Geospatial data refers to information that is linked to a specific location on Earth. This includes a variety of elements such as satellite images, maps, coordinates, terrain data, land-use patterns, and boundaries. For instance, a map showcasing flood-prone areas in Assam exemplifies geospatial data.
The National Geospatial Policy, 2022, is a government initiative aimed at enhancing the use of geospatial technology across various sectors, including infrastructure, planning, disaster management, and agriculture. This policy advocates for open access to geospatial data that is publicly funded and encourages Indian startups in the mapping and data sector.
Previously, access to high-quality maps and satellite data in India was limited due to security and regulatory concerns. This restriction delayed infrastructure projects, stifled innovation, and curtailed private sector involvement. The new policy seeks to alleviate many of these limitations.
Democratization refers to making geospatial data freely accessible to the public, businesses, and researchers, particularly when that data has been generated using public funds. For example, land maps created by the Survey of India can now be utilized by startups, builders, and academic institutions without the need for cumbersome approvals.
The policy envisions making India a global leader in geospatial technology by the year 2035, focusing on creating high-quality infrastructure, fostering innovation, and ensuring open access to data.
PM Gati Shakti is a digital platform that integrates data from multiple ministries to efficiently plan and execute infrastructure projects. The geospatial policy bolsters this initiative by providing accurate, real-time location data for planning roads, pipelines, railways, and more.
This program, established under the policy, has a budget of ₹100 crore for the years 2025–26, aimed at creating high-quality maps, updating land records, and modernizing infrastructure using geospatial tools.
A Digital Elevation Model is a 3D representation of a terrain's surface. For instance, during landslide risk assessments in Himachal Pradesh, DEMs are utilized to map slope gradients and identify danger zones.
A Digital Twin is a real-time digital replica of a city, aiding urban planners in simulating scenarios such as traffic flow, floods, or energy consumption. For example, Bengaluru could benefit from a digital twin to optimize metro routes or manage water supply dynamically.
This government-backed pilot project employs drones to map challenging terrains for infrastructure development and land record updates, particularly aiding in surveying mountainous regions in Uttarakhand for road construction.
By treating public-funded data as a public good, the policy guarantees equitable access for rural governments, small startups, and academic institutions, thereby preventing data monopolization.
This policy aims to reduce reliance on foreign mapping and navigation services, such as Google Maps, by encouraging Indian startups to develop similar platforms utilizing domestic data.
IGIF is a global standard established by the UN that assists countries in managing spatial data responsibly and effectively. India's policy is in alignment with IGIF to ensure that its practices meet global benchmarks.
This concept involves assigning specific roles to various agencies, such as the Survey of India, Geological Survey of India, and Forest Survey of India, for the collection, storage, and sharing of datasets, which helps avoid duplication and conflicts.
Bathymetric data maps the underwater topography of lakes, rivers, and seas, playing a crucial role in port planning, inland navigation, and the development of India’s Blue Economy, which focuses on sustainable economic growth through water resource utilization.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
