement in AI keeps taking a positive turn, its potential and application to land measurement and mapping will only increase with time. Future improvements may include the elimination of errors when taking data, better compatibility with other electronic devices, as well as enhanced user-friendliness for small farmers, local authorities, and business investors. With the deployment of AI-based photogrammetry systems, India is likely to be the forerunner in the computerisation of data for land and building infrastructure management.
