Understanding India’s National Geospatial Policy

Understanding India’s National Geospatial Policy

The National Geospatial Policy (NGP) of 2022 is a strategic initiative designed to elevate India’s position in the global geospatial sector. This policy aims to foster national development, enhance economic prosperity, and promote an information-driven economy. It builds on the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) “Guidelines for Acquiring and Producing Geospatial Data and Geospatial Data Services including Maps,” which deregulated the sector and enhanced access to geospatial data.

Objectives of the National Geospatial Policy

The key goals of the NGP include:

• Innovation: Creating a supportive environment for innovation within the geospatial sector.
• Access: Expanding access to spatial data, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
• Governance: Integrating geospatial data into governance frameworks to improve decision-making.
• Business: Streamlining operations in the geospatial market to encourage growth and competition.
• Infrastructure: Establishing a robust geospatial infrastructure for efficient data collection, processing, and distribution.

Key Provisions of the National Geospatial Policy

The NGP includes several critical provisions:

1. Deregulation of Geospatial Data: Indian companies are no longer required to obtain prior government approvals to acquire, produce, and utilize geospatial data, which simplifies access and usage.
2. Restrictions on Foreign Entities: Foreign companies face limitations on conducting ground surveys and mapping in India, prohibiting them from collecting, processing, publishing, or hosting high-definition maps, such as 360-degree street views.
3. Exclusive Rights for Indian Entities: Only Indian entities may collect high-accuracy geospatial data, which is defined as data finer than one meter horizontally and three meters vertically. Foreign companies can access this data solely through APIs provided by Indian firms.
4. Open Data Access for Indian Companies: The policy promotes innovation and competition by allowing Indian companies to freely use and distribute geospatial data.

Impact of the National Geospatial Policy

The NGP is expected to transform various sectors in India:

• Opportunities for Indian Companies: By granting exclusive rights to high-accuracy data, the NGP allows Indian firms to innovate and compete effectively.
• Benefits to Industries: Sectors like e-commerce, logistics, urban transport, agriculture, and autonomous vehicles will see improvements in efficiency and operational effectiveness due to enhanced geospatial services.
• Innovation and Technology: The policy has spurred innovations such as AI-driven routing and India-specific mapping features while driving down the costs of geospatial services.
• National Security and Competition: Restrictions on foreign activities are aimed at protecting national security and ensuring that critical geospatial data remains under domestic control.
• Market Growth: India’s geospatial market is estimated to grow from ₹22,940 crore in 2019 to ₹63,000 crore by 2030, driven by increased adoption of geospatial technologies.
• Job Creation: The expanding geospatial sector is projected to create over 1 million jobs, primarily through private enterprises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What opportunities does the policy create for Indian companies?
Answer: The NGP facilitates greater freedom for Indian companies to innovate and compete, offering them exclusive rights to high-accuracy geospatial data collection and distribution.

Q2. How does the policy benefit various industries?
Answer: Industries like e-commerce, logistics, urban transport, agriculture, and autonomous vehicles benefit from enhanced geospatial services, improving efficiency and operational effectiveness.

Q3. What innovations have resulted from the policy?
Answer: The policy has led to innovations such as AI-driven routing, India-specific mapping features, and significant price reductions for geospatial services, spurred by increased competition.

Q4. Why are foreign companies restricted from certain activities?
Answer: These restrictions aim to safeguard national security and provide a competitive edge to Indian companies, ensuring that high-accuracy geospatial data is controlled domestically.

Q5. What is the expected growth of India’s geospatial market?
Answer: The market is projected to grow significantly, from ₹22,940 crore in 2019 to an estimated ₹63,000 crore by 2030, driven by broader adoption of geospatial technologies.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary aim of the National Geospatial Policy 2022?
A) To promote foreign investment in India
B) To enhance India's position in the global geospatial sector
C) To restrict access to geospatial data
D) To focus solely on urban mapping
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which of the following is a key provision of the NGP?
A) Mandatory government approvals for data access
B) Exclusive rights for foreign entities
C) Open data access for Indian companies
D) Limiting geospatial data to urban areas only
Correct Answer: C