The Geological Survey of India or GSI was established in 1851 during the colonial-era to find coal deposits for fueling the Railways. It now acts as the repository of geo-science information required in various fields.
The main functions of GSI are creating and updating national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment. These functions are executed by conducting surveys, mineral prospecting, investigations, geological studies, natural hazard studies etc. Its geological expertise is used by the policymakers and commercial entities for understanding socio-economic requirements. It uses cutting-edge technologies to obtain and distribute geoscientific information and spatial data.