The United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress (UNWGIC), which is hosted every four years by the United Nation Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), provides a platform for enhancing international collaboration among the Member States and relevant stakeholders in Geospatial information management. The second congress was recently inaugurated in Hyderabad, India, under the theme ‘Geo-Enabling the Global Village: No one should be left behind.’
Understanding Geospatial Technology
Geospatial technology includes several modern tools that are key to mapping and analyzing both the Earth and human societies. This technology assists in collecting, analysing, storing, managing, distributing, integrating, and presenting geographic information. Key components of geospatial technology include Remote Sensing, GIS (Geographic Information System), GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), Survey 3D modelling, among others.
The Significance of Geospatial Technology
India’s geospatial economy is projected to cross Rs. 63,100 crores by 2025 at a growth rate of 12.8%, with the potential of providing employment to more than 10 lakh people predominantly through Geospatial start-ups. Beyond job creation, geospatial technology plays a pivotal role in socio-economic development, including enhancing productivity, facilitating sustainable infrastructure planning, effective administration, and supporting the agricultural sector. The technology also aids in managing and mitigating disasters, tracking climate change impacts, water and forest management, desertification prevention, and ensuring food security.
Challenges Faced by the Geospatial Sector in India
While the impact and potential of geospatial technology are immense, significant challenges obstruct its implementation in India. Key impediments include the lack of a sizable market for geospatial services and products related to India’s potential and size. This deficit is primarily due to the lack of awareness among potential users in both government and private sectors. Other challenges include the shortage of skilled manpower who understand geospatial technology end-to-end and the unavailability of high-resolution foundation data.
Geospatial Initiatives in India
Several initiatives have been introduced to harness the potential of geospatial technology in India. Google Street View was launched in ten Indian cities as per the National Geospatial Policy (NGP), 2021 guidelines. The Survey of India has developed ‘Sarthi,’ a web Geographic Information System (GIS). The National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO) has released thematic maps, and ISRO has developed and hosted Bhuvan, the national Geo-portal comprising Geo Spatial Data, Services, and Tools for Analysis.
The Future of Geospatial Technology in India
Harnessing the full potential of geospatial technology requires India to adopt a more aggressive approach and provide special attention to its geospatial sector. It is imperative to establish a geo-portal to make all public-funded data accessible through a data-as-a-service model, either free or at nominal charges. Engaging solution developers and start-ups to build solution templates for various business processes across departments will also drive innovation and growth in this space.
