The Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) has partnered with US-based company PLACE to launch a pioneering drone imagery acquisition project that will create a comprehensive 3D view of Abuja.
According to Surveyor General of the Federation (SGoF) Abduganiyu Adebomehin, the initiative will provide high-resolution aerial and street-level data to enhance urban planning, infrastructure development, and business operations. The project, scheduled for completion in early April, will deliver imagery with approximately 5cm ground sample distance—significantly superior to the 40-50cm resolution typically available from commercial satellite imagery.
“It’s a first in Africa, providing data that accurately maps building footprints as they stand, along with the road network. It even allows for an appreciation of building heights in relation to the roads,” Adebomehin explained during a briefing with key regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Frank Pichel, team leader for PLACE, highlighted that the high-resolution drone imagery will transform government service delivery and enhance private sector efficiency. The data will be instrumental in monitoring urban changes, refining road outlines, and has potential for developing machine learning models to classify road surfaces and automate infrastructure planning.
“We would be mindful of the environment during the exercise and take cognizance of people’s safety. All regulations and laws will be followed strictly,” Pichel assured.
Captain Maikano Wilson, General Manager of General Aviation for NCAA’s UAS Unit, emphasized the importance of coordination with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to secure necessary air traffic control clearances and ensure overall safety.
Hafiz Azeez, Head of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing at OSGOF, provided assurances that public privacy and safety would not be compromised during the drone mapping exercise.
The enhanced detail from this innovative project will significantly improve mapping of property boundaries, land use, economic activity, and urban infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory.
