The Geospatial capacity-building initiative was aimed at empowering cross-sectoral Indian professionals with the right geospatial data, tools, products, and services. It was designed and implemented by the National Geospatial Program (NGP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in collaboration with the Project Management Unit (PMU) at the Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Institute of Environment Education and Research, Pune (BVIEER).
Solution and Implementation
The Geospatial Capacity Building program emphasizes solely on the use of open-source Geospatial software for training. A standardized curriculum and readily available teaching modules with step-by-step instructions and data were initiated in 2013. The program designed a set of 32 modules using open-source GIS software Quantum GIS and SAGA for remote sensing. These modules focused on building and upgrading skills stepwise on foundational data building, analysis, and modelling using data from the Indian subcontinent.
A centralised approach to identify training needs, across the entire Geospatial value chain in order to ensure uniformity in educational practices. The focus was first on identifying key stakeholders and relevant institutions and on standardizing the capacity-building program content, ensuring delivery through open-source software, use of expert inputs as well as provision for a wide range of teaching-learning resources.
The capacity building program was designed to have four components: Assessment, Design, Implementation, and Feedback. The focus was on aligning and boosting innovation in the Geospatial ecosystem in line with improved governance, system efficiency, and widespread adoption across sectors for greater economic and social value.
Stakeholders Involved
Faculty Members, Scientists, Technologists, Researchers from Academia, personnel from national institutions of research, smart city cells, municipal corporations, and other government departments as well as non-government organizations.
