MANDATORY CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The advances in the field of computers, digital and communication technologies have changed the way most professions are practised including surveying. In the field of surveying the advent of Geographic Information System and Satellite Positioning Systems have revolutionised the practice of the profession particularly in the areas of data acquisition, data processing, data analysis, data management and storage. These developments have direct consequence on the law, ethics, practice and boundary of the profession. These developments have compelled the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) to institute a Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Programme aimed at exposing the members to current developments in the field of Surveying and Geoinformation. The programme covers the broad areas of basic computing, geoinformation technologies, professional discipline, ethics and environment. There is also a provision for the modification of the content of the programme as and when the need arises. The programme has been on for almost two years and has attracted strong support from surveyors and a few from allied profession. This strong interest is believed to be due to a desire to acquire geoinformatics knowledge and the fact that the institution is insisting that registration and re-registration will be dependent on attracting a minimum number of credits at the MCPD. 1