In a move designed to guide the profession through a period of rapid technological transformation, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has recently introduced the first global professional standard governing the responsible use of artificial intelligence in surveying. The standard is set to take effect on 9 March 2026, applying to all RICS members and regulated firms worldwide.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in valuation, construction, land management and infrastructure services, RICS aims to ensure that the technology is deployed transparently, ethically and with rigorous professional oversight. The integration of artificial intelligence with geospatial technologies is already reshaping how professionals understand and engage with the built and natural environment. Combining AI with geographic information systems, surveyors can automate complex analytical tasks, accelerate the processing of satellite data and point clouds, and extract deeper insights from rapidly expanding data resources. These advances are enabling more precise mapping, enhancd risk assessment and highly efficient 3D modelling workflows – signalling a major shift in professional practice across the sector.
The new standard set expectations that reflect this acceleration in technological adoption. It places emphasis on robust governance and risk management, requiring organizations to establish clear policies for responsible data use and system oversight, supported by documented due diligence and continuous risk evaluation. Surveyors remain accountable for all outputs generated through AI-assisted workflows and must apply professional judgement when assessing the reliability and suitability of those results. Transparent communication with clients is now a mandatory element of service delivery, including written disclosure of when and how AI tools will be used and the options available should clients wish to limit their use. For organizations developing their own AI-capabilities, the requirements extend to ensuring data integrity, assessing sustainability impacts, involving stakeholders appropriately and meeting all legal and regulatory obligations.
Further details are available in the full standard document.
RICS releases first global standard for responsible use of AI in surveying | GIM International
