Artificial intelligence is making its mark across nearly every industry, and building surveying is no different. As a surveying consultancy, we explore how AI can help us improve service delivery, streamline daily operations, support project management, and assist technical and administrative staff.
AI undoubtedly brings new possibilities, but it also raises important questions. If we rely too much on automation, could we begin to lose valuable skills? Are we moving towards a future where surveyors become too dependent on software and tools?
This blog explores how AI is influencing building surveying, reshaping project delivery, and changing office operations. It also considers the need to maintain professional expertise in a rapidly advancing, technology-driven industry.
Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Building Surveying
AI has already begun to show measurable benefits within the surveying field. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, artificial intelligence will affect nearly 90 per cent of the industry’s core tasks in the coming decade.
The technology offers surveyors improved accuracy, more reliable data handling, better risk analysis, and support in reducing environmental impact. With AI-driven tools, surveyors are better equipped to complete tasks more efficiently and avoid errors. The results are smarter workflows and more sustainable outcomes.
Improved Accuracy and Precision
AI-powered drones can complete repetitive tasks and time-consuming work, such as identifying building outlines, vegetation, and road layouts. These features can then be converted into CAD site plans with minimal human input. Drones equipped with AI software also capture high-resolution imagery and videos, providing detailed analytics that surveyors use to prepare reports and analyse. This process reduces manual effort, increases speed, and improves the accuracy of the information collected.
Better Risk Assessment
Automated Data Handling
AI tools can perform research, analyse complex data, and provide predictions in a fraction of the time it takes to complete these tasks manually. For instance, AI-enabled systems can gather boundary information, identify building elements, and help with property valuations. These features lead to lower costs and faster project timelines. Automated valuation tools also deliver more accurate estimates, minimising the need for repeated human checks.
Supporting Environmental Sustainability
The construction sector is responsible for a large share of the world’s energy use. It accounts for 38 percent of global consumption, which makes sustainability a major concern. AI can help reduce environmental impact by making surveys more efficient and reducing unnecessary travel to sites.
Solar-powered equipment and remote monitoring tools also cut energy use. By using data-driven insights, teams can avoid delays, lower emissions, and reduce the number of repeat visits.
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How AI Is Changing the Role of Building Surveyors
Smarter Data Collection
Sensors, AI-driven monitors, and real-time analytics allow surveyors to collect building information more efficiently. These tools make tracking conditions like air quality, energy use, and structural performance easier without needing manual inspections. Surveyors can predict maintenance needs and improve long-term asset management with this data.
The shift from on-site inspections to real-time data analysis helps reduce labour costs and project delays. It also makes it easier to understand how a building performs throughout its lifecycle.
AI can also enhance image analysis. With the help of AI, surveyors can use photos or video footage to identify defects and structural issues. These systems process large volumes of images quickly, spotting problems that may not be visible to the human eye.
Photos taken with a drone or smartphone can be analysed to detect cracks, signs of wear, water damage, and other concerns. AI is trained to recognise patterns and abnormalities in building surfaces that might be missed during manual checks.
The advantages of this type of technology include:
- Faster coverage of larger areas, improving productivity on-site
- Increased accuracy in identifying problems, reducing the risk of missing key issues
- More consistent reporting without the fatigue or bias that may affect human inspections
Preventative Maintenance Using AI
Planna, a London-based PropTech company, was launched in 2020 and is an RICS Tech Partner. The company focuses on home maintenance and has developed an AI platform recommending tailored household maintenance plans. Their system helps users understand what needs attention, when to act, and how to budget for it. Users can also connect with professionals through live consultations when needed.
This preventative maintenance type reflects AI’s growing role in property management. By analysing data from building sensors, AI systems can predict when repairs or servicing are needed. This helps prevent breakdowns, reduces unexpected costs, and increases the lifespan of building components.
While these surveys seem ideal for automation, they involve on-site experience and professional judgment. According to Adrian, certain aspects, such as entering restricted spaces, collecting contextual data, and interpreting complex findings, still require a skilled human. AI can assist in these tasks but may not be ready to replace professional judgment entirely.
Planna’s model supports this balance. It uses AI to streamline tasks but also provides access to experts when needed. This combination of technology and human guidance creates a reliable maintenance process.
Virtual Inspections in Building Surveying
AI is also changing how inspections are carried out. Virtual inspections are becoming more common, offering a safe and efficient way to examine structures without needing to be physically present. Tools like drones and remote cameras collect visual data from various angles.
Impact Aerial, another RICS Tech Partner is one such company that uses drone technology in surveying. They specialise in aerial inspections and have helped redefine how survey data is captured. Their equipment provides access to views and perspectives that otherwise would be difficult to reach.
While the benefits of these virtual inspections are clear, the human element remains important. AI and drone data offer strong support, but combining them with human expertise ensures more accurate results. Surveyors must still interpret the findings, evaluate the context, and recommend the next steps.
Making Better Decisions with AI
Artificial intelligence is changing how decisions are made in building surveying. Through predictive analytics, AI can interpret large volumes of data and highlight key patterns. These insights allow professionals to plan better, avoid risk, and allocate resources more efficiently.
Surveyors can use this information to schedule maintenance, prioritise upgrades, and improve building management. This leads to longer-lasting structures, fewer urgent repairs, and lower costs.
Another benefit is the ability to generate recommendations based on real-time conditions and past performance. With this information, surveyors are in a better position to meet project goals, comply with regulations, and improve occupants’ experiences.
Combining AI’s analytical power with human expertise leads to stronger outcomes. Professionals still play a vital role, especially when applying insights in real-world situations.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is not replacing building surveyors. Instead, it is becoming a valuable tool to improve how they work. From enhancing data collection and visual inspections to supporting sustainability and maintenance planning, AI is helping reshape the industry.
The key is to find the right balance. Technology can streamline processes, reduce errors, and increase efficiency, but human surveyors’ knowledge and experience remain essential. By embracing both, building surveying can continue to evolve in ways that benefit professionals, clients, and the built environment.
