National Geospatial Policy 2022
Recently, The National Geospatial Policy, 2022 has been notified by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
- The objective of this policy is to strengthen the geospatial sector. This will support the country’s development, economic prosperity and India’s growing information-based economy.
- This policy outlines the guidelines for 13 years. These guidelines will give a boost to the geospatial data industry in the country. Also, develop a national framework on the use of such data for improving citizen services etc.
Salient Features of the Geospatial Policy, 2022
- Under this policy, the central government will constitute a Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC). This committee will act as the apex body for the sector.
- GDPDC will replace the existing National Spatial Data Committee (NSDC) and the Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee constituted earlier.
- The National Geospatial Data Registry (NGDR) will become operational. This will lead to efficiency in obtaining national fundamental and regional geospatial data.
- Topographic data and other geospatial data prepared by the Survey of India using public funds will be considered public goods. Also, it will be made easily available to all.
- This policy recognizes 14 global fundamental geospatial data themes. These themes are considered necessary for the development of integrated geospatial information infrastructure of any country, and for achieving sustainable development goals.
- GDPDC will prepare National Digital Twin Strategy. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, process or service, which is at the heart of the new digital revolution.
Geospatial Technologies-
- Geospatial technologies are a combination of technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), ground observation, and scanning.
- Through these, geographical mapping and analysis of earth and human societies are done.
- It is used in almost every sector of the economy. These include economic activities related to agriculture, industry, urban or rural infrastructure development, land administration, banking and finance, etc.
- It is now widely accepted as an important national infrastructure.
Source – PIB
