India Geospatial Roundup 2024: Key Government Initiatives to Look Back At
Two years have flown by since the landmark announcement of the National Geospatial Policy in 2022, and the Indian geospatial sector is buzzing with excitement and momentum. This period has witnessed a remarkable surge in government initiatives, with various departments and ministries actively embracing the transformative power of geospatial technologies.
As we enter the new year, AGI attempts to take a peek into the year gone by, reviewing the various updates, accomplishments, and announcements in 2024. This blog talks about major Government announcements and updates relevant to the Geospatial sector this year. To view the complete year-round bulletin, visit the AGI blog.
India Headed for a Geospatial Revolution
Liberalized policies and cutting-edge innovation are propelling India towards a geospatial revolution. Here’s now.
Budget Highlights
The Union Budget 2024-25 outlines significant allocations and reforms aimed at fostering a technology-driven economy, with a clear emphasis on digital transformation and infrastructure development, which has direct implications for the geospatial sector in India. The Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Ministry of Electronics & IT received substantial budget increases, with the Ministry of Science and Technology allocated ₹16,361.42 crores (a 15% hike), the Ministry of Earth Sciences ₹3,319 crores (a 25.11% increase), and the Ministry of Electronics & IT ₹16,549.04 crores (a 16% increase). These increases are pivotal in driving innovation and adoption of geospatial technologies across various sectors.
National Geospatial Data Repository
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed establishing a National Geospatial Data Repository and a PPP model to unify geospatial interfaces across industries and startups, fostering innovation for farmers and rural artisans. At a joint meeting of Science Ministries, he emphasized seamless Geo-ICT integration and pooling resources for a sustainable ecosystem. The meeting reviewed progress on key initiatives, including the “Vigyan Shakti” portal, a unified science repository, and preparations for National Space Day. Dr. Singh reiterated the pivotal role of science and technology in realizing the Prime Minister’s India @2047 vision, urging coordination among departments for impactful outcomes.
Operation Dronagiri
Operation Dronagiri, launched by DST Secretary Professor Abhay Karandikar, is a pilot initiative under the National Geospatial Policy 2022 to demonstrate geospatial technologies’ applications in agriculture, livelihoods, and logistics across five states.
Supported by the newly unveiled Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI), the project enables seamless spatial data sharing for urban planning, disaster management, and more. A nationwide rollout under a PPP model is envisioned, with startups and private sectors playing a pivotal role. IIT Tirupati oversees the initiative, with Geospatial Innovation Accelerators at IITs and IIMs driving its execution through mentorship and resources to foster impactful geospatial solutions.
Geospatial for Agricultural Transformation
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare launched the Krishi-Decision Support System (DSS), a geospatial platform designed to revolutionize Indian agriculture with real-time data on weather, soil, crop health, and advisories. Unveiled during the “Space-Driven Solutions for Agricultural Transformation” conference, the platform integrates satellite remote sensing and geospatial technology for precision agriculture, drought and disaster management, and soil health monitoring. The event highlighted public-private partnerships and farmer-centric approaches to leveraging space technology for sustainable agriculture, empowering farmers, and ensuring food security through innovative, data-driven solutions.
Mission Mausam
The Government of India launched Mission Mausam, a ₹2,000 crore initiative under the Ministry of Earth Sciences to advance atmospheric sciences and weather forecasting. Over two years, the mission will integrate high-performance computing, AI, ML, and GIS-based systems to enhance weather observation, modelling, and prediction. Key components include advanced radars, satellite systems, real-time data platforms, and Earth system models to benefit agriculture, disaster management, defence, and transportation. With a focus on accurate forecasts, extreme weather warnings, weather intervention strategies, capacity building, and public awareness, Mission Mausam seeks to position India as a global leader in weather and climate sciences.
DIGIPIN Geo-Coded Addressing System
The Department of Posts (DoP), in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, launched DIGIPIN, a geo-coded addressing system revolutionizing location services in India. Acting as a logical addressing reference, DIGIPIN enhances emergency response, public service delivery, logistics, and geospatial governance while bridging the digital divide. This initiative aims to simplify public and private service access and foster digital transformation. A beta version is available online for public feedback until September 22, 2024, enabling users to explore and contribute to its development.
Guidelines for Space Policy Implementation
IN-SPACe has released guidelines for space policy implementation under the Indian Space Policy 2023, detailing the authorization process for various space activities. The guidelines cover areas such as space-based communication, satellite systems, remote sensing, and space transportation, outlining the requirements for Indian entities to obtain authorization.
Key provisions include mandatory authorization for disseminating high-resolution space-based earth observation data (≤30 cm GSD) related to Indian territory, with specific conditions on data dissemination and compliance with the Geospatial Guidelines 2021. Foreign companies can apply through joint ventures or subsidiaries.
Toll Collection Gets a Revamp
A pilot study for a GNSS-based user fee collection system was conducted on the Bengaluru-Mysore section of NH-275 in Karnataka and the Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 in Haryana. The initiative includes a stakeholder consultation and global Expression of Interest (EOI) to engage industry players. The GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System will be implemented alongside FASTag at selected National Highway sections on a pilot basis.
Discourse on Policy Action
The National Workshop on Strengthening the Geospatial Ecosystem, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, brought together policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to advance India’s geospatial sector in alignment with the National Geospatial Policy (NGP) 2022. Organized by the Survey of India, the event highlighted collaborative roles of central ministries, state governments, and stakeholders in implementing NGP-22. Key discussions focused on reducing duplication, establishing a modernized National Geodetic Reference Frame, and promoting capacity building through standardized curricula and skill development. The impact of initiatives like Operation Dronagiri was showcased, emphasizing geospatial innovation in agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The workshop reinforced India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in geospatial technologies through a collaborative and innovative ecosystem.
Discourse on Geospatial for Sustainable Development
India hosted the 13th Plenary Meeting of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) from November 26 to 29, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organized by the Survey of India, the event convened policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to discuss the role of geospatial data in sustainable development.
Key discussions focused on effective land administration, integration of geospatial and statistical information, and the implementation of the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF). The meeting underscored India’s commitment to advancing geospatial technologies for economic growth and sustainable development.
India-US Geospatial Business Ties
The 4th India-US Space and Geospatial Business Summit, held in Hyderabad, highlighted the transformative role of technology, policy alignment, and advanced manufacturing in bilateral cooperation. Projections indicate geospatial and space trade between the nations will grow from $2.5 billion in 2024 to $10 billion by 2030. Hyderabad emerged as a global leader in geospatial data processing, with integration of AI and ML driving innovation to address global challenges. Discussions emphasized the NASA-ISRO SAR Mission, strategic technology transfer, and strengthening India’s geospatial infrastructure under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, aiming to enhance global collaboration and economic growth.
State Governments Embracing Geospatial Tech
State governments are increasingly leveraging geospatial technologies for efficient governance and citizen-centric services. Here’s how.
Disaster Management Platform in Assam
Assam launched the Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS), a digital platform developed with UNICEF to improve disaster management. DRIMS enables online reporting of disaster damages, facilitating faster assessment and aid distribution. The system captures data on crop losses, livestock deaths, and other impacts, streamlining relief efforts. DRIMS is an upgrade of the existing Flood Reporting Information System (FRIMS) and aims to enhance disaster preparedness and response in the state. The initiative also includes a handbook on financial assistance and training for disaster responders.
Chandigarh Launches GIS-Based Tree Map
Chandigarh is set to become the first Indian city to introduce a ‘Tree Map’ using GIS technology. The project, approved by the UT forest and wildlife department’s expert committee, aims to create a comprehensive, geo-tagged inventory of all trees in the city. It will include detailed information on tree health and other vital parameters, with the Forest Research Institute (FRI) conducting assessments. The initiative will enhance urban environmental management, improve conservation efforts, and enable better tracking and planning for Chandigarh’s green spaces. This marks a significant step toward scientifically-informed conservation in the city.
Property Mapping in Hyderabad for Urban Management
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has begun using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology for better urban management. This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure planning, maintenance, and service delivery across the city. The system will integrate data on various civic amenities like roads, drainage systems, and parks, enabling more efficient governance and resource allocation. This move will also improve city planning, monitoring, and disaster management, ensuring sustainable growth and better urban living conditions.
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