Rising concern among construction professionals over data privacy and cyber security is slowing adoption of artificial intelligence tools, according to a new Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) report. Respondents cited risks around sharing commercially sensitive project data from BIM models and cost plans with cloud-based AI platforms, and uncertainty over where training data is stored and processed. The findings signal that AI deployment on live projects, including for quantity take-off automation and programme optimisation, may stall without clearer contractual, regulatory and data-governance frameworks.

Trimble has released SketchUp Pro Civil Contractor, linking Trimble SketchUp directly with Trimble Siteworks and the Trimble Earthworks grade control platform to create a single 3D earthworks model from design through layout, machine guidance and verification. The tool targets contractors handling grading, excavation and utilities who lack traditional 3D CAD skills, offering a faster way to generate field-ready models for dozers, excavators and survey kits. Streamlined data exchange between design, surveying and earthmoving is intended to cut rework, reduce downtime and improve positional accuracy on site.

Deswik has opened a new office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, expanding its in‑country team to support mine planning and scheduling customers across Central Asia. The enlarged local staff, led by Territory Manager Zhanash Sultanova and experienced mining specialists, will deliver on-site implementation, training and troubleshooting for Deswik’s software suite. For regional operators, this should reduce reliance on remote support and shorten turnaround times for complex tasks such as multi-pit scheduling, haulage simulation and detailed drill‑and‑blast design.