Streamlining geo-spatial data policy

Context: Opportunities and challenges in geo-spatial data policy in India.

Significance of geo-spatial Information: Geo-spatial information is nothing but a digital version of the physical world in which all human, economic and environmental activities take place.

• Foundation of various sectors: Apart from the retail sector, location is really the underpinning for nearly every economic activity.

• For E.g. over 89% of data that is generated humans have location as an element.
• Major activities that are reliant on geo-spatial data include urban planning, water management, e-commerce; logistics, communications, agriculture.

• Rise of new technologies: like drones and automated weather stations has created a strong flow of digital data unprecedented level.

• Huge quantum of maps creation: About 1,000 new maps are created every day for mapping and location analytics solutions. 

• Help during COVID: National Disaster Management Authority has used Geographic Information System (GIS) constructively by creating a public dashboard to manage the COVID- 19 pandemic.

• Growing industry: Industry players estimate the market at over Rs 7,700 crore growing at almost 14%.

Issues with current geo-spatial policy: 

• Multiple policies and agencies involved: leading to problems of data quality, authenticity, interoperability and convergence.

• Several agencies involved in collecting the data include the Forest Survey of India; the Geological Survey of India; and the Naval Hydrographic Department.
• Various policies are governed by the ministries of defence, finance, space, civil aviation and home apart from a few state-specific policies.
• Fragmented approach towards geo-spatial data: reduces the capacity to absorb and utilize data from new technologies like AI and drones.

Way Forward:

• Creation of Common Data Lakes at national level : for using artificial intelligence for large scale number crunching for various needs.

• Experience from smart Cities: Chief data officers were appointed in some smart cities with the role to consolidate data from departments like traffic and sanitation in a common format.

• Encouraging accessibility of data to the private sector: 

• Start-ups and large companies will be able to use the data for creating smart new solutions that add efficiency in their systems.
• For E.g. better data can allow logistics companies to plan routes and warehouses.

• Investments in GIS: GIS has an impact on every industry and all professionals must be familiar with it