Geospatial information plays a crucial role in planning, disaster response, and sustainable development, according to a senior government official in India. The country is working on creating an interoperable national geospatial ecosystem, aligning with global best practices. This move is seen as a significant step in fostering an open, innovative, and interoperable geospatial environment.
Accurate and reliable geospatial data systems are increasingly essential for effective decision-making across various sectors like agriculture, engineering, climate resilience, transport, and land administration. Geospatial data aids in decision-making processes, infrastructure resilience, land governance, environmental management, and urban planning, providing a strong foundation for governance.
The official emphasized that geospatial information is no longer just a technical tool but a central aspect of governance. A recent forum brought together policymakers, technical experts, and international delegates from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the expanding role of geospatial systems in governance, sustainable development, and public service delivery.
Initiatives such as the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), SVAMITVA, and NAKSHA were highlighted for their use of drones, aerial surveys, digital mapping, and GIS platforms to enhance land records, property documentation, and planning in rural and urban areas. India values the contributions of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) in shaping global norms and cooperation.
The forum underscored the significance of global frameworks developed under the UN-GGIM, offering practical roadmaps for countries to strengthen their geospatial ecosystems, enhance institutional coordination, and integrate data systems. Delegates from the Asia-Pacific region stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation in areas like climate adaptation, disaster resilience, coastal vulnerability, urban expansion, agricultural sustainability, and modernization of land administration systems.
