A Professor of Surveying and Geoinformatics (Gravimetric Geodesy) at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA Timothy Idowu, has canvassed integration of Artificial Intelligence with geophysical knowledge to ensure reliable and explainable outcomes in the field of mineral exploration as continued integration of AI with geodesy and geophysical methods holds promise for future breakthroughs in subsurface exploration. Idowu gave the advice while delivering the 189th inaugural lecture of the university on Tuesday 9th December, 2025.
Idowu, who titled his lecture, “Unlocking Subterranean Secrets: Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced Gravimetric Geodesy for Detecting Underground Beneficial Graves,” gave reason while he canvassed the hybrid approach in mineral exploration. According to him, “ AI-enhanced gravimetric geodesy represents a significant leap forward in the field of mineral exploration , however in spite of AI-enhanced methodologies high interpretative power in gravity data processing , it may face challenges of data quality , interpretability , and computational demand.”
Professor Idowun enjoined those in the field to leverage on integration of multisource data. “ AI systems should combine gravimetric data with seismic , magnetic , electromagnetic , and remote sensing datasets for more reliable subsurface interpretation. He also advised that there should be development of geo-intelligent platforms that can handle massive datasets , from airborne , satellite and ground surveys.
While acknowledging that AI systems, including machine learning algorithms, natural language processing tools, and generative AI, are transforming education by offering personalized learning experiences, automating administrative tasks, and even assisting in research and community services. , Professor Idowu observed that these advancements present new threats to academic integrity, as students, teachers, researchers, and other educators have more access to AI tools that can facilitate plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and other forms of academic dishonesty.”
Professor Idowu listed specific areas of AI to include Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Robotics, Expert Systems, Knowledge Representation and Reasoning. He added that AI can be applied in various fields such as health care, finance, transportation, agriculture, education, security and geosciences.
On the applications of AI in Geoscience which is the study of the earth to include its structure, composition, processes and history, he said “application of AI in Geoscience include exploration of mineral resources, prediction of earthquake and volcano, modelling of climate change, environmental remediation, management of water resources, planetary science and space exploration and ground water exploration. Major application arears of AI in geoscience are remote sensing and mapping, hydrology and water resource to determine stream-flood rainfall-runoff modelling, seismology and earthquake prediction for event detection and seismic tomography, geo-hazards and disaster risk, and hazard susceptibility modelling, subsurface imaging and resource exploration and climate and weather application for short term casting.”
Speaking on how AI has enhanced gravimetric geodesy, especially through integration of AI with gravimetric data, he said it represents a paradigm shift in geodesy and geophysics, adding that, AI enhances anomaly detection, predictive modelling, and large-scale data handling, but its success depends on balancing data-driven models with geophysical principles.”
Other recommendations as elucidated by the lecturer include: real-time and autonomous exploration which involves on-the-fly processing where AI systems capable of interpreting gravity data in real time during airborne or drone surveys; enhanced resolution and noise reduction, implying that advanced neutral networks should be applied to filter out environmental and instrumental noise in gravimetric data; cloud computing and edge AI wherein AI-enhanced gravimetric data processing should be as a service to improve collaboration across research areas and industries and deployment of lightweight AI models on portable devices for in-situ gravity data interpretation in rugged terrains; sustainable and green exploration by using AI-driven gravimetry for locating geothermal reservoirs and aquifers.
The Chairman at the event and Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji while introducing the lecturer described him as a seasoned academic whose intellectual capacity is evident in numerous graduands he has churned out. She said Professor Idowu has held key management positions in and out of FUTA and also served as editor and reviewer of several local and international academic journals.