Digital Drone Mapping Adopted for FCT Urban Planning

By Faridat Salifu
The Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) has adopted digital drone mapping initiative for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This follows the acquisition of essential clearances from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and military authorities.
This project aims to produce comprehensive 3D maps of the FCT, which is expected to greatly enhance urban planning and infrastructure development efforts.
The digital drone mapping initiative is designed to capture precise topographical data that will facilitate a variety of applications, including urban development, environmental monitoring, and agricultural planning.
By utilizing advanced drone technology, the project seeks to provide a detailed and accurate representation of the terrain and existing infrastructure, ultimately improving the efficiency of data collection and analysis across these critical sectors.
In a recent briefing regarding the project, Surveyor General Abduganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin, expressed his appreciation to key stakeholders, such as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), for their collaboration and support in implementing this state-of-the-art technology.
He underscored the significance of drone mapping, noting its potential to revolutionize sectors like agriculture and land management by providing high-resolution data that can inform better decision-making.
Surv. Hafiz Azeez, who heads the Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing department at OSGOF, reassured attendees that public privacy and safety would be a top priority during the mapping process. He emphasized that all necessary precautions would be taken to ensure that the operation adheres to established safety protocols.
Capt. Maikano Wilson, General Manager of General Aviation at the NCAA, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of compliance with regulatory guidelines to guarantee safe operational practices throughout the project. He pointed out that thorough communication with relevant authorities, such as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), is crucial to ensure seamless coordination.
The OSGOF has mobilized its personnel to assess the areas designated for mapping, with field operations slated to begin next week.
This initiative not only aims to improve urban planning but also to support broader government efforts to enhance data-driven decision-making in resource management and environmental sustainability.
The project is expected to provide invaluable insights that will help shape the future development of Abuja, making it a model for urban planning across the nation.
The integration of drone technology into these efforts marks a significant advancement in Nigeria’s approach to managing urban growth and infrastructure development.