Smart surveying and mapping: fundamental issues and research agenda

Surveying and mapping production and services are facing many new problems such as real-time data acquisition, automation of information processing, and intellectualization of service applications. The main reason is that digital surveying and mapping involves complex algorithms and models as the core, and it is often impossible to use simple algorithms and models to completely describe and express the diverse, multi-dimensional and dynamic real world, which makes it difficult to address high-dimensional, nonlinear spatial problems. In order to address this challenge, it is necessary to explore the use of natural intelligence in surveying and mapping, and develop smart surveying and mapping technologies guided by knowledge and based on algorithms. This paper first discusses the basic concepts and ideas of smart surveying and mapping and then analyzes and points out the three basic problems of smart surveying and mapping, including the analysis and modeling of natural intelligence in surveying and mapping, the construction and realization of hybrid intelligent computing paradigm, and the mechanism and path of empowering production. The main directions for further development in the near future are then proposed, including the construction of knowledge system of smart surveying and mapping, research of technology methods, research and development of application systems and instrument equipment. In order to effectively promote scientific research and engineering applications in this area, efforts should be placed on top-level designing, promoting interdisciplinary collaborative innovation and industry-university-research cooperation, and creating good development environments.