AI is transforming surveying: RICS sets a new standard for trust and innovation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept, it's here, and it's fundamentally changing the natural and built environment sectors.
From planning and design to construction and maintenance, AI is unlocking unprecedented levels of efficiency and sustainability.
For surveyors and RICS-regulated firms, this technology offers a powerful way to make smarter, data-driven decisions.
However, with great power comes the need for great responsibility. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily work, establishing clear, reliable standards isn't just important; it's essential for maintaining public trust and professional integrity.
This topic is at the forefront of industry discussions. In a recent RICS Tech Partner Panel on the future of building surveying, our own Ian Bullock of Surventrix joined other experts to explore the transformative impact of emerging technologies. The panel covered the crucial role of digital surveying, drones, and AI in shaping the profession, highlighting the need for adaptation and innovation.
That's why the latest announcement from RICS is so significant.
A New Professional Standard: The Responsible Use of AI
RICS has introduced a new professional standard specifically for the responsible use of AI. This move acknowledges a crucial reality: AI is already being used to produce professional work, often substituting for human decision-making. To protect clients and uphold the high standards the public expects, safeguards are necessary to ensure that RICS members and regulated firms remain in control of their professional output.
The new standard aims to:
Establish guardrails so that professional judgment is maintained even when using new technology.
Build confidence in data and systems management.
Ensure effective and transparent communication with clients about the use of AI.
By achieving this, the standard will support trust among all stakeholders and ensure AI is used to enhance safety, resilience, and innovation across our industry.
What Does the Standard Cover?
Designed for global application and easy integration into existing workflows, this forward-thinking standard addresses the most critical aspects of using AI in surveying.
Here are the key topics it covers:
Knowledge Requirements: Defining what surveyors need to know to competently use AI tools.
Practice Management: Guidance on data governance, system governance, and robust risk management protocols.
Procurement and Due Diligence: How to responsibly select and implement third-party AI solutions.
Output Reliability: Establishing protocols to verify and assure the accuracy of AI-generated work.
Client Communication: Requirements for transparency, ensuring clients are informed about how AI is being used.
System Development: Guidance for firms that are building their own bespoke AI solutions.
The Future is Here, and It's Responsible
At Surventrix, we believe that technology should empower professionals, not replace them. This new RICS standard aligns perfectly with our commitment to driving efficiency and innovation while upholding the highest standards of professional excellence.
By embracing these guidelines, the surveying profession can harness the full potential of AI, building a more efficient, sustainable, and trustworthy future for the natural and built environment. We welcome this clear direction from RICS and are excited to see how it empowers our colleagues and clients to innovate with confidence.