National Geo-Spatial Platform for India

Introduction

National Geo-Spatial Platform for India: The Survey of India (SoI) is developing a new National Geo-Spatial Platform (NGP) to support and implement the vision laid out under the National Geospatial Policy 2022. This platform aims to be a robust, scalable system for standardising, sharing, and managing foundational geospatial datasets across the country.

Role of Survey of India

SoI acts as the overarching nodal agency for geospatial data in India. It is responsible for the national topographic database, ground control points, and continuous operating reference station networks.
Static GK fact: SoI was established in 1767 and is India’s oldest scientific mapping organisation.

Features of the National Geo-Spatial Platform

The NGP will facilitate seamless access to accurate and authoritative spatial data through web services, APIs, and mobile applications. It will host foundational geospatial layers such as terrain, elevation, and land use while allowing integration across sectors. The objective is to enable a standardised national data ecosystem.

Sectoral Applications and Growth Areas

Agriculture

In agriculture, high-precision geospatial datasets can support precision farming, soil health mapping, and efficient irrigation management. This helps boost productivity and sustainability.

Logistics and Transportation

The platform will enable integrated infrastructure planning and support initiatives like the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan by providing spatial intelligence for roads, railways, ports, and multimodal hubs.

Urban Planning and Infrastructure

For urban domains, the NGP will support high-resolution topographical surveys (5-10 cm accuracy) and the creation of a National Digital Twin for major cities. This will help in future-ready urban development and GIS-based Master Plans for AMRUT cities.

Environmental Conservation and Disaster Management

High-quality location data and spatial intelligence will strengthen environmental monitoring (forests, wetlands, coastal zones) and disaster-management frameworks for floods, earthquakes, and landslides.

Policy Framework and Institutional Mechanism

The National Geospatial Policy 2022 provides the strategic roadmap for developing India’s geospatial infrastructure and technology ecosystem. It aims to ensure geospatial technology becomes a key enabler of national development. The policy also mandates the formation of a Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC) at the national level to oversee standards, guidelines, and governance mechanisms.

Key Milestones and Targets

The policy targets the creation of high-resolution topographical maps of the entire country by 2030. It emphasises liberalisation and democratisation of geospatial data, encouraging startups, academia, and private-sector participation in the geospatial economy.

Challenges and Considerations

Key challenges include establishing data standards, ensuring data accuracy, improving inter-agency coordination, and addressing data privacy and security concerns. Building institutional capacity and fostering technical expertise will be critical to achieving the platform’s objectives.

Conclusion

The National Geo-Spatial Platform marks a foundational shift in India’s data infrastructure. With the Survey of India as the nodal agency and guided by the National Geospatial Policy 2022, the platform will empower governance, improve efficiency in planning, and promote innovation in multiple sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and disaster resilience.

Static GK fact: India’s geospatial economy is projected to cross ₹63,000 crore by 2025, growing at around 12.8% annually.

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National Geo-Spatial Platform for India: