Kota Kinabalu: Geospatial technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are set to play an increasingly central role in strengthening Sabah’s land administration system as the State prepares for more complex environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges.
Sabah Lands and Surveys Department Deputy Director (Development) Prisilla Lojikip said global development strategies are shifting towards geo-driven sustainable land management, with AI supporting climate resilience, community safety and transparent governance across government agencies.
“The climate-related pressures facing Sabah, including stronger storms, unpredictable rainfall patterns, flooding, erosion and landslides, require a fundamental shift in how land is planned, protected and monitored,” she said during a plenary session at 9th Sabah International Surveyors Congress, here, Tuesday.
Priscilla said the State must now prepare for a future in which biodiversity loss, high carbon emissions and more frequent disasters become key considerations in land administration.
“Demographic trends, including an ageing population and rising expectations for safety, accessibility and quality of life, further intensify the need for a more responsive governance system.
“Technological advancements in AI, automation and robotics are shaping new expectations for speed, accuracy and data-driven decision-making,” she said.
She emphasised that GeoAI enhances environmental protection by supporting habitat conservation, species tracking, carbon mapping and the identification of climate-vulnerable zones.
She noted that it also strengthens economic planning by helping identify high-potential areas for development, investment and public infrastructure.
“Social benefits include fairer land relocation processes, automated land notifications to reduce disputes, and greater accessibility for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, rural communities and persons with disabilities,” Prisilla said.
Priscilla said governance remains a core pillar, especially as citizens increasingly demand transparency, efficiency and equal access to public services.
She pointed out the department is implementing Smart Geo Sabah, an initiative combining geospatial data with AI to allow conversational land information searches in English, Malay or Chinese.
She said the system enhances transparency, supports decision accuracy and improves public trust in government operations.
She said the integration of geospatial technology in Sabah is not new, as the department began digital transformation efforts in the 1960s.
She also emphasised that long-term digitisation made it possible for the State to harness today’s more advanced tools, including AI-assisted photogrammetry, drone mapping, ground-based Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (Slam) devices and indoor scanning for older buildings without existing records.
She said the fusion of aerial, terrestrial and indoor data provides a more complete and accurate spatial picture, enabling faster decisions and reducing the risk of costly planning errors.
Priscilla said GeoAI supports disaster preparedness through predictive monitoring, early warning and simulation of high-risk scenarios.
She highlighted a recent incident in Sichuan, China where a bridge was closed before its collapse thanks to AI-enabled surveillance data, demonstrating how proactive monitoring can save lives.
“Early detection of land movement, unstable slopes or flood-prone areas enables authorities to act before danger escalates,” she said.
She said these capabilities help the State shift from reactive response to pre-emptive planning and long-term prospecting.
“Identifying safe zones, suitable development corridors and resilient infrastructure sites will be crucial as Sabah balances economic growth with environmental protection,” she added.
Priscilla said the goal is to build a land administration system that is capable of supporting sustainable development, reducing disaster impact and ensuring fair access to land rights.
She said establishing a strong geospatial foundation and embracing AI-driven innovation will require ongoing collaboration and investment across both government and industry.
“Sabah is moving towards a future where geospatial intelligence and advanced automation shape how land is managed, protected and utilised.
“Such transformation will help build a Sabah that is safer, smarter and more sustainable for generations to come,” Prisilla said.
