Response to Holger Magel

Eugene Chigbu from Nigeria comments on Holger Magel's Blog column, published in the February issue of GIM International:

"I totally agree that the issue of rural development is not being given any priority. This is even worse in most African countries, like Nigeria.

"For instance, the three surveying institutions in Nigeria, the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (www.nigeriansurveyors.org), the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (www.niesv.org) and the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (www.niqs.net) are not focusing on any issues that would improve the rural problems.

"The above surveying professionals (the first and third are FIG members) need to make rural development a priority in the delivery of their various services within Nigeria. It is embarrassing that they seem to focus on traditional roles (with urban-focus) because they have an eye on the financial gains only.

In Nigeria rural voices are crying, but no one is listening!"

Surveying the Australian Bush

Image left: An AAMHatch survey team installs survey control infrastructure for a new iron-ore mine in the Pilbara region, Western Australia. The weather at the time was unsettled due to nearby cyclone activity. Temperatures were exceeding 35°C, but storm clouds were passing through causing humidity to be high. AAMHatch Surveyors mobilise to a remote site for periods of 2 to 4 weeks, prepared with satellite phones, emergency water, food and first aid supplies.

Exploring Mars

Google Earth can now scan Mars to collect data about the oceans. Thakane Makume reacted on our website: "I think it's a good idea to look around Mars using Google Earth, or anything whatsoever. We might learn new things out there. We can't stop learning...it's only human nature, just natural."

Terry Powers commented on an earlier article about the MultiNav Digital Map Database: "When will the streets in the USA, particularly in the mid-west, be updated? It has been at least seven years since they were".