Innovations in technology such as miniature sensors, Cloud and Artificial Intelligence, duly augmented by delivery platforms like small satellites and drones, have made geospatial data “by default” in our daily lives. Today, what excites me the most is the fact that location offers the much needed fourth pillar (along with AI, IoT and Big Data) to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, enabling disruptive innovations and driving smart solutions for the future generations who are facing challenges of growing consumerism and depleting resources. All this makes it all the more important to observe, monitor and manage our Planet Earth in real time.
The ‘Geospatial Way’ is the future and probably the most efficient and effective way to collect, process and utilize information in the overall Global Development Agenda. It is a given today that integrated geospatial infrastructure and knowledge platforms have direct correlation with human development and quality of life. The Geospatial Readiness Index has clearly indicated that countries which have better geospatial institutional infrastructure and policies also have a higher level of adoption of geospatial technology, and have benefitted across almost every walk of socio-economic activities, furthering their mission of sustainable development.
India houses 20% of the world’s population. It is the world’s third largest economy on PPP, but is ranked 60th in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index of 148 countries. In the past few years, we have been striving towards developing fundamental and essential infrastructure and facilities for citizens. Under the New India Vision, the government is addressing core issues like water, health, education, sanitation, housing and infrastructure for all. Leveraging the power of geospatial information and technologies will only help the country address its multi-dimensional goals of financial growth combined with sustainable development faster.
A National Geospatial Infrastructure and Knowledge Platform, comprising comprehensive and updated information about the natural, human, industrial and community resources of the country, would not only serve as an instrument of effective planning, implementation and monitoring of national programs, but also provide the foundation for good governance, innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge economy. Although there has been great amount of awareness about geospatial technology in India, fragmented and isolated approaches have been obstructing growth of the geospatial industry in the country and its subsequent role in national development.
Geospatial Media facilitated the formation of the Non-Executive Think Tank on ‘Geospatial Strategy for New India’ under the chairmanship of Padma Shri Dr B.V.R. Mohan Reddy, duly supported and guided by other eminent members representing the entire geospatial ecosystem in India.
The Think Tank held several meetings in the past one year and deliberated on emerging technology trends/innovations, and estimated potential value and role of geospatial industry in building a ‘New India’. It also suggested strategies and mechanisms towards building an integrated geospatial infrastructure and knowledge platform that would facilitate greater adoption and utilization of the technologies in national development programs. The Think Tank believes that a National Geospatial Infrastructure and Strategy will serve as one of the important pillars of New India by making significant contribution in overall planning, implementation and monitoring of national programs.
I am excited to present this document which encapsulates the discussions of these meetings and the suggestions of the esteemed members. It also showcases the value and potential of geospatial technologies in India’s growth and development, and gives a strategic direction towards its mainstreaming for easier and greater adoption, while leaving to the government the broader vision of how these strategies have to be implemented on the ground.
I would also like to add that at a recent high-level meeting organized by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Council on November 19 on Geospatial Infrastructure, it was unanimously agreed that an independent and autonomous agency be created at the highest level to give policy directions and act as a collaborative entity for the entire industry. Those views and suggestions have also been incorporated in this document.
To remain competitive in this digital era, India needs to leverage the power of geospatial. An Integrated National Geospatial Strategy will only help us reach there. At the same time, such an integrated and comprehensive approach would help improve productivity and bring higher returns on national investments, while strengthening and expanding the overall size of the Indian geospatial industry which would add significant societal and economic value in itself.
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the esteemed members of the Think Tank for sharing their incredible experience, knowledge, virtue and supervisory guidance in shaping this endeavor.
