Fostering collaboration and inclusivity in geomatics

WE, the Institution of Geospatial and Remote Sensing Malaysia (IGRSM), refer to the Oct 15, 2024, letter headlined “Amendment to Malaysia’s licensed land surveyors Act is necessary, not a hindrance”.

We appreciate the effort of the authors, who are licensed land surveyors (LLS), to clarify their position on the recent amendment to the Licensed Land Surveyors Act 1958, which was gazetted on Oct 22, 2024, despite the concerns of various parties not being addressed. However, we believe that their letter raises several critical concerns that warrant further scrutiny.

Historical context and industry evolution

The statement in the letter that this is the Act's first update in 66 years is incorrect. The Act was subject to revisions in 1991, as well as earlier amendments. The LLS Regulations adapted the Act to allow for technological advances without limiting the field.

Today, geomatics relies on technologies such as global navigation satellite systems, Lidar (light detection and ranging, a remote sensing method used to examine the Earth’s surface), UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), and geographic information systems (GIS). Limiting this scope to LLS would exclude other qualified professionals, including civil engineers, hydrographers, urban planners, environmental scientists, and many others, who contribute to these diverse applications.

Historically, non-title geomatics surveys have not required licensing, with contributions from skilled non-LLS professionals enhancing Malaysia’s industry. This amendment disrupts longstanding practices and, by limiting participation, risks stalling industry progress.

Misrepresentation of professional qualifications

The IGRSM consists of qualified professionals with advanced degrees and specialised certifications who conduct high quality surveys and analyses across various sectors. In countries such as the Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, non-title geomatics surveys thrive without regulatory bodies holding monopolies. Malaysia’s geomatics sector has similarly benefited from a broad pool of professionals under existing legal frameworks.

The IGRSM’s role parallels that of other professional bodies, such as the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia and Institute of Engineers Malaysia. The field’s strength lies in its diversity of skills, from academic credentials to specialised certifications, that collectively drive innovation and adapt to new technologies such as AI-driven analytics, UAV mapping, and advanced GIS. Restricting the profession to LLS would stifle these advancements, highlighting the importance of recognising all qualified professionals.

Missed opportunities for constructive dialogue

It is important to clarify that the IGRSM has always been open to constructive dialogue in raising standards and ensuring accountability within the geomatics community. Our courtesy visit to the director-general of the National Mapping and Survey Department, who is also the chairperson of the Land Surveyors Board on June 4, 2018, presented a clear opportunity for concerns about geomatics data collection to be raised. However, no such issues were brought to our attention during that meeting.

Moreover, this was also not a topic of concern in the director-general’s keynote address at the 10th IGRSM International Conference and Exhibition on Geospatial & Remote Sensing that took place in October 2020, a platform where industry challenges are typically highlighted and discussed.

Our commitment to collaboration has remained clear, but the opportunity for dialogue has yet to be fully utilised by relevant authorities.

We believe the authorities share the responsibility to initiate meaningful dialogue. We welcome discussions to raise standards, provided that all qualified professionals’ expertise is respected. Accusations of unethical practices among non-LLS professionals lack supporting data, undermining the quality work they contribute. Transparent, evidence-based communication is essential to create a collaborative and high-standard industry.

Expertise in advanced geomatics technologies

The amendment to the Act assumes that LLS qualifications alone suffice for complex technologies such as Lidar and UAV mapping, yet these systems demand specific technical skills. For example, Lidar requires substantial knowledge in data processing and interpretation. General surveying knowledge, while valuable, does not inherently equip anyone, including LLS, to handle such systems without specialised training.

Successful use of these technologies depends on understanding data types and analysis techniques, skills that specialised geomatics experts possess, whether LLS or non-LLS. Employing trained experts minimises errors and supports quality outcomes, reinforcing the need to value technical expertise over licensing alone.

Employment opportunities and economic impact

Rather than creating jobs, the legislative amendment risks reducing employment by excluding qualified non-LLS professionals. Malaysia’s freelance surveyors, many of whom support their families without government subsidies, could face severe disruptions in their livelihoods under the amendment.

Although the authors of the letter we refer to above claim surveyor fees are controlled by the Finance Ministry, the Land Surveyors Board has a role in the draft of these fees, and it goes through various channels, then finally to the Finance Ministry, with the director-general of the National Mapping and Survey Department, who is also chairperson of Land Surveyors Board, giving input. This dual role may present conflicts of interest, potentially favouring LLS while limiting competition. Independent oversight would ensure impartial government advice, benefiting public interest and industry alike.

Legal recognition and client protection

The letter writers suggest that exclusive licensing of geomatics surveys is necessary for client protection. Yet, Malaysia’s current legal framework already supports client rights in geomatics without exclusive LLS licensing requirements. Internationally, similar frameworks effectively govern non-title geomatics surveys, allowing for client recourse without monopolistic restrictions.

The IGRSM is happy to note that it has not received a single complaint about its members’ services all these years. However, we do recognise that occasional cases may still happen in the future and we accept this reality as we have a system of accountability where we can take action against our members, including terminating the professional membership if the situation warrants it.

While upholding high standards is critical, the amendment’s restrictive approach may ultimately hinder the collaboration and inclusivity that the geomatics industry needs to thrive. By narrowing practice rights to only LLS, the amendment risks marginalising non-LLS professionals whose skills significantly enhance the industry’s multidisciplinary nature. An inclusive regulatory approach would foster growth, supporting Malaysia’s economic and developmental goals.

The IGRSM calls for open, productive dialogue with all stakeholders, including LLS, to create a regulatory environment that fosters excellence, accountability, and adaptability. By valuing diverse expertise, Malaysia’s geomatics industry can remain robust, meet modern challenges, as well as contribute to national growth and community well-being.

INSTITUTION OF GEOSPATIAL AND REMOTE SENSING MALAYSIA (IGRSM)