When you hear “geospatial engineering,” what comes to mind? For me, as a geospatial engineer, it’s the science of precisely defining the spatial location of objects through meticulous measurements of distances and angles. But it’s so much more than that! My work encompasses the entire process of collecting, managing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data. The ultimate goal? To present this information in a way that’s directly relevant and actionable for decision-makers and users across diverse sectors, including healthcare, transportation, utilities, agriculture, and education. Next time we meet, let’s delve deeper into the fascinating world of spatial data!
While “geospatial engineering” might sound complex, perhaps “surveyor” offers a more familiar touchpoint. Relatable, right? Yet, my role, as Loise Makena, a geospatial engineer operating in today’s dynamic landscape, encompasses a far wider spectrum. I expertly delineate property boundaries through cadastral surveys, meticulously stake out levels for crucial infrastructure projects like road construction (engineering surveys), and conduct detailed topographical surveys, capturing essential terrain data for informed site planning. Beyond these foundational aspects, I also gather and analyze thematic data across diverse sectors, including health, education, trade, and transport, utilizing various data collection methodologies. This holistic approach truly embodies the essence of geospatial engineering – a discipline with far-reaching impact. It’s a “Geomatic Engineering thing” you’ll soon understand.
As Loise Makena, a geospatial engineer, my work involves a fascinating progression. Following data collection and the meticulous definition of measurements, the crucial stages of analysis and visualization take center stage. This process empowers us to derive meaningful insights and make informed decisions. Furthermore, precise calculations are integral to our work, enabling the establishment of accurate positions for points, beacons, and boundaries. This is the very essence of what I do. Do I find it fulfilling? Absolutely!
How many lady geospatial engineers do you know, “surveyor”? It’s true that the field of geospatial engineering, particularly surveying, could benefit from greater representation of women. Breaking barriers in this traditionally male-dominated profession presents both significant triumphs and considerable challenges. Nevertheless, I remain dedicated and engaged in this dynamic field. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of geospatial engineering.
As Loise Makena, a geospatial engineer, one of my most memorable professional achievements was achieving a traverse closure of approximately 0.999999999. It’s a “Geomatic thing,” but yes, after enduring the scorching sun, this level of accuracy is incredibly rewarding! While this might seem highly technical to those outside the field, attaining such precision after persevering through challenging fieldwork conditions is a significant triumph in a profession that fundamentally values it. In geospatial engineering, meticulous attention to detail is paramount. We dot the ‘i’s and cross the ‘t’s. And on top of that, the profession is highly regulated. Following my enrollment as a graduate member of the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya in 2018, I deeply understand the importance of practicing under the guidance and supervision of a licensed surveyor. I extend my sincere gratitude to my supervisor and senior colleague, Mr. Charles Ndegwa, for his invaluable support.
What does a day in the field look like for a geospatial engineer? First and foremost, a safety gear checklist is essential: field boots, a surveyor’s hat 🎩, and an oversized helmet or dust coat, depending on the site. The agenda is always to stay safe and protect yourself from injury.
One of my most memorable field trips was in Nyeri, in the valleys of Mweiga hills! A scenery to behold and a very coveted location to own a piece of land. Bordering a riparian zone and right at the bottom of the hill, you can imagine what a defining exercise this was for a young surveyor tasked with delineating a 10-acre parcel boundary!
I quickly had to define the riparian boundary as per the map; being a general boundary, the centerline marks the boundary of the parcel of land. The upper part is uphill, and thus a line of sight from the bottom of the hill up the hill had to be maintained to clearly align the boundary beacons. While at it, the breeze and the greenery were a sight to behold, neutralizing the heavy tasks involved! Sounds like work and play? Yes! A surveyor’s field day can be task-filled and rejuvenating at the same time. What a career! What a splendid experience!
Part of being a geospatial engineer is being a local and global trotter! You not only behold scenery but also meet people in diverse professions, including lawyers, engineers, architects, property owners and developers, environmentalists, and urban planners, among many others. As Loise Makena, I have had the pleasure of being part of multi-sector projects that involve a working consortium of different professionals ranging from urban planners, agriculturalists, environmentalists, transport engineers, sociologists, and economists.
Our role is critically centered on collecting, managing, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial data in a manner that can be used and interpreted by co-professionals in the consortium. Be it topographical and control surveys for base maps, social-economic mapping and correlated geospatial analysis for urban planning, or land use land cover analysis for environmental and agricultural research, we see development projects come to fruition. It’s interesting how geospatial engineering skill sets are a nexus of many other disciplines, and a geospatial engineer’s input is invaluable! Yet again, what a career, what an experience!
As Loise Makena, a local trooper on a normal surveyor’s field day, I have been challenged! This isn’t a technical challenge, not at all, but a gender challenge.
“Are you a surveyor?” “Yes, I am.”
“You don’t look like one.” I calmly ask, “How so?”
The question has come up a million times!
I am yet to understand the misconception of how “lady surveyors” look! I am one of them. In a field that’s highly technical and has extraneous work conditions, we thrive past perception, to focus on deliverables and output.
That’s what defines a surveyor, not gender! So yes! We have lady geospatial engineers!
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