Africa Surveyors May-June issue 2023 digital

May-June 2023 Volume 5 issue no. 27 

Africa Surveyors 

UXO Surveying 

The best innovative UXO detecting technology methods 

Drone Technology to Advance Development in Africa 

Important aspect of Radiometrics Surveying 

3D mapping tool to conduct virtual patrols 

In this issue...... 

Angola’s Position 

as an Oil and Gas 

Hub.... 

www.africasurveyorsonline.com 

The Legal and Ethical 

Considerations of using Drones for 

Commercial Purposes.... 

New survey to assess 

challenges and foster 

solutions.... 

pg 29 pg 16 pg 16 

May-June issue l 2023 1

Angola’s Position 

as an Oil and Gas 

Hub.... 




Commercial Purposes.... 



solutions.... 

May-June issue l 2023 1 

Contents 

CONTENTS 

Current Issue 

In this issue we look at 

the best innovative UXO 

detecting technology 

methods and many more.... 

enjoy the issue! 

May-June 2023 Volume 5 issue no. 27 

Africa Surveyors 

UXO Surveying 

In this issue...... 

The best innovative UXO detecting technology methods 

Drone Technology to Advance Development in Africa 

Important aspect of Radiometrics Surveying 

3D mapping tool to conduct virtual patrols 

pg 29 pg 16 pg 16 

18 26 

REGULARS 

News Briefs 4 

Events 8 

16 

Innovation 10 

Opinion 14 

Project review 36 

Director 

Augustine M. Rang'ondi 

Senior Editor & 

Marketing Lead 

Dorcas Kang’ereha 

Writers 

Violet Ambale 

Harriet Mkhaye 

Irene Joseph 

Innocent Momanyi 

COVER STORY 

UXO Surveying: The best innovative UXO detecting 

technology methods 

Features 

Radiometrics Surveying: The important aspect of 

Radiometrics Surveying 

20 

Sales Executives 

East Africa 

Jimmy Mudasia 

Lydia Kamonya 

Caiser Momanyi 

Vincent Murono 

Sheila Ing’ayitsa 

South Africa 

Paul Nyakeri 

Sean Masangwanyi 

Lisa Brown 

Thembisa Ndlovu 

Drones: The Legal and Ethical Considerations of using 

Drones for Commercial Purposes 

Drones in Africa: Utilizing Drone Technology To Advance 

Development In Africa 

Energy: How financial institutions can drive Africa’s energy 

transition 

Geoscience: New survey to assess challenges and foster 

solutions 

12 

Nigeria 

Emelda Njomboro 

Uche Maxwel 

ADVERTISER'S INDEX 

Designed and 

Published by: 

P.O. Box 52248-00100, 

Nairobi, Kenya. 

Nailex Africa Publishing Ltd.................................................IFC 

Caroni.......................................................................................IBC 

Nailex Africa Publishing Ltd.................................................OBC 

Altavec.....................................................................................pg23 

Position Partners....................................................................pg 32 

Imagenex.................................................................................pg 34 

Saab..........................................................................................pg 35 

MacArtney...............................................................................pg 38 

36 

Contact us 

Tel: +254 113 194 740 

Emaii: info@africasurveyorsonline.com 

Web: https://africasurveyorsonline.com 

The Editor accepts letter and manuscripts for publication from readers all over the world. Include your name and address as a sign of good faith although you may 

request your name to be withheld from publication. We can reserve the right to edit any material submitted. Send your letters to: info@africasurveyorsonline.com 

Disclaimer: 

Nailex Africa Publishing makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of its publications, but no warranty is made to such accuracy and 

no responsibility will be borne by the publisher for the consequences of actions based on information so published. Further, opinions expressed on 

interviews are not necessarily shared by Nailex Africa Publisher. 



NEWS BRIEFS 

Petrofac wins facilities management contract for 

FPSO offshore West Africa 

Petrofac has been awarded a facilities 

management contract by CNR 

International (CNRI) offshore the Ivory 

Coast, West Africa. 

The initial three-year, multi-million dollar 

contract will see Petrofac’s Asset Solutions 

business providing integrated services for 

the Espoir Ivoirien Floating Production 

Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. Around 

110 personnel currently supporting the 

FPSO, including those onshore and on the 

vessel, will transition to Petrofac from BW 

Offshore following the recent sale of the 

vessel to CNRI. The transition of people and 

operatorship is expected to complete before 

the end of July. 

Woodside sanctions 3D survey on prospective 

offshore Namibia license 

Woodside sanctions 3D survey on prospective 

offshore Namibia license | image: courtesy 

Nick Shorten, Chief Operating Officer for 

Petrofac’s Asset Solutions business, said, 

"We bring our considerable global FPSO 

experience to the Ivory Coast, adding to 

our portfolio of service contracts in Africa. 

Petrofac is expanding across the continent, 

providing local jobs, developing local skills 

and collaborating with local partners. 

This latest award builds on contract successes 

achieved throughout 2022, including 

decommissioning in Mauritania for Tullow 

Oil, operations and maintenance for Tullow 

Oil in Ghana and the provision of offshore 

operations services for bp’s Greater Tortue 

Ahmeyim (GTA) Project, including an FPSO, in 

Mauritania and Senegal. 

3D seismic survey over an area of at least 

5,000 sq km and will in addition pay 

Pancontinental $1.5 million in cash. If it 

exercises the option, Woodside will drill the 

first exploration well, carrying the costs of 

the existing partners. 

Acquisition of the survey is set to start this 

month, with fast-track processed results to 

be delivered in June. 

Pancontinental has reportedly also paid 

$1.5 million to enter an option agreement 

with another of the licensees, Custos 

Investments, on acquiring an additional 1% 

interest, lifting Pancontinental’s share in 

PEL87 (post-completion of the transaction 

with Woodside) to 20%. 

Africa Oil to acquire 

additional stake in block 

offshore South Africa for 

$10.5M 

When the deal is completed, Africa Oil’s 

stake in the block will rise to 26.25% while 

Azinam holds a 20.00% stake and Ricocure 

(Proprietary) Limited holds the remaining 

53.75% interest. |Image: Courtesy 

Africa Oil Corp (TSX:AOI) said it has 

entered an agreement to buy an 

additional 6.25% interest in Block 

3B/4B in the Orange Basin off the coast of 

South Africa for $10.5 million in cash. The 

company said it signed a legally binding 

Letter of Intent (LOI) with Azinam Limited, a 

wholly owned subsidiary of Eco (Atlantic) Oil 

& Gas Ltd for the additional stake. 

The cash consideration of $10.5 million 

will be paid in tranches, starting with 

$2.5 million within 30 days after signing 

the LOI and another $2.5 million when the 

government approves the transfer of the 

stake. The company will pay $4.0 million on 

the completion of a farm-out deal to a third 

party and the final $1.5 million on spudding 

the first exploration well on the block. 

The plan is to farm out up to a 55% gross 

working interest in the Block. When the deal 

is completed, Africa Oil’s stake in the block 

will rise to 26.25% while Azinam holds a 

20.00% stake and Ricocure (Proprietary) 

Limited holds the remaining 53.75% interest. 

Pancontinental Energy has granted 

Woodside Energy an option to take a 

56% interest in the deepwater PEL87 

exploration license in the Orange Basin 

offshore Namibia. 

The 10,970-sq-km concession, which contains 

the extensive Saturn turbidite complex, is 

on trend with Total and Shell’s recent Venus, 

Graff, La Rona and Jonker oil discoveries, and 

adjacent to acreage held by Chevron and Galp. 

Woodside will cover the cost of a $35-million 

Toronto-based Sintana Energy, which has 

an indirect interest in Custos, said that 

while the license area had been mapped 

previously with good quality technical data, 

the new survey would allow the identified 

prospects to be matured for drilling. 

The semisub Deepsea Bolllstar reportedly 

made the Jonker-1 Cretaceous light oil 

discovery earlier this year. TotalEnergies is 

preparing to drill further exploration and 

appraisal wells on its Namibian deepwater 

permits in the next few months. 

The company said an independent review 

reported that Block 3B/4B has total unrisked 

gross prospective resources of approximately 

4 billion barrels of oil equivalent and put the 

probability of success from 11% to 39% over 

the 24 prospects identified. 

Block 3B/4B covers an area of 17,581 square 

kilometres within the Orange Basin off the 

coast of South Africa. This block lies to the 

southeast and on trend with number of oil 

discoveries including Venus and Graff. 

4 May-June issue l 2023 www.africasurveyorsonline.com

NEWS BRIEFS 

Nilepet, SFF ink deal to 

conduct aerial survey in 

South Sudan 

South Africa’s Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) 

kickstarts South Sudan exploration with 

aerial contract. (Image Source: Energy 

Capital & Power) 

The Ministry of Petroleum of South 

Sudan has announced the launch of 

exploration efforts in the country’s 

Block 2 during the South Sudan Oil & Power 

conference in Juba. 

The announcement follows the signing of 

an agreement that would see the Strategic 

Fuel Fund (SFF) utilise one of South Sudan’s 

geophysical planes to conduct aerial surveys, 

thereby kicking off a highly anticipated 

upstream programme in a country rich with 

untapped acreage. 

“The Ministry of Petroleum purchased a 

physical plane which we struggled for three 

years but finally, we have it in the Republic 

of South Sudan. We have officially launched 

the plane to start the work of Block 2. 

Strategically, the SFF will commence their 

work on Block 2. Block 2 is now online and it 

will work. It will be historical,” Puot Kang Chol, 

Minister of Petroleum of South Sudan, stated. 

The SFF and Nilepet inked the contract at 

a ceremony ahead of the SSOP conference. 

Leveraging the strong bilateral cooperation 

that has existed for years between the two 

countries, the contract will enable the SFF to 

acquire new data in an environmentally sound 

manner through aerial mapping. 

“South Sudan is endowed with a lot of 

resources, and this aircraft will make this 

evident,” stated Nilepet managing director 

Bernard A Makeny. “We are sending the 

message to the world that South Sudan is 

open for investment. South Africa and South 

Sudan will generate the resources needed for 

both countries.” 

South African engineering consultancy Zutari 

launches in Kenya 

South African engineering and 

infrastructure advisory firm Zutari has 

opened its East African office in Nairobi, 

which will serve the entire region. 

This comes after the company received a 

licence from the Government to set up an 

office in the country. 

Diplomatic relations between Kenya and 

South Africa have been growing since the 

introduction of a mutual visa-free agreement 

in January 2023. 

Engagements between Trade ministries 

from both countries are set to address trade 

barriers, opening up business opportunities 

for both countries. 

ALX launches Software Engineering Cohort for 

Women in Africa 

ALX has announced its first dedicated 

Software Engineering cohort for 

women, enabling up to 50,000 

women across Africa to participate in the 

global technology revolution and helping to 

transform the tech status quo throughout the 

continent. 

Applications for the ALX Software 

Engineering intake for women close on 

15 March. The programme will start on 27 

March. No prior experience or background 

in IT is required to apply. For more 

information on the programme and its entry 

requirements visit www.alxafrica.com/ 

women-in-tech/. 

The cohort forms part of ALX’s ‘WomXn 

and Tech’ initiative and was inspired by the 

United Nations IWD theme of ‘DigitALL: 

Innovation and technology for gender 

equality.’ ALX is showing its commitment to 

bridging the digital gender divide in Africa, 

increasing the representation of women 

in the technology sector and driving the 

participation of women to innovate and 

create solutions for a diverse world. This 

cohort will provide a launchpad for women 

to grow their careers in one of the world’s 

most exciting and in-demand fields. 

“East Africa has long been identified as a 

growth area for Zutari, with Kenya at the 

centre of our expansion initiatives into the 

region,” says Zutari CEO Teddy Daka. 

The advisory firm has been involved in a 

couple of projects in the country, including 

Two Rivers Mall and the Kenya Water Security 

and Climate Resilience Project. 

However, it aims to grow its presence in 

the country through engagements with 

government agencies such as the Kenya 

National Highways Agency (KeNHA), Kenya 

Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), and Kenya 

Urban Roads Authority (KURA) in the 

improvement of transport infrastructure. 

Image: courtesy 

Part of African Leadership International 

(ALI), ALX is a leading technology training 

provider that offers world-class programmes 

to thousands of young people across Africa, 

equipping them with both the professional 

and technical skills that enable them to 

thrive in high-growth industries. 

The statistics make for grim reading. 

Women comprise just 5% of global software 

engineers. Considering that there are an 

estimated 690 000 software engineers in 

Africa, even applying the global average 

means that there is a significant gender 

divide that must be addressed. 



INTERNATIONAL 

TGS, PGS, and 

Schlumberger to 

conduct 3D seismic 

survey offshore 

Malaysia 

The 6,885km² survey acquisition is due to 

start in June 2023. Credit: Nathan Forbes on 

Unsplash. 

GS and its partners PGS and oilfield 

services company Schlumberger have 

secured pre-funding for a multi-client 

3D seismic survey offshore Malaysia. 

Planned to be carried out in North Luconia 

Province of the Sarawak Basin, the 6,885km² 

survey acquisition is due to start in June 2023. 

It is scheduled to conclude in August 2023 

while the final deliverables are anticipated in 

Q2 2024. 

TGS noted that the interim results would be 

made available to assist with evaluation of 

the early acreage. 

NUVIEW on mission to map entire globe in 3D 

with LiDAR for first time 

NUVIEW, an American 

Earth observation 

and geospatial 

technology company, 

announced that it 

is building the first 

commercial LiDAR satellite 

constellation which will map 

the entire land surface of the 

Earth in 3D for the first time. 

The announcement was made 

during the Geospatial World 

Forum in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. 

The company has $1.2 billion dollars in early 

adopter agreements. 

Currently satellite imagery provides a 2D 

view of the planet, with only an estimated 

5% of the Earth’s landmass having been 

mapped with LiDAR. The limited depth 

and accuracy restrict its use for challenges 

such as climate change, disaster response, 

sustainable farming, conservation, and 

forestry. 

NUVIEW’s technology will be powered by a 

constellation of satellites. It will collect data 

more than 100 times faster than current 

commercial aerial solutions. This will give 

3D mapping. Credit NUVIEW 

NUVIEW access to the geospatial market 

which is expected to grow to a $1.7 trillion 

industry. 

“NUVIEW is thrilled to be leading a new 

era in geospatial technology to provide the 

first, most complete, high-resolution 3D 

point cloud of the Earth’s surface,” says Clint 

Graumann, CEO & Cofounder of NUVIEW. 

“Our LiDAR satellite constellation will offer a 

wealth of information that has never before 

been available at scale, driving innovation 

and progress throughout numerous industries 

and revolutionising the way we understand 

and interact with our planet.” 

Cepton is developing groundbreaking LIDAR 

technology to make driving safer 

The survey is the second phase of a multiyear 

contract, which was awarded initially by 

Malaysian firm Petronas in 2020. The contract 

was awarded to acquire and process up to 

105,000km² of multi-client 3D data in the 

Sarawak Basin over a period of five years. 

The latest survey builds on this project’s 

initial phase in the Sarawak North Luconia 

Province. 

TGS CEO Kristian Johansen said: “TGS has 

built an expansive multi-client data library 

across the Asia-Pacific region, and we are 

pleased to return to the Sarawak Basin with 

our partners. Sarawak is an area that has 

recently experienced multiple oil and gas 

discoveries, and we expect this to be a very 

important basin for future exploration. 

Cepton Inc (NASDAQ:CPTN) is making 

a name for itself in the fast-paced 

world of automotive innovation with 

its game-changing technology poised to 

revolutionize vehicle safety. 

A leading Silicon Valley startup, Cepton has 

harnessed the power of LIDAR to enhance the 

security and autonomy of everyday vehicles. 

In an exclusive interview with Proactive, 

Cepton’s CEO Jun Pei shared insights into 

the burgeoning world of LIDAR and its 

transformative impact on the automotive 

industry. 

LIDAR, short for Light Detection and Ranging, 

is an optical device that measures the 

distance between objects by emitting laser 

pulses and analyzing the reflected light. While 

this technology has been around for decades, 

recent advancements in miniaturization 

and technical capabilities have enabled its 

application in modern vehicles. Contrary to 

popular belief, LIDAR's first application is not 

autonomous vehicles; instead, it serves as a 

powerful safety device. 

Pei emphasized that LIDAR equips vehicles 

with the ability to perceive objects in their 

surroundings, detecting obstacles and 

enhancing safety for drivers and pedestrians 

alike. 

"As we drive toward a safer future, LIDAR 

plays a pivotal role in reducing accident rates 

and instilling a sense of certainty and comfort 

while driving," Pei explained. 


INTERNATIONAL 

MBARI, 3D Aim To Create New LIDAR Seafloor Mapping Technology 

Imaging the structure of the deep seafloor 

is critical to understanding the biology and 

ecology of the largest living space on our 

planet. But to date, only about 20 percent 

of the ocean floor has been mapped at a 

resolution useful for scientific study. 

For the past 10 years, MBARI has worked 

with 3D at Depth to develop innovative tools 

to map the seafloor using lidar technology. 

Now, this partnership aims to create the next 

generation of subsea lidar technology that 

can generate detailed high-resolution maps 

of underwater features. 

“To meet our goal of surveying the complex 

and rugged terrain of the deep seafloor at 

one-centimeter resolution, we’re working 

closely with 3D at Depth to develop enhanced 

lidar technology that will be smaller in 

size and weight and require less power, 

making it ideal for deployment on MBARI’s 

robotic submersibles and eventually, our 

autonomous robots too,” said Dave Caress, a 

MBARI uses lidar technology from 3D at Depth to visualize the deep seafloor at high resolution. 

This year, MBARI and 3D at Depth will build and test a more portable lidar system designed for 

seafloor mapping. Image: Todd Walsh © 2018 MBARI 

principal engineer at MBARI and the principal 

investigator of MBARI’s Seafloor Mapping Lab. 

“We’re excited that a research organization 

such as MBARI continues to use and invest in 

our technology to meet one of their strategic 

goals. These projects are truly a win-win 

for both organizations as it provides MBARI 

with a tool to meet their scientific goals and 

helps us improve our subsea lidar systems for 

diverse robotic platforms,” said 3D at Depth 

CEO Carl Embry. 

IOGP Releases Land Survey Data Model 

The International Association of Oil and 

Gas Producers has released its Land 

Survey Data Model (LSDM), continuing 

the practice of its Geomatics Committee of 

maintaining an "out-of-the-box" data model 

template to manage survey data within a 

geodatabase. 

The LSDM is an industry standard template 

for operators to maintain land survey data, 

mainly acquired for the oil and gas industry. 

The model enables the storage of key 

geospatial and nongeospatial descriptive and 

feature-specific elements of the following 

land-based survey activities: 

• Design, engineering, and construction 

surveys of infrastructure and facilities 

including proposed routes, as-found, 

as-left, as-installed, and as-built 

positions; depth of burial; general/ 

detail layout surveys—for company or 

third-party facilities that may overlap 

or affect exploration and production 

infrastructure (e.g., those owned or 

operated by utility companies) 

• Land and topographic surveys, including 

elevation (e.g., contours, spot heights, 

relief shading, terrain modeling), natural 

and man-made features, explosive 

remnants of war, archaeological sites, 

and underground services surveys 

• Geodetic and survey control network 

surveys, including coverage, line of sight, 

and monumentation 

• Land survey measurements, survey 

line plans, and similar documentation 

for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/ 

light detection and ranging (LiDAR) 

operations or similar (planned and asexecuted) 

• Vegetation and land use surveys 

• Imagery from satellite, UAV, and crewed 

survey flights (e.g., satellite imagery, 

LiDAR, aerial photography) 

• Right of Way (ROW) surveys and 

surveillance (ROW anomalies and 

The model is an industry 

standard template for 

operators to maintain 

land survey data, mainly 

acquired for the oil and 

gas industry. | Image 

Source: IOGP 

observations) such as pipeline route 

surveys, pipeline and facility UAV 

inspection, and access road surveys 

• Administrative boundaries and cultural 

information (e.g., roads, railways, rivers, 

habitation) 

• Geophysical/seismic, exploration and 

reconnaissance, geohazard, shallow and 

intermediate geology surveys 

• Geotechnical soil investigations 

• Environmental baseline and monitoring 

surveys 

• Infrastructure condition and subsidence 

monitoring surveys 

A detailed description of the data model may 

be found in the IOGP Report 640 – LSDM 

Guideline for Delivery and Use report, which 

is included in the package. 

Download the LSDM package here. 



EVENTS 

Construction industry gathers to innovate, 

celebrate, and build a resilient future at this 

year’s Big 5 Construct Southern Africa 

The tenth edition of Big 5 Construct Southern Africa concluded 

recently with co-located events including the Big 5 Southern 

Africa Construction Impact Awards and African Smart Cities 

Summit. 

“The construction industry is an engine for economic growth and 

prosperity and it’s through working together that we can ensure a 

more resilient future,” said Tracy-Lee Behr, Portfolio Director: Built 

Environment at dmg events. 

Big 5 Construct Southern Africa contributes significantly to the 

economic recovery, growth and transformation of Southern Africa’s 

construction industry, placing a special focus on accelerating business 

through face-to-face engagement. The event united over 200 

exhibitors, 80 speakers, and stakeholders from over 45 countries,” Behr 

said. 

Attendees enjoyed access to 6000+ products and technologies and 

30 CPD accredited workshops, covering an array of themes from 

transformation to professional development, smart construction 

to architecture, real estate and more, offering a great selection of 

insights, particularly at the Stakeholders Engagement Forum. 

“This is a sunrise industry, not a sunset industry. Brick by brick, let 

us build a better construction sector together,” were the words of 

the Minister of South Africa’s National Department of Public Works 

and Infrastructure, Mr Sihle Zikalala as he expressed government’s 

commitment to lead the sector to recovery, reflecting on the triumphs 

and challenges, including R1 billion in blended finance to accelerate 

growth and focusing on creating a thriving and more inclusive 

industry. He added that improving on learning opportunities to enter 

the industry, technical know-how and particularly, supporting womenowned 

construction firms are among the key deliverables to see the 

sector improve, along with promoting resilient infrastructure methods. 

Among important projects like the Just Energy Transition, The Build 

Programme is now operational to promote large scale industry 

movement extending to skills- and enterprise development. 

Mr. Bongani Dladla, CEO of South Africa’s Construction Industry 

Development Board said that while we don’t have all the money to 

close the funding gap in the construction sector, we must still do all 

we can to move projects to ‘shovel ready’ status while paving the 

way for an industry that adequately reflects the demographics of the 

country. 

Dr Msizi Myeza, CEO of the Council for the Built Environment, South 

Africa agreed that we can improve on the good work being done 

towards achieving a transformed industry. This includes encouraging 

the youth to consider a career in construction and creating real 

opportunities for growth. 

Mr Khulekani Mathe, Deputy CEO of Business Unity South 

Image: Big 5 Construct Southern Africa 

Africa reiterated how crucial it is to improve the status quo on 

unemployment in the country, where the construction industry could 

provide many jobs and contribute to GDP growth. 

Mrs Petra Devereux, Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Hub Manager 

for the Chartered Institute of Building said the built environment’s 

contribution to the economy cannot be disputed. But beyond the rand 

value, buildings keep us safe, healthy, and serve many other practical 

purposes. It’s important to set the industry to global standards, 

prioritising and maintaining ethical, top-quality work with health and 

safety, and other relevant, modern methods measuring up globally, 

enabling Africa to keep up with trends and to deliver reliable work 

that will stand the test of time. 

Among other speakers at the events were Dr. Nicol Chang, Technical 

Director at Keller on reducing carbon in geotechnical construction and 

Ryan Woodward, Operations Manager of CAD4ALL Institute of Applied 

Architecture on upskilling architecture professionals, equipping 

them for working in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Increasing 

professionalism within the industry was a definite call to action, along 

with fighting corruption and improving tender and job completion 

processes. 

The Real Estate Talks were new to the programme this year, hosted 

by Broll Property Group, covering green innovation, technology and 

a range of property considerations given the current market. The 

winners at the Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards 

celebrated while the African Smart Cities Summit delegates delved 

into how these innovative urban spaces can enhance quality of life. A 

clear message was that you can’t build a smart city without a smart 

grid, so priorities need to match up accordingly and all industries must 

work together to make smart cities a reality on the continent. 

The shortage of reliable, affordable energy is among the biggest 

challenges with a lot of work to be done to see improvements. 

Integrating sustainable solutions into industry best practice is the 

way forward and these events served as a platform for exchanging 

knowledge, fostering collaboration, and promoting inclusivity and 

sustainability across construction and infrastructure. 

“It will take time and ongoing commitment to see further positive 

progress but as the saying goes; if you want to go fast, go alone. If you 

want to go far, go together,” Behr concludes. 


EVENTS 

INTERGEO 2023 

Discover the latest technologies and applications 

at first hand and let yourself be inspired by the 

diverse exhibitors.This year’s INTERGEO EXPO and 

CONFERENCE is taking place in Berlin from 10 to 12 October. 

The BIM Days Germany will offer additional exhibitions and events on 

the BIM stages on 11 and 12 October and will conclude on 12 October 

with the BIM Capital Congress, including an evening reception at the 

AXICA event location next to the Brandenburg Gate. 

IMAGE ’23 

SEG, AAPG, and in conjunction with SEPM are hosting the third 

annual International Meeting for Applied Geoscience and 

Energy (IMAGE), 28 August–1 September in Houston, Texas at 

the George R. Brown Convention Center. 

IMAGE ’23 has been designed and built by industry professionals 

as the place for geoscientists, energy professionals, and thought 

leaders to meet and shape the future of applied geosciences and 

energy. It will provide an influential platform for sharing best 

practices, discovering solutions, and developing new perspectives 

and strategies to challenge and plan for what’s ahead. 

Plan now to explore a traditional and forward-looking technical 

program of more than 1,000 presentations and a unique exhibition 

experience where all sectors of geosciences and energy come 

together to innovate, collaborate, and network. 

MAGE ’23 will showcase these new and exciting advances in activity 

through the technical program, panels, and the Exhibition Hall. 

IMAGE ’23’s strategic panel program will highlight the value of 

partnerships across all sectors, providing insights and discussing 

challenges in investment, diversity and inclusion, business 

development, energy diversification, education, data management, 

and ESG. The meeting will also host a variety of social and 

networking events, luncheons, receptions, and artwork. We look 

forward to having you discover and discuss our industry’s breakout 

research, innovative science, and new business opportunities. 

Houston has more than just hot weather; this summer, it will be 

burning with the hottest topics in energy. 

Register for IMAGE ’23 today for an unparalleled opportunity to 

enhance your knowledge, expand your network, and contribute to 

the growth and development of the energy industry. 

Don’t miss this in-person only meeting to take advantage of 

everything IMAGE ’23 has to offer. 



INNOVATION 

Cemex launch dedicated BIM software plug-in 

CEMEX have launched a dedicated plug-in 

for the Building Information Modelling 

(BIM) REVIT software used for designing 

and managing construction projects. The tool 

will allow architects and engineers to identify 

the best Cemex products and solutions 

for their work, highlighting those that are 

particularly innovative and more sustainable. 

The BIM software offered by Cemex has been 

expertly designed for architects, engineers, 

contractors or construction professionals 

working on the development of residential, 

commercial, industrial or infrastructure 

projects. It allows users to search concrete 

by properties, compare concrete products 

by essential characteristics and target an 

embodied-carbon value. 

Users can also view detailed information on 

materials such as physical and mechanical 

performance with relevant data, among 

other technical characteristics. Products that 

could be recommended include those that 

CEMEX| Image: CEMEX 

are part of the Vertua range of Cemex’s more 

sustainable solutions. 

This software is said to be the first of its kind 

in the UK construction industry and will also 

be launched into other Cemex businesses 

across the globe over the coming months. 

National technical manager Mike Higgins 

commented: ‘We know how valuable BIM 

tools are to those designing construction 

projects, as they save time and money by 

providing immediate access to information 

and recommendations on the best-suited 

products while encouraging a collaborative 

process. 

RIEGL and Schiebel cooperate to enhance 

UAV-Lidar bathymetric mapping 

RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems and 

Schiebel have successfully completed the 

integration of a high-end laser scanning 

system, the RIEGL VQ-840-G topobathymetric 

Lidar sensor, on the Schiebel Camcopter 

S-100 uncrewed aerial system (UAS). 

Operating a high-end laser scanning system 

remotely on an uncrewed aerial vehicle 

(UAV or 'drone') requires a tailored solution 

that goes beyond what is currently available 

off-the-shelf. To maintain the broad operating 

range of the UAS, it is imperative to keep the 

weight of the sensor payload low. Additionally, 

the effective execution of the survey mission 

requires full remote control of the payload 

instruments and real-time feedback to the 

operator via a data link. 

Surveying shallow waters 

The compact topobathymetric laser scanner 

was designed for use in a variety of maritime 

and hydrographic environments. The Lidar 

The RIEGL VQ-840-G topobathymetric Lidar sensor mounted on the Schiebel Camcopter S-100 

UAS. (Image courtesy: RIEGL) 

sensor payload system is controlled remotely 

via a data link, which is crucial for integration 

into the S-100 system. The scanner is 

controlled using the onboard software 

RiACQUIRE-Embedded via the available 

data link, while data acquisition and laser 

safety are also monitored. Once the survey is 

completed, the raw data seamlessly integrates 

into the RIEGL data processing workflow. 

The RIEGL VQ-840-G, combined with the 

outstanding technical specifications and 

performance of the Camcopter S-100 UAS, 

enables an efficient and secure way to 

survey shallow waters, where monitoring 

from boats becomes a challenge. The 

applications of airborne Lidar bathymetry 

(ALB) include mapping coastlines and river 

banks, monitoring natural habitats and 

water reservoirs, and hydraulic engineering 

applications (e.g. canals, dams, bridges). Data 

both below and above the water surface 

can be covered in a single data acquisition 

mission. 


INNOVATION 

DEME to tap Liftra cranes for new offshore wind installation 

method 

DEME Offshore and Liftra ApS, a 

Danish lifting specialist focused on 

the wind industry, are teaming up to 

develop a new offshore installation method 

for the upcoming generation of wind turbine 

generators. 

The exclusive partnership will see Liftra crane 

technology be integrated onboard DEME’s 

vessels to enable the erecting of higher and 

heavier turbines using existing vessels at a 

lower cost. 

According to an announcement today, the 

companies plan to develop the technology 

in stages and, after a testing programme, to 

bring it into operation in 2027. The system 

can be placed on DEME’s floating offshore 

heavy-lift vessels such as Orion or Green Jade, 

as well as its existing jack-ups. 

Bart de Poorter, general manager DEME 

Offshore Renewables, said that the major 

advantage of the new joint technology is the 

ability to install fixed or floating turbines 

The Emlid Flow functionality for fieldwork has been enhanced with linework and coding I Image 

Emlid 

from a floating vessel, which means no 

limitations to water depth. The new approach 

also results in a reduced environmental 

footprint on the seabed. 

“Liftra is proud to contribute with our 

innovative LT1500 installation crane 

technology which is based on 10 years of 

Self-Hoisting crane product experience, and 

the special configuration with two cranes 

working in parallel, is also proven and goes 

back many years,” committed Liftra chief 

executive Per Fenger. 

OpenSpace Introduces New Product for BIM 

Technology to Be Adopted by the Field 

OpenSpace, the global leader in 

360° reality capture and AIpowered 

analytics, today introduced 

OpenSpace BIM+, a suite of easy-to-use 

3D tools that helps field teams and Virtual 

Design and Construction (VDC) teams 

get work done faster by unlocking BIM 

coordination on the jobsite. Announced at 

its Waypoint customer conference, this is 

the third product from OpenSpace that uses 

cutting-edge technology to empower project 

teams to get things done faster, together. 

OpenSpace Capture, introduced in 2018, is 

used to fully document construction sites 

in over 93 countries, and OpenSpace Track, 

introduced in 2021, automatically quantifies 

progress on those sites. OpenSpace BIM+ adds 

to this portfolio with tools that accelerate 

BIM and field coordination workflows. 

popular BIM Compare feature in OpenSpace 

Capture allows field teams to navigate and 

compare site conditions to the project's 

BIM, with the model fully aligned to the 

OpenSpace 360° capture. Last quarter, 

OpenSpace observed more than half its 

customers using this feature, and they 

represented the most active OpenSpace 

customers. 

Working in both 2D drawings and 3D models 

is not new to OpenSpace customers. The 

OpenSpace BIM+ product - BIM Element Overlay feature |Image: courtesy 



COVER STORY 

UXO Surveys 

The best innovative 

UXO detecting 

technology methods 

By Dorcas Kang'ereha 

Decades of military operations have left a legacy of unexploded 

ordnance (UXO) across the world, including our own countries. 

These weapons, which were thrown at the ground during battles 

and other military operations, are still present on the ground, 

in the subsurface and underwater, and remain a threat to our 

communities and our infrastructure. 

The threat of UXO is a global and serious issue. It is estimated that 

around 15,000-25,000 people are killed or maimed by land mines 

and UXO each year. Unexploded ordnance is a hazard that can be 

found in any war or conflict area either on land or underwater. They 

can be dangerous and cause significant disruption to a land or sea 

construction sites, from urban centres to rural areas. These include 

munitions like bombs, bullets and mines that were dropped during the 

maintenance or demolition works. 

12 May-June issue l 2023 

www.africasurveyorsonline.com

UXO SURVEYING 

“Modern weapons are estimated to have a failure rate of 5%. 

Depending on various factors, the failure rate can be up to 40%. Any 

armed conflict in the world has created, creates, and will create the 

same problem,” perceive Alexey Dobrovolskiy, Chief Technology Officer 

at SPH Engineering. 

Although UXO threat is increasing globally, however, survey 

technologies and clearance methodologies are also improving in line 

with this threat, allowing for faster, more accurate target identification, 

environmentally conscientious clearance and the reduction of overall 

risk to land-based and water-based site projects. Detecting land or 

underwater UXO is complex and can require well designed surveys 

with high sensitivity sensors. 

"Unexploded ordnance pose significant risks to both human lives and 

infrastructure development. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) can be 

an effective tool for locating land-based UXO. GPR can detect objects 

at various depths, ranging from a few centimeters to several meters, 

depending on the specific equipment and soil conditions. GPR enables 

survey teams to detect subsurface anomalies, such as munitions or 

buried objects, in real-time without the need for excavation, enabling 

faster and informed decision-making,” comments Allison Annan-Bujold, 

GPR Product Management Director at Sensors & Software Inc. 

Managing the process of UXO surveys is important and often involves 

multiple stakeholders. It can be a costly and time-consuming task. 

This is where a good workflow and commonly agreed data quality 

factors are important. This can make it easier for project stakeholders 

to understand how a survey will be conducted, and what data quality 

thresholds are expected from the sensors used in order to detect a 

given reference object. It also allows the team to spend more time on 

data analysis, interpretation and reporting. 

With reference to Stephen Wilson, Director of Business Development 

& UXO Manager at EPI Group, “We always start with a UXO Threat 

& Hazard Assessment. Covering the project site boundaries and 

surrounding areas of influence, this is a desk-based study of the 

UXO history in the area, describing the types, possible condition, and 

density of UXO that may be present within an area of investigation, 

where, and why. These potential UXO hazards are then risk assessed 

against the planned project operations for their likelihood to cause 

harm to people, plant, environment and species of concern. Only those 

potential UXO that pose a risk need to be the subject of a UXO survey, 

if there are no risks identified, no survey is required. This ensures the 

UXO survey is specific to managing the actual project risks and that 

the “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” safety methodology, is a viable 

cost-effective solution that can be reached by all project developers.” 

As multi-sensor datasets become increasingly large, a well-defined 

workflow with commonly agreed data quality factors is essential to 

improve the transparency of both land or water-based UXO surveys 

and trust in their results. This will help to avoid miscommunications 

between survey teams, clients and project managers that could lead to 

expensive delays or even cancellation of a project. 

“GPR systems can collect data over a large land area and map the 

results," says Allison. "The software enables detailed data visualization, 

interpretation, and integration with geospatial information systems 

(GIS), aiding in the creation of UXO hazard maps that accurately 

represent the land locations, depths, and sizes of potential UXO 

targets. The mapping capability enables UXO detection teams to 

prioritize and plan their clearance operations," she adds. 

Importance of UXO Surveys 

UXO is a major concern for a wide range of projects, from construction 

and excavation to wind farm installations, oil exploration, offshore 

oil & gas platforms and capital dredging. As a result, it is necessary 

to plan and execute the survey to ensure that any potential hazards 

are identified prior to any land or sea activities. Detection is the most 

important aspect of any UXO survey. The aim is to locate, identify and 

then remove any items that are a threat to any property or people 

within an area. To achieve this, an expert survey team will need to 

understand the local environment and the likely threats. This will 

enable them to recommend the best possible detection method for 

the site. 

“UXO surveys are a key part of the management of UXO contamination, 

management meaning normally to remove the contamination for land 

release. There are different types of UXO surveys, and the process 

would depend on the specific situation at different geographic 

levels. Arguably the most important UXO survey is the Non-Technical 

Survey (NTS) or desk top survey, normally conducted prior to any 

planned encounter with UXO contamination, consisting of research 

and interviews. This would determine areas of priority, non or less 

contaminated areas, and the type of contamination, which in turn 

would determine the type of detection equipment needed for ‘on-site’ 

survey to further confirm the findings of the NTS, and further clearance 

techniques and technologies required,” remarks Steve Marner, Senior 

Technical Delivery Manager at Artios Global Ltd. 

According to Wolfgang Suess, Managing Director at SENSYS, the 

importance of UXO surveys is manifold as buried UXOs in the ground 

that are leaking over time. “Chemicals are a threat to our environment 

and intact ammunition will lead to a lot of collateral damages and 

injuries or deaths. In order to release mined or contaminated areas 

to vitalize an economy especially in the areas of agriculture and 

civil engineering, UXO surveys have to be done addressing 100% 

of an area. For this kind of survey, an assigned expert will provide 

(aerial) remote operated or man operated detection systems with 

Magnetometers or electromagnetic sensors to detect all kind of bombs 

and ammunition in that particular land area. Additionally, metal and 

iron free plastic mines have to be detected by more specific devices 

or in labor intensive man based ground surveys – which by far are 

the most dangerous processes in demining,” expresses Wolfgang. “The 

problem of UXO is not only a problem on land, but in the water as well. 

Here again, leaking ammunition is harming our marine environment 

such that, TNT (Trinitrotoluene) and other elements are found in water, 

fishes and plants,” he adds. 

“There are four general methods for performing a sea based UXO 

survey. The two most common solutions are towed magnetometer/ 

gradiometer or ROV based gradiometer. In certain scenarios and 

regions ROV based electromagnetic systems or 3D chirp systems 

could also be used, however, this is a more uncommon approach. The 

industry standard towed solution for large scale UXO campaigns today 

uses one or several remotely operated towed vehicles (ROTV), with an 

array of magnetometers or gradiometer,” acclaims Thomas Mennerdahl, 

Technology Director Subsea at Reach Subsea AS. 



COVER STORY 

Allison Annan-Bujold, GPR Product 

Management Director - Sensors & 

Software Inc. 

Steve Marner, Senior Technical Delivery 

Manager - Artios Global Ltd 

Wolfgang Suess, Managing Director - 

SENSYS 

“Following a survey campaign and data assessment and anomalies 

characterised as probable UXO (pUXO), will be included in a target 

list to be further investigated to positively identify the anomaly. 

Typically, for water based projects, this is undertaken by specialist 

UXO ROVs or Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) divers, or a mixture 

of both depending on water depth and tidal effects. If the UXO is 

considered ‘viable’ and it is not possible to avoid the identified UXO, 

then normally it should be destroyed in situ or removed to a suitable 

disposal site. It is best practice for higher risk projects to embark 

UXO Specialists on site to verify anomalies or not. However, logistical 

and geographical practicalities, or in lower risk water sites, a remote 

explosive ordnance identification process can be available. Doing 

the right UXO survey, looking for the right potential targets based 

upon the threat assessment, is the most pragmatic way to make your 

project safe and allow an ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) 

certification,” counsels Stephen. 

“The world’s oceans are scattered with an estimated 1.3 million 

tonnes of unexploded ordnance (UXO) – hidden dangers that pose a 

serious threat to safety and marine pollution,” says Vincent van Santen, 

Business Development Manager Offshore Wind and UXO at Fugro. 

On the other hand, expressing his opinion, Thomas, signifies that, 

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the marine environment presents a 

significant but varying risk depending on historical conflicts, military 

activities, and munitions disposal practices. For example during World 

War I and World War II in the years 1848 – 1946 approximately 150 

000 mines and millions of aerial bombs were dropped only in the 

Baltic Sea. Mines are constructed to endure the water pressure. In 

waters where the salinity and oxygen levels in general are very low, 

such as the Baltic Sea, the munitions steel casing can be more or less 

intact at deeper water depths leaving the UXO inactive but potentially 

still well preserved. 

Thomas further go into detail that, even though there has been 

significant mine hunting and clearance campaigns following the 

world wars and the fall of Soviet Union, UXO remains a risk to marine 

construction. The requirement for UXO surveys should be based on 

desktop studies and is recommended for any seabed-interacting 

projects taking the following into consideration: 

• Historical Context: Assess the historical conflicts, military activities, 

and disposal campaigns in the area. This shall also include past 

practices of dumping munitions at specific sites. Where trawling is a 

fact there is a risk of UXOs being displaced randomly increasing the 

risk to encounter UXO in the vicinity and potentially outside what is 

considered a risk area. 

• Geographical Location: Evaluate the specific characteristics of the 

marine environment. Factors such as water depth, seabed composition, 

currents, sediment movement, and tides can impact the distribution 

and potential exposure to UXO. 

UXO consultants generate survey designs that are optimised for 

efficiency and high quality data acquisition in order to meet the 

client’s requirements. This is often achieved through the use of 

gradiometers; proton and caesium magnetometers in conjunction with 

high resolution side scan sonar. 

Detection Methods from Broadband Electromagnetic Signals 

UXO surveys are conducted to detect metallic objects that may have 

been buried in the ground or present on the seabed and that are 

believed to be related to unexploded ordnance (UXO) or explosive 

remnants of war (ERW). The purpose of this study is to introduce an 

automated anomaly-picking method for detecting metallic objects 

from broadband electromagnetic signals. 

“Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology allows for the use of 

broadband frequency domain electromagnetic system for shallow 

subsurface target detection. The technology allows for determining the 

range to an object and may be of benefit to detect objects remotely,” 

articulates Stephen. “Existing ranging technologies can be: susceptible 

to mutual interference (e.g. traditional sonars on the same frequency 

band operating at the same time may cause cross interference); not 

operating continuously (e.g. pulsed), therefore detection of obstacles 

between pulses is not possible; and operate on a narrow band, which 

may lead to lack of detections at certain frequencies,” adds Stephen. 

This technique combines multibeam Echosounder (MBES) and acoustic 

survey data with towed magnetometer arrays to produce detailed 

bathymetry and target localization results. This approach has the 

advantage of providing a high spatial resolution and the benefit of 

using only one platform for survey operations. 

“UXO survey campaigns are complex with many variables. They 

frequently combine a variety of different techniques, depending on 


UXO SURVEYING 

Stephen Wilson, Director of 

Business Development & UXO 

Manager - EPI Group 

Alexey Dobrovolskiy, Chief 

Technology Officer - SPH 

Engineering 

Thomas Mennerdahl, Technology 

Director Subsea - Reach Subsea 

AS 

Vincent van Santen, Business 

Development Manager Offshore 

Wind and UXO - Fugro 

the site's particular conditions, the target's features, and the survey's 

goals,” says Vincent. “To achieve reliable and accurate identification of 

UXO artefacts, automated detection approaches are often combined 

with human experience and visual confirmation. Multiple detection 

techniques to identify potential UXO objects can be applies in 

the seabed, electromagnetic signals being one of them. The latest 

developments in data processing algorithms can also be used to 

improve processing time and ensure methods are objective, repeatable 

and auditable,” he adds. 

“The utilisation of this emerging broadband electromagnetic 

technology could allow for superior detections when compared to 

most technologies currently available. The purpose of UXO survey 

techniques is to produce a master target list of potential pUXO, which 

will need to be investigated prior to ALARP. It is imperative that we 

do not miss pUXO and that we do not unnecessarily add pUXO to 

the master target list, as investigation is a very expensive process,” 

observed Stephen. 

During the initial phase of a technical UXO survey, a range of 

different sensor methods are deployed. This phase requires a deep 

understanding of the type of munitions, geophysical survey methods, 

data processing and management skills. 

Innovative technologies for UXO surveys 

When it comes to best technologies for land-based UXO surveys, 

Allison affirms that Ground Penetrating Radar is complementary to 

other detection methods. “GPR uses low energy, high frequency radio 

waves to image metallic and non-metallic objects in the subsurface, 

making it a natural technology to use for locating buried UXO. There is 

a wide selection of GPR systems and configurations available, making 

GPR adaptable to different terrains for UXO applications”, she adds. 

Moreover, magnetometers are subject to systematic errors inherent to 

the sensor itself and the magnetic environment it is placed in. These 

errors are induced by hard and soft iron effects, zero bias errors, scale 

factors and non-orthogonality- which will show up as an orientationand 

movement induced noise on the measured total magnetic field. 

The sources of these magnetic influences are the sensor, the sensor 

platform and the surface vessel (in shallow water); this is with regards 

to Thomas. 

“In late 2000s ROV based gradiometer systems were introduced which 

has advantages but also some challenges. The main reason why 

magnetometers measuring total field are very complicated to use on 

ROVs, is due to the noise induced by the motion of the ROV/vessel 

in relation to the magnetometer which will change the measured 

magnetic field,” he adds. Additionally, Thomas is certain that, “The 

main solution to this is the use of two or more magnetometers in a 

gradiometer configuration. In such a setup, the influence on the total 

field from the surface vessel is assumed to be equal on all sensors due 

to the relative distance between the ROV and the surface vessel, and 

the distance between the magnetometers in the array. As this is not 

the case for the targets located on the seabed, this method does not 

suppress any data of interest in an archaeological or sea based UXO 

survey.” 

“When there is a risk for non-ferrous UXOs or there are subsea 

structures and/or geology/boulders that could mask the magnetic 

signature of a possible UXO target a ROV based electromagnetic 

system or 3D chirp system can be an appropriate solution. In shallow 

water the 3D chirp could be fitted to the surface vessel without 

requirement for ROV or towed solutions,” adds Thomas. 

“Once the fact that intervention into a UXO contaminated area, for 

survey or clearance, is determined, factors have to be taken into 

consideration for the best suited and most practicable technologies or 

techniques required. For example, the most up to date third generation 

detection equipment may not be suitable for very simple small-scale 

contamination; or time and speed of clearance may be the precedence 

over cost of such high-end technologies (and techniques such as 

mechanical clearance with armoured earth moving machines)” clinches 

Steve. 

In recent decades, a number of new and innovative technologies have 

been developed to improve the detection of UXOs. These include 

digital geophysics and a combination of electromagnetic sensors. 

Combined with data analysis workflows, these technologies can 

greatly improve the accuracy of locating UXOs. 

The opinions expressed by individual experts are their sole 

responsibility and do not imply any endorsement or support 

by other participants in this context. 



OPINION 



Commercial Purposes 

Author: Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, SAN, Managing 

Partner of O. M. Atoyebi, S.A.N & Partners (OMAPLEX 

Law Firm). | Image: Courtesy. 

As the popularity of drones continues to rise, so do the 

legal and ethical implications of using them. In Nigeria, 

the use of drones has become more prevalent, particularly 

in areas such as agriculture, surveillance, and aerial photography. 

However, in order to ensure the proper and safe use of drones, it is 

essential to consider the legal and ethical implications associated 

with their use. This includes obtaining necessary permits and 

adhering to regulations set forth by the Nigerian Civil Aviation 

Authority, respecting privacy laws, and ensuring proper liability 

protection. Additionally, ethical considerations such as privacy 

invasion, noise pollution, safety concerns, and environmental impact 

must be taken into account. By considering the legal and ethical 

implications of using drones, we can ensure that the use of drones 

in Nigeria is safe, secure, and ethical. 

From a legal standpoint, the operation of drones is subject to a 

complex set of regulations that vary depending on the country 

and jurisdiction. These regulations cover issues such as licensing, 

registration, and flight restrictions. In addition, the use of drones 

can give rise to privacy concerns, particularly if they are equipped 

with cameras or other sensors. From an ethical standpoint, there 

are questions about the appropriate use of drones and the potential 

impact on individuals and communities. In this article, we would 

discuss the legal and ethical considerations of using a drone. 


OPINION 

WHAT IS A DRONE? 

A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or aircraft that can 

be remotely controlled or fly autonomously using GPS technology 

and sensors. It typically contains a camera or other sensors that 

capture data for various applications and can have a range of shapes 

and sizes. Drones are commonly used in many fields, including 

photography, delivery services, emergency response, surveillance, 

agriculture, and journalism. 

IMPACT OF DRONES FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES 

Drones were originally developed for the military and aerospace 

industries, but recently, drones have found their way into the 

mainstream because of the enhanced levels of safety and efficiency 

they bring. These robotic UAVs operate without a pilot on board and 

with different levels of autonomy and because a drone’s autonomy 

level can range from being remotely piloted (a human controls its 

movements) to advanced autonomy. 

In the wake of drones being able to be controlled remotely and 

can be flown at varying distances and heights, they make perfect 

candidates to take on commercial jobs, which the implications clearly 

have a positive impact on businesses and consumers. Consumers 

directly benefit from job creation, resulting in additional earnings. 

Commercial drones will also allow industries to realize savings from 

cost-effective means of inventory, transportation, and distribution. 

These cost savings can be passed down to the consumer through a 

reduction in prices. 

Because drones can be controlled remotely and can be flown at 

varying distances, they make perfect candidates to take on some 

of the toughest jobs in the world. They can be found assisting in a 

search for survivors after a hurricane, giving law enforcement and the 

military an eye in the sky during terrorist situations and advancing 

scientific research in some of the most extreme climates on the 

planet. 

THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF USING A DRONE FOR COMMERCIAL 

SERVICES IN NIGERIA. 

1. Permits and regulations: Commercial drone operators must 

obtain permits and follow the regulations set by the Nigerian Civil 

Aviation Authority (NCAA). 

2. Restricted airspace: Certain airspace in Nigeria may be restricted, 

and drones should not fly in these areas. This includes restricted 

areas around airports or other government facilities. 

3. Privacy laws: Drones equipped with cameras can infringe on 

privacy laws. Therefore, they should not be used to take pictures of 

people or property without consent. 

4. Liability: Drone operators are responsible for any accidents or 

damage caused by the drone, so adequate insurance coverage must 

be in place. 

5. Data protection: Drones used for commercial activities typically 

collect data, and this data must be handled in accordance with data 

protection laws. 

6. Intellectual property rights: Drones must not infringe on any 

intellectual property rights such as trademarks, copyrights, or patents. 

7. National security: Drones should not be used in any way that 

could compromise national security. There is a need to control the 

manufacture, sale, and use of drones accordingly. 

8. Workforce regulations: There may be regulations regarding the 

use of drones, prohibiting any form of exploitation of workers that 

operate such devices. 

9. Consumer protection: Drones must comply with consumer 

protection regulations, such as warranties and return policies. 

10. Environmental regulations: Drones can have an impact on the 

environment, and regulations must be put in place to minimize the 

negative impact. Drones should not cause soil erosion, uncontrolled 

emissions, or disturbance of wildlife habitats. 

THE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF USING A DRONE FOR COMMERCIAL 

SERVICES IN NIGERIA 

1. Invasion of privacy: Drones with cameras can be intrusive and 

could violate an individual’s right to privacy. 

2. Weaponization: There is a risk of drones being weaponized, which 

could be used illegally and pose a major threat to public safety and 

national security. 

3. Social and cultural impact: The use of drones for commercial 

activities may change the way people work and interact with 

each other, leading to social and cultural impacts that may not be 

immediately apparent. 

4. Noise pollution: Drones can generate a significant amount of 

noise, creating a potential nuisance to people in the vicinity. 

5. Safety concerns: Drones used for commercial activities may pose 

a risk to the safety of the public, especially in crowded areas. There’s 

also a risk of accidents associated with drone collisions. 

6. Environmental impact: Drones can cause environmental damage, 

including noise pollution, soil erosion, and disturbance of wildlife 

habitats. 

7. Responsible use: The use of drones for commercial activities must 

be responsible, considering the potential impact on people, property, 

and the environment. 

8. Liability: Drone operators must be liable for any accidents, 

damage, or injuries that occurred while operating the drone. 

Therefore, adequate insurance should be put in place. 

9. Job displacement: The widespread use of drones for commercial 

activities may result in job displacement, leading to a loss of 

employment for those who would have been employed to carry out 

these tasks. 

10. Accountability: Ethical and moral issues will arise with the 

use of drones for commercial activities. There is a need to ensure 

accountability for their use to avoid negative consequences. 

CONCLUSION 

In conclusion, the use of drones in Nigeria has several legal and 

ethical implications that must be considered in order to ensure the 

proper and safe use of these devices. Drone operators must obtain 

the necessary permits and licenses and adhere to regulations set 

by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. They must also respect 

privacy laws, ensure liability protection, and consider ethical issues 

such as safety concerns, noise pollution, environmental impact, and 

invasion of privacy. By taking these considerations into account, the 

use of drones in Nigeria can be both beneficial and ethically sound. 

It is important to balance the potential benefits of drones with the 

responsibility of using them in a manner that is safe, secure, and 

respectful of the rights and privacy of individuals. 



OPINION 

How financial institutions can 

drive Africa’s energy transition 

Absa recently released its annual financial results and from 

this, there are two important numbers to highlight. The first 

being that Absa is working on power projects representing 

over 2000MWs and the second being that the bank has R45bn in 

new power projects in the pipeline. This is on top of the ca. 4GW’s of 

projects closed to date. 

In the context of our economy, these are considerably significant. 

As a South African, it is easy to become disheartened by the ongoing 

economic challenges brought about by load-shedding. Whether it is, 

factories standing idle when the power goes off, or coming home to 

no electricity, the challenges affect all citizens and businesses. 

Therefore, when we look at the sheer scale of projects in the 

pipeline, we believe that the next few years will be transformative 

for our country, our people and the economy. 

While Eskom is a major cog in the South African electricity 

infrastructure, it is important to realise that the broader ecosystem is 

changing quite rapidly, and we should be aware of this shift. 

The lifting of the cap on generation projects has opened the door 

for several new developments. We are now entering an era where 

an independent energy exchange has been licensed and established 

to re-sell excess power, and buyers and sellers will be able to 

negotiate market-related rates. While there are still questions around 

distribution and transmission, this massive leap forward could 

potentially serve as a blueprint for the energy transition across the 

African continent. 

Captive power projects are growing rapidly across the country and 

as one of the successful major funders of these projects, we have 

learnt important lessons over the last 12 to 18 months that make us 

a funder-of-choice for many of these transactions. 

Unlike the Government-backed renewable energy projects in South 

Africa where we have sovereign guarantees backstopping Eskom’s 

commitments under the PPAs (power purchase agreements), for the 

captive market, banks and investors have to take a very long-term 

view on the off-taker, where the credit quality may not match that 

of the Sovereign. In the normal corporate lending world, corporates 

typically raise debt financing for much shorter tenors compared to 

what is required under a captive Independent Power Producer (IPP) 

project with a 20-year PPA. 

Banks and investors are now starting to take a view on the broader 

energy market, looking beyond the initial power off-taker to a market 

where it will be possible to find alternative off-takers for projects 

supplying power into the national grid, and eventually to power 


traders where a spot market is expected to develop over time. 

OPINION 

In this context it becomes important to understand where a specific 

project sits on the energy cost curve, to provide some comfort that it 

will be able to produce power at a competitive rate should it need to 

sell power into a liberated market over time. 

For most of our clients the investment in renewable energy serves 

three main purposes. 

Firstly, it provides a level of energy security, particularly for 

captive, behind the meter systems where the combination of a 

solar installation with battery storage can supply a minimum level 

of baseload power. Secondly, based on the tariffs which we are 

witnessing in the market, entering into long term PPAs with grid 

connected IPPs, can result in a significant saving on their electricity 

bill, compared to what they pay the utility. 

Author: Theuns Ehlers, Head: Resource & Project Finance, Absa 

CIB | Image courtesy 

These projects, therefore, assist clients to lower their operating cost 

base and improve their position on the global cost curve. Lastly, the 

introduction of renewable energy into a client’s energy mix assists in 

their targets to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby reducing their 

carbon footprint, where most corporates now have clear ESG goals to 

achieve net zero emissions by a certain date. 

We are in an exciting phase for the energy market across the continent. 

There are short-term pains and frustrations when it comes to grid 

capacity, but we must not lose sight of the innovations that are taking 

place, and how we can utilise these to be a blueprint for the rest of 

Africa. 



FEATURE 

The important aspect of 

Radiometrics Survey 

By Dorcas Kang'ereha 

The radiometric measurement of soil gamma radiation, or 

gamma ray spectroscopy, is an important geological mapping 

tool which has been applied to many environmental and 

mineral exploration projects. The use of gamma-ray spectrometry for 

the detection and mapping of mineral deposits has developed rapidly 

over the past 40 years. Spectrometers (gamma-ray spectrometers) are 

used to detect gamma-rays emanating from natural and man-made 

sources. They use a number of spectral windows, covering specific 

gamma-ray energies, to detect and identify the source. The data 

obtained is usually centered on three energy bands which indicate 

Uranium, Thorium and Potassium concentrations in the earth's crust. 

These bands are typically centered around the Bi214, Tl208 and K40 

energy peaks at 2.62 MeV, 1.76 MeV and 1.46 MeV respectively. 

With reference to Howard Barrie, President at Terraquest, Radiometric 

Surveys detect and map gamma rays, and can be performed on the 

ground, in the air, or in a borehole. Airborne gamma-ray spectrometry 

or radiometric surveying for mineral exploration measures the gammarays 

that are emitted from naturally occurring radioactive isotopes 

that are found in rocks and soils near the surface. The most abundant 

of these radioactive isotopes are potassium (K40), uranium (U238), and 

thorium (Th232). 

Howard further elaborates on the usefulness of airborne radiometric 

surveys for mineral exploration and geological mapping depends on 

the following: 

1. The measured radioactive isotope distributions relate to different 

lithologies in the bedrock (normal litholigic signatures) 

2. Normal lithologic signatures are distinctly modified by mineralizing 

processes (alteration zones) 

3. Bedrock signatures migrate into surficial materials (exposed 

bedrock, sediments, affected by soil and vegetation types, and surface 

water) 

4. Surficial materials can be spatially related to bedrock sources. 

Ramesh Acharya Gundi, Chief Geophysicist at Mcphar international, 

says that, “Radiometric survey more specifically Gamma ray 

Spectrometric survey measures the natural gamma radiation, in the 

range of (0 - 3000 KeV), emanated by the radio nuclides of Potassium 

(K), Uranium (U) and Thorium (Th) present in geological formations. 

The relative presence of the radio nuclides varies from acidic to basic 

geological formations. Mapping the distribution of K, U, Th and the 

ratios (U/K, U/Th and Th/K) provide great detail on surface geology 

and the alteration zones (radiometric halos). Integrated analysis of 

spectrometric data along with other geophysical data sets such as: 

magnetic, electromagnetic in a given geological setup aids in mineral 

exploration programs.” 

“High resolution magnetic and spectrometric surveys on an 

airborne platform are routinely being carried out over huge areas in 

understanding the subsurface structure and mineral potential and 

in narrowing down the areas of interest for subsequent followup. 

Airborne spectrometric surveys are also being conducted to track the 

radioactive plumes in the event of nuclear disasters in atomic power 

plants for safety from environmental perspective,” adds Ramesh. 

Gamma-ray spectrometry can also be used to map the concentration 

of radioactive elements in the earth's crust and to calculate elemental 

ratios. These are important in geochemical exploration because they 

allow the presence of hydrocarbons or other buried reservoirs to be 

detected by assessing their abundance at various depths. 

The spectrometer has a series of crystals that have different properties 

and a photomultiplier tube that converts the gamma-ray energy into a 

voltage output. This output is used to determine the count rate, which 

in turn reflects the gamma-ray intensity. 

There are several types of spectrometers, all of which are designed 

to measure the gamma-ray intensity from a variety of sources. The 

sensitivity of the detector is controlled by a number of instrumental 

parameters including the ionization resistance, which can be 

influenced by the temperature of the crystal and the photomultiplier 

tubes. It is therefore essential that the sensitivity of the detector is 

closely monitored during operations. Daily calibration checks using 

standard isotope sources are also recommended. 

High sensitivity systems, which can sense gamma radiation with a 

count rate of over one million counts per second (cps), are essential for 

airborne geochemical and geological mapping surveys. However, the 

sensitivity of these systems is limited by the total volume of crystals 

which can be carried on aircraft and by the speed and altitude of 

the aircraft. Larger crystal volumes require larger aircraft, which are 

heavier and more expensive to operate. 

Medium sensitivity reconnaissance surveys, which may not be intended 

to detect a wide range of spectral windows or uranium or thorium 

concentrations in particular, can be flown with smaller crystal volumes 

and less sensitive spectrometers. This can reduce costs and make the 

survey more economical. 

Sensitivity constants for the spectral windows of interest are 

experimentally determined from measurements on calibration pads 

made of concrete containing known amounts of U, Th and K. These 

constants are usually referred to as the attenuation coefficients, mTh, 


RADIOMETRICS SURVEY 

mU and mK, for each of the three energy windows; and their values 

are dependent on the size of the crystals and detector altitude. 

During a low altitude survey, the presence of atmospheric radon and 

cosmic rays can also affect the count rates in each of the three spectral 

bands. The effect of these non-geologic sources on the count rates 

is primarily due to Compton scattering and the fact that they have a 

lower energy than gamma rays originating from the earth's surface. 

To reduce the impact of background noise on the spectral windows 

and count rates, a special spectrometer called a "differential 

spectrometer" is used. The difference between this spectrometer and 

the multichannel spectrometer is that it does not use "windows" of 

fixed energy width; instead, a narrower range of energy windows 

are measured. The detectors are of a larger size, and the light 

flash counting rates are much lower than with the multichannel 

spectrometer. 

The optimum line spacing depends on the survey type and the amount 

of detail that is required. For fixed wing surveys, a mean terrain 

clearance of 130 metres is recommended, and the line spacing should 

be about three times this. 

For unmanned aerial geophysical systems (UAS) this spacing is not 

as critical, and the distance between the surveyed strip and the 

closest point on the ground should not exceed half its diameter. For 

this reason a circle of investigation is often used for the strip, which 

moves with the aircraft. The main value of low altitude radiometrics 

is the ability to map uranium dispersion halos, and to indicate local 

anomalies in the U/Th and U/K ratios as "red-balls" or "black balls". 

In suitable areas these maps can be useful as aids in geological 

interpretation. 

“High resolution magnetic and spectrometric surveys on an 

airborne platform are routinely being carried out over huge areas in 

understanding the subsurface structure and mineral potential and 

in narrowing down the areas of interest for subsequent follow-up. 

Airborne spectrometric surveys are also being conducted to track the 

radioactive plumes in the event of nuclear disasters in atomic power 

plants for safety from environmental perspective,” says Ramesh. 

Important aspect of Radiometrics survey 

The important aspect of radiometric surveys is that they can detect 

subtle variations in the natural background radiation. These changes 

are generally not detectable from the ground, but can be detected by 

using "upward looking" crystals that are shielded from atmospheric 

radiation and can therefore monitor these variations in real time 

during the survey. 

“One important aspect of radiometric surveys is their ability to 

provide reliable, consistent, and calibrated data. Variations in lighting 

conditions or camera settings can be accounted for and do not 

compromise the quality and comparability of the imagery captured 

over time,” affirms Susanne Scholz, Application Engineer at Vexcel 

Imaging. “Precise calibration of the imaging system is a fundamental 

prerequisite to achieving such a high level of reliability. In our 

calibration lab, our UltraCam aerial camera systems undergo both 

geometric and radiometric calibration processes, transforming them 

into precise measurement instruments,” she adds. 

Changes in the natural background can lead to errors in the 



RADIOMETRICS SURVEY 

Susanne Scholz, Application 

Engineer - Vexcel Imaging 

David Armah, Director - Business 

Development - A-M Surveys Ltd 

Howard Barrie, President - 

Terraquest 

Ramesh Acharya Gundi, Chief 

Geophysicist - Mcphar international 

radiometric survey and it is therefore important that a careful control 

of the background radiation is maintained during the survey operation. 

For example, the survey area can be surveyed in stages to ensure that 

there is no deterioration in the natural background before the next 

stage. 

“During the radiometric calibration, a series of images is captured, 

including color targets, white fields, and dark frames. The use of 

calibrated shutters ensures a consistent amount of light enters the 

camera system. The illumination of the calibration environment is 

crucial and requires a stable light source that closely approximates the 

spectrum of the sun. By employing a calibrated spectrometer, the light 

source can be carefully monitored throughout the calibration process,” 

enlightens Susanne. 

“The most important aspect of radiometric surveys in my candid 

opinion is, ACCURACY,” asserts David Armah, Director of Business 

Development and Admin at A - M Surveys Ltd. 

“The measuring and analysing the levels of radiation in a given area 

to identify and characterize radioactive materials or sources. These 

Accurate measurements are crucial for various reasons: 

Safety: In the survey conducted to assess potential radiation, 

hazards to; and the safety of individuals and the environment must 

be ensured. Accurate measurements help identify areas with elevated 

radiation levels, allowing for appropriate safety measures and 

precautions to be implemented. 

For Environmental Monitoring: Radiometric surveys play a vital role 

in monitoring environmental radioactivity, such as in nuclear power 

plants, waste management facilities, or areas affected by nuclear 

accidents. Accurate measurements are necessary to track any changes 

in radiation levels over time and detect any potential environmental 

contamination. 

Resource Exploration: Particularly in the mining industry, to identify 

and assess deposits of radioactive minerals such as uranium or 

thorium. Accurate measurements are crucial for determining the 

extent, grade, and economic viability of these deposits. 

Radiometric surveys contribute to Scientific Research; in various 

fields, including geology, archaeology, and environmental studies. 

Accurate measurements provide reliable data for studying geological 

formations, dating artefacts using radioactive isotopes, and 

understanding natural radiation background levels,” highlights David. 

David emphasizes that,to ensure the accuracy in radiometric surveys as 

stated above, several factors should be considered, including 

1. calibration of instruments 

2. Appropriate sampling techniques, 

3. proper shielding from external radiation sources, 

4. Quality assurance and Quality control procedures, 

5. Expertise of trained professionals who can accurately interpret and 

analyse the collected data. 

Image: courtesy 


OFFSHORE 



ENERGY 

Regional Collaboration 

Consolidates Angola’s 

Position as an Oil and 

Gas Hub 

One of Africa’s major oil and gas producers, 

Angola is demonstrating commendable 

efforts in prioritizing regional collaboration 

to ensure energy security and stimulate growth across 

the regional energy sector. By leveraging its position, 

resources and experience, Angola is forging strategic partnerships with 

neighboring countries, signing significant agreements, and initiating 

cross-border collaborations. These endeavors serve as an inspiring 

example for other African nations to enhance cooperation and foster 

sustainable development. 

Angola-DRC Ink Landmark Agreement 

In a notable development, Angola’s signing of a Memorandum of 

Understanding (MoU) with the Democratic Republic of the Congo 

(DRC) on July 13 for the joint development of offshore Block 14 

marks a significant milestone in the country’s pursuit of energy 

security. Angola, for its part, has demonstrated its commitment to 

strengthening cooperation and promoting sustainable development 

and growth within the energy sector. This strategic alliance will not 

only boost the energy sectors of both countries but also promote 

economic growth and stability across the continent. 

Zambia-Angola Pipeline Enhances Connectivity 

In 2021, Angola inked an MoU with Zambia for the construction of 

the $5 billion Zambia-Angola pipeline. The pipeline will transport 

petrol, kerosene, diesel and gas from Angola's Lobito Refinery to 

Zambia. Spanning approximately 1,400 km, it will have a capacity of 

200,000 barrels per day. The pipeline aims to reduce fuel prices in 

Zambia, benefiting the economy and population while also generating 

significant revenue for Angola. The project underscores Angola's 

commitment to fostering economic integration and job creation while 

supporting the development of neighboring nations through an 

interconnected energy network. 


ENERGY 

H.E. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas of Angola 

CAPS Strengthens Regional Integration 

In pursuit of advanced intra-African trade, Angola signed an MoU with 

a coalition of other African countries to establish the Central African 

Pipeline System (CAPS). Under the terms of the MoU, the coalition 

will construct a regional oil and gas pipeline network, consisting of 

three multinational pipeline systems, including the Central Southern 

Pipeline System connecting Angola with the DRC, Rwanda and Burundi. 

This project aims to alleviate energy poverty, promote economic 

integration, and enhance energy security in Africa. By linking the oilproducing 

regions of these countries, CAPS will enable the efficient 

transportation of petroleum resources across borders, fostering 

stability and boosting economic progress in the region. 

Angola Advances Bilateral Energy Agreements 

Angola has strengthened its bilateral cooperation with several 

regional countries, leveraging its economic stronghold to spur 

development across the regional landscape. In their Joint Permanent 

Commission on Cooperation, Angola and Rwanda explored new areas 

of collaboration in education, finance, defense and security, vocational 

training, infrastructure and tourism, complementing existing 

agreements in health, justice and agriculture. Additionally, Angola 

showcased its commitment to regional collaboration by partnering 

with Namibia's Ministry of Mines and Energy to support emerging 

energy markets in Africa. This agreement solidifies their dedication 

to cooperation in areas such as information exchange, industry data 

management, geological studies, and joint petroleum and gas projects. 

These partnerships highlight Angola's proactive approach to regional 

engagement and its commitment to enhancing cooperation and 

development in various sectors across Africa. 

Angola Amplifies Support for SADC Integration 

Angola, being one of the founding members of the Southern African 

Development Community (SADC), is committed to cooperation, 

integration and development. Through this network, the country 

proactively engages with its regional neighbors, with recent 

plans underway to increase refining capacity for crude oil and 

petrochemicals within Angola to meet the growing demand in the 

SADC market. This initiative is expected to create value for Angola, 

enhance supply security for the country and the region, and support 

sectors like agriculture and power generation that rely on by-products 

such as fertilizer and gas. 

Angola: An Inspiring Model for African Producers 

Angola's commitment to regional collaboration in pursuit of energy 

security sets an exemplary model for other African oil producers. 

By prioritizing cross-border partnerships and resource-sharing 

agreements, Angola showcases the potential for collective progress 

and stability within the energy sector. This strategy not only promotes 

economic growth but also enhances regional integration, therefore 

strengthening Africa's position on the global energy stage. 

"The Chamber believes that regional collaboration is the key to 

unlocking the immense potential of the African energy sector. 

By working together, we can overcome challenges and create a 

sustainable future for all. Angola is proudly leading the way, using its 

position as a major oil producer to drive growth, promote stability, and 

foster meaningful partnerships across the region," says NJ Ayuk, the 

Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC). 

Angola's participation in African Energy Week (AEW) – taking place 

October 16-20 in Cape Town - further reinforces the country’s 

dedication to collaboration, as it serves as a platform for fostering 

partnerships, driving investment, and sharing expertise across the 

African energy landscape. H.E. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of 

Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas of Angola, will participate at 

AEW 2023 as a keynote speaker, providing insights into the country’s 

energy agenda while providing other African nations with the 

opportunity to learn from Angola’s experiences. 



3D MAPPING 

Aetos taps 

3D-mapping tool to 

conduct virtual 

patrols 

By Zaihan Mohamed Yusof 

Building owners and security companies are tapping 

3D-mapping technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to 

create digital twins of facilities, in a move they say will help 

ease the manpower crunch in the security sector. 

The tools allow security personnel working out of a command centre 

to monitor a building using a combination of its digital twin and live 

footage from cameras and sensors inside the facility. 

The AI tool processes the data and sends out alerts about crowd sizes 

as well as security issues such as intrusions and weapon detection. 

Dr Jon Lee, chief executive and founder of Singapore-based Vizzio 

Technologies, said the technology is able to help companies reduce 

manpower costs while providing real-time situational awareness. 

“We used to see four security guards deployed at a transport facility – 

Vizzio Technologies staff mapping out a part of Medina in Saudi Arabia by walking 16km with a 360-degree video camera. Vizzio’s AI software 

then cleans up and enhances the image before coming up with a 3D digital twin of the area. PHOTO: VIZZIO TECHNOLOGIES 


3D MAPPING 

A Vizzio Technologies staff member holding a 360-degree video camera. In the background is a laser scanner with a video camera mounted on top 

of it. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF 

patrolling the grounds every four hours. 

“With 3D-mapping technology, which allows virtual patrols, the facility 

was able to reduce manpower needs by more than half, which means 

cost savings,” added Dr Lee. 

Estimates vary, but reports suggest that up to 15,000 security officers 

are needed to supplement the 49,000 already working in the sector. 

Security firm Aetos is using Vizzio’s 3D-mapping tool to manage 

multiple facilities under its charge. 

Aetos Holdings CEO Alfred Fox said: “Vizzio had been integral in 

helping us implement the nation’s largest 3D digital twin within 

Aetos’ next-generation 5G Integrated Command Centre (ICC) – an AI 

cloud-based platform that visualises unified operations islandwide and 

beyond borders onto a single dashboard – based on aggregated data 

from numerous subsystems.” 

A video wall measuring 2.7m by 9.6m sits on a wall inside the ICC, 

which is located within the Aetos headquarters in Corporation Drive. It 

displays all of Aetos’ operations and resources in Singapore. 

Personnel at the centre can focus on an area on the map, then narrow 

the search to a specific building, and even zoom in to go inside a 

facility by tapping cameras at the building. 

Mr Fox said that with the digital-twin tool, the ICC is able to work with 

building owners and operators to respond to security breaches and 

other safety and management-related incidents. 

Stellar Lifestyle, the business arm of SMRT Corporation, has adopted 

Vizzio’s 3D-mapping technology to extend its physical retail and 

advertising spaces to virtual spaces. 

Commuters can access 3D maps on their devices to scan services and 

shops which are en route to their destinations. The tool also allows 


potential tenants to attend virtual viewings of retail units prior to a 

physical visit. 

Mr Tony Heng, president of Stellar Lifestyle, said: “Beyond physical 

spaces, Stellar Lifestyle and Vizzio are bringing our ecosystem of small 

and medium-sized enterprises to virtual realms, enabling immersive 

shopping, wayfinding, gamification and more.” 

Vizzio has also been engaged to map districts in Saudi Arabia and 

Hong Kong for tourists. 

Dr Lee said the firm captures video footage of an area to be digitised 

into a 3D model by having staff walk, cycle or drive along the intended 

route. 

A selfie stick-mounted video camera, which is capable of generating 

a 360-degree image, is good enough to generate accurate 3D models. 

But he added that the firm also uses commercially available cameras 

to scan buildings. 

The data collected is then uploaded into Vizzio’s proprietary AI and 

behavioural analytics software. 

“Traditionally, people mapped indoor and outdoor areas using bulky 

(laser scanners). How many can carry these for kilometres? 

“These devices are also mounted on top of a car, which are not able to 

cover walkways or areas not passable by cars,” said Dr Lee. 

Some companies also use drones for mapping, but he said Vizzio buys 

satellite images for its 3D maps. 

Dr Lee said live 3D-mapping technology is not just for national or 

public security purposes. 

“It can be used for many other applications, such as tourism, facilities 

management and live street maps,” he added. 


MARITIME 

UK’s first electric remote-control 

survey vessel launched by Port of 

London 

The purchase of the electric vessel comes after a £236,000 grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Credit: Port of 

London Authority 

By Noah Bovenizer 

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has 

revealed its new fully electric remotely 

operated survey vessel with the 

University College of London (UCL). 

The first to be used at a UK port, the small 

vessel will form part of an MSc Hydrographic 

Surveying course that the two organisations 

have run in a partnership since 1999 and 

comes after a £236,000 grant from the 

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research 

Council. 

Alongside being fully electric, the Maritime 

Robotics survey vessel includes an advanced 

Winghead sonar and scanning system from 

tech manufacturer Norbit, allowing for a 

significant collection of data to ensure 

accurate information for safety, navigation 

and maintenance. 

John Dillon-Leetch, the PLA’s port 

hydrographer, was delighted to be leading 

the way with the launch of the vessel: “Not 

only does it feature the latest in innovation, 

thanks to Norbit’s multibeam technology but 

it also enables our hydrographers to survey 

in previously inaccessible areas, safely and 

sustainably.” 

As a small remotely controlled vehicle, 

the vessel can be used in situations where 

traditional survey vessels would not be 

appropriate, including shallow waters and 

locations under marine structures. 

It has been launched by the PLA after trials 

carried out by the PLA Hydrographic Service 

Team and UCL’s international MSc students in 

London’s Royal Docks and at the Richmond 

Lock and Weir. 

Dr Cassandra Nanlal, UCL civil, environmental 

and geomatics engineering’s marine 

geospatial science lecturer, said: “Our 

international students will be able to take 

their experience and knowledge to all parts 

of the world, to help elevate the standards 

within the industry.” 

The unique electric vessel is part of the PLA’s 

continuing push for decarbonisation in the 

marine industry following the announcement 

that it had halved its carbon emissions in 

2022, three years ahead of its 2025 target 

under the Thames Vision 2050 project to 

create “a clean river, free of pollution and 

rubbish.” 


MARITIME 

Afreximbank and UTM Offshore to 

develop Floating LNG project in Nigeria 

The global rating agency, Fitch Ratings, 

on 20 June 2023 affirmed the African 

Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) 

Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’, 

with a Stable Outlook. Fitch also affirmed 

Afreximbank’s Short-Term Issuer Default 

Rating at ‘F2’ and the Long-Term ratings 

on the Bank’s Global Medium Term Note 

Programme and Debt Issuances at ‘BBB’. 

The rating affirmation is a strong testament 

of the Bank’s systemic relevance to Africa and 

captures the increasing number of the key 

mandates given to the Bank by the African 

Union (AU), such as the implementation of the 

health response to the COVID-19 pandemic 

and the support for access to grains and 

fertilizers in the context of the Russia-Ukraine 

conflict. 

Fitch acknowledged Afreximbank’s strong 

capital and liquidity position. In addition to 

the ‘excellent’ internal capital generation, the 

Bank had raised US$1.4 billion paid-in capital, 

as of 2022, out of the planned raise of US$2.6 

billion by 2026. The agency noted that 

Afreximbank had a strong liquidity profile, as 

its share of treasury assets rated ‘AA’ to ‘AAA’ 

remained above the ‘strong’ threshold of 40 

per cent. It added that the Bank’s liquidity 

profile was further enhanced by its access to 

capital markets and other alternative liquidity 

sources even during challenging times. 

The Bank has continuously demonstrated its 

ability to de-risk its lending portfolio, noted 

Fitch. With a low concentration risk, coupled 

with a high collateralisation of the loan book, 

where 25 per cent of the loan book was cash 

collateralised and eight per cent was credit 

insured from ‘A’ to ‘AA’ rated insurers, “the 

‘moderate’ risk management policies primarily 

reflect the use of credit risk mitigants that 

have helped maintain a relatively low nonperforming 

loan ratio, despite the high-risk 

environment that the bank operates in.” 

Commenting on the development, Prof. 

Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman 

of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, 

said that Fitch’s affirmation is a strong 

testament to the Bank’s strong developmental 

mandate and its increasing countercyclical 

role in helping its member countries during 

challenging times. The Bank has continued 

to contribute and define the path for Africa’s 

economic future through the creation of 

programmes and initiatives that support the 

emergence of integrated and well diversified 

African economy that adapts and responds to 

global shocks. 

“The Bank’s consistent and prudent 

response to member countries’ needs 

during challenging times and its ability 

to manage exposures prudently have led 

to its recognition by member countries as 

a systemic institution as evidenced by its 

accreditation by the AU and its selection 

by the AU as a preferred partner in 

implementing some AU strategic initiatives,” 

noted the President. 

Afreximbank and UTM Offshore to develop Floating LNG project in Nigeria 



DRONES 

Utilizing Drone Technology To 

Advance Development In Africa 

Image Credits: courtesy 

Adoption of drone technology in Africa has come a long way. 

What was once viewed as a foreign concept is now widely 

adopted across Africa for socio and economic purposes. 

Its diverse applications on the continent in different sectors and 

industries have eclipsed many other parts of the world. This proves 

that if harnessed for good, use of drones will make a difference in how 

we tackle existing issues within Africa. 

A good example to begin with is an unlikely one that has had a 

huge impact. In East Africa, there has been a race to outsmart desert 

locusts with drones and data. According to the Kenya Agricultural and 

Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), one swarm of locusts can 

comprise of up to four million insects and is estimated to eat food that 

can be consumed by about 35,000 people a day. 

In an aim to mitigate such risks, KARLO, alongside FutureWater and 

HiView through the ThirdEye project, now provides farmers with 

important and relevant information on seeds, water, pesticides, and 

labor to increase efficiency and production. So far, six flying sensor 

operators have been trained and equipped with tools to analyze the 

obtained imagery and offer advice to farmers allowing them to scout 

farm fields quickly and efficiently rather than evaluate their farms 

manually on foot or by tractor. 

Thanks to technological advancements that have made them more 

nimble, adaptable, affordable, and simple to operate, drones are being 

used in ways that either directly or indirectly save the environment. 

Image courtesy 

In Zimbabwe, drones are now part of efforts to control infestation of 

tsetse flies and quelea birds. Further south, agriculture fields could be 

destroyed by little rainfall, very dry seasons, swarms of pests like the 

locust invasion in the summer of 2021/22, and outbreaks of disease 

– resulting in massive losses. The drone systems are developed to 

monitor pests and illnesses, anticipate yields, inform markets, and 

help decision-making in land-use planning in addition to making use 

of earth observation, climate change modelling, big data, and data 

analytics. 

While the potential of drones within the environment and agriculture 

space in Africa has not even scratched the surface, there is great 

progress so far as scientists, environmentalists, and engineers use 

unmanned aircrafts as land surveying tools; lower-resolution satellite 

photographs assist in mapping and environmental monitoring. Drones 

are suitable for faraway or hard-to-reach places since they can execute 


DRONES 

these tasks much more quickly and affordably than traditional 

methods. 

The use of drones in the maritime and shipping industry is another 

great example of how they are revolutionizing the way safety is 

managed on ships. Nigeria for instance has procured maritime 

UAVs for its Deep Blue maritime security project, on the other 

hand, the Seychelles Fishing Authority recently purchased marine 

unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with superior artificial intelligence 

capabilities. By monitoring isolated locations along the Seychelles 

coastline, these drones will enable real-time observation of ‘target 

boats and boost search-and-rescue efforts. 

By providing a bird’s eye view, drones can quickly survey the entire 

length of a bridge or port to identify any potential hazards or 

damages. Additionally, drones outfitted with infrared or thermal 

sensors, operators can quickly identify any vessels that are in 

distress, in need of assistance or conducting suspicious activity, 

allowing for faster response times and improved safety on the open 

sea. 

Drones are clearly a disruptive technology trend with immense 

potential when used correctly with expanding uses and real-world 

significance for the continent’s present and future. 

It is therefore critical that Africa works toward the same objective 

of sustainable development in the context of a global environment 

that relates to technical and digital innovation. The aviation 

industry must continue to make contributions to the ongoing 

commitment to dedicate resources and research to finding solutions 

for Africa to help the development process. 

To promote safe and secure use of drones, Kenya Airways’ Fahari 

Aviation, an aviation technology business subsidiary, has been in the 

forefront of delivering drone capabilities throughout East Africa. As 

part of the airline’s plan to promote new directions within the sector 

with the usage of drones and unmanned aircraft, Fahari Aviation has 

the responsibility of launching and implementing future aviation 

technology, train pilots of unmanned aerial vehicles and test drones 

and drone equipment. Last year, Fahari Aviation unveiled Kenya’s 

first drone cage. Today, Fahari Aviation sees drones used for a variety 

of purposes, including, vegetation and wildlife conservation, medical 

logistics, environmental impact assessment, crisis management and 

screening, and humanitarian relief across the region. 

Drones clearly provide several options for the African continent 

and can play a key part in the future of Africa by achieving the 

African Union’s Agenda 2063 goal of creating a unified, wealthy, and 

self-sufficient Africa. The future will undoubtedly come with more 

surprises, along with further use of the technology. 



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LASER TECHNOLOGY 

Laser technology, the 

real revolution of the 

Aeolus mission 

Aeolus, a European Space Agency (ESA) satellite launched 

into Space in 2018, is now preparing to return to Earth after 

successfully acquiring profiles of the Earth’s wind across the 

Planet from an altitude of 30 km. 

The Aeolus satellite features ALADIN (Atmospheric LAser Doppler 

INstrument), a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) comprising three 

parts: a telescope, a receiver, and a laser transmitter, made in Italy by 

Leonardo with the support of the Italian Space Agency (ASI). 

It is the most powerful transmitter in the ultraviolet (UV) range ever 

built for space missions. With over seven billion laser pulses emitted, 

it orbited the Earth 16 times a day, covering the entire globe once a 

week. It comprises over 80 optical elements aligned with micrometric 

accuracy, and its manufacture involves innovative technologies 

and materials never tested before. Prime examples are the laser’s 

internal oxygenation system, developed to ensure that the beam is 

not deformed and does not burn the internal components, and the 

material used to minimise light absorption, and at the same time, 

withstand the high power levels, thus avoiding energy dispersion or 

damage to the optics. 

Laser technology is Aeolus’ real revolution. By generating pulses of 

UV light sent into the atmosphere, LIDAR detects winds worldwide. 

This mission’s greatest added value was the measurement of winds in 

areas inaccessible to classic surveying equipment (weather balloons or 

aircraft), thereby offering a fuller and more comprehensive view of this 

phenomenon. 

In orbit for nearly five years, the mission positively impacted many 

areas: it has helped to enhance the accuracy of weather forecasts and 

improved knowledge of climate phenomena and of the consequences 

of global warming and air pollution. According to the mission data, 

scientists have hypothesised that, in the future, it could help improve 

hurricane forecasting, and track and predict the movement of dust 

emissions, e.g., from volcanic eruptions. 

Between the end of operations (on 30 April) and the shutdown 

of ALADIN (on 5 July), Leonardo, together with ESA and the space 

industries involved, carried out further tests on the laser transmitter’s 

emission capabilities, upgrading it from a power output of around 4 

million nominal watts, to around 10 million watts. A record for a space 

laser. 




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GEOSCIENCE 

Geoscience in Africa 

Geoscience in Africa: 



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GEOSCIENCE 

Geoscientists are playing a vital 

role in advancing sustainable 

development globally. Their 

expertise is critical in understanding the 

Earth's processes, identifying mineral 

resources, and managing natural hazards. 

However, geoscientists in developing 

countries face many challenges, including 

limited access to funding, training, and 

technology. A new survey aims to assess the 

needs and priorities of African geoscientists, 

in order to better understand and address 

these challenges. 

The survey is part of a new project of the 

UNESCO International Geoscience Programme 

(IGCP), entitled Fostering Researchers in the 

Geosciences (FoRGe, IGCP project 766). FoRGe 

aims to build research capacity in developing 

countries by responding to needs identified by 

researchers in those countries and by working 

in collaboration with third-level educational 

institutions. 

The survey aims to identify the nature of work 

and challenges faced by African geoscientists, 

by gathering their views on the skills and 

knowledge required for effective practice. The 

survey will also provide insights into the state 

of geoscience professions in Africa, including 

the availability and use of technology and 

equipment, the impact of training and 

education quality on wider career, and the 

availability of funding for research and 

development. Its results will be presented 

at the 29th Colloquium of African Geology 

(CAG29) in Namibia in September 2023. 

The FoRGe survey is a critical step towards 

improving the status of geoscientists in Africa. 

By identifying the challenges and needs of 

the profession, the survey will enable FoRGe 

and UNESCO to develop tailored interventions 

to support the work of geoscientists. 

As the only United Nations agency with 

a specific mandate for science, UNESCO 

recognizes the critical role that scientific 

research and innovation play in addressing 

global challenges. In addition to its Africa 

priority, which seeks to support sustainable 

development and preservation of natural 

and cultural heritage in Africa, UNESCO 

also promotes scientific cooperation and 

knowledge-sharing across borders. Through 

IGCP, UNESCO promotes and coordinates 

geoscientific research, and facilitates the 

exchange of knowledge across national 

boundaries. 



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Africa Surveyors May-June issue 2023 digital

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