Context: Recently, the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology launched Operation Dronagiri at Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi.

• These initiatives have been launched in efforts to liberalise geospatial data, and developing geospatial infrastructure, geospatial skill and knowledge.

• Geospatial data is information that describes objects, events or other features with a location on or near the Earth’s surface. 

• Examples: Satellite imagery, census data, social media data etc. 

• Geospatial data is widely accepted as a critical national infrastructure and information resource. 

About Operation Dronagiri

• It is a pilot project under National Geospatial Policy 2022, and will be implemented by Geospatial Innovation Cell, Department of Science and Technology.

• Purpose: To demonstrate the potential applications of geospatial technologies and innovations in improving the quality of life of citizens and ease of doing business.

• First Phase Implementation: In the states of UP, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh & Maharashtra.

• Pilot projects and use cases will be demonstrated to showcase potential applications of integration of geospatial data and technology in 3 sectors: Agriculture, Livelihoods, Logistics and Transport.

About Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI)

• Interface is being built for making spatial data accessible with advanced data exchange protocols and privacy-preserving features.

• Significance: Enabling seamless data sharing, enabling data-driven decisions for public good, fostering responsible use of geospatial data.  

National Geospatial Policy 2022

• Vision: Position India as global leader in geospatial sector, develop national framework, and enable easy availability of valuable geospatial data. 

Institutional Framework

• Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC) as apex body for geospatial sector

• Survey of India as overarching nodal agency for geospatial data

• National Digital Twin Strategy

• Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure.

What is geospatial technology?

• Geospatial technology makes use of satellite navigation systems and computer databases to create, capture, store and retrieve geographic and spatial information of any place. It enables efficient, effective, relevant and integrated planning through the use of real time data and data analytics. 

• Geospatial technology has applications in almost every domain of the economy ranging from agriculture to industries, development of urban or rural infrastructure, administration of land, economic activities of banking and finance, resources, mining, water, disaster management, social planning, delivery services, etc. 

• Geospatial data is now widely accepted as a critical national infrastructure and information resource with proven societal, economic and environmental value that enables government systems and services, and sustainable national development initiatives.