Streamlining geo-spatial data policy

The experience of smart cities is an important learning for managing geo-spatial data collected and utilised from various departments

Often considered critical for the retail sector, location is really the underpinning for nearly every economic activity.

We may not realise it, but geo-spatial location has become an essential dimension in business and social transactions that permeate our lives.

From the photos we click on our phones to delivery locations to satellite images, over 80 per cent of data that is generated by us has location as an element.

Major activities that are reliant on geo-spatial data include urban planning, water management, e-commerce; logistics, communications, agriculture. “Geo-spatial information is nothing but a digital version of the physical world in which all human, economic and environmental activities take place, and without which a digital economy is not possible.

Geo-spatial information is presented in many forms and mediums including maps, satellite imagery and aerial photography,” says a report by specialised market research firm GeoSpatial Media.

Despite the criticality of it, geo-spatial data is yet to get due attention from industry and policymakers. There are over 15 different policies that govern geo-spatial data in India. The country needs a forward-looking policy on this at a time of make-in-India and self-reliance.
 

Several agencies involved in collecting the data include the Forest Survey of India; the Geological Survey of India; and the Naval Hydrographic Department. The various  policies are governed by the ministries of defence, finance, space, civil aviation and home apart from a few state-specific policies.

New technologies like drones and automated weather stations have created a strong flow of digital data at a scale and level which is unprecedented. However, India’s capacity to absorb, understand and utilise the data is hobbled by the fragmented approach towards geo-spatial data.

India needs standardised guidelines on data capture and sharing. “Multiple agencies generating independent datasets without common guidelines are leading to problems of data quality, authenticity, interoperability and convergence. Often, no two datasets sit on each other,” says the report.

Common data lakes are ideal for using artificial intelligence for large scale number crunching for various needs. The experience of the smart cities is an important learning for managing geo-spatial data. Chief data officers were appointed in some of the smart cities. Their role has been to collect and utilise data from various departments like traffic and sanitation in a common format. They are trying to harmonise data collection and sharing at the city level. A similar approach is required at the national level.

More importantly, some of the data should be made accessible to the private sector. Start-ups and large companies will be able to use the data for creating smart new solutions which add efficiency in their systems. Better data, for instance, can allow logistics companies to plan routes and warehouses.

Geo-spatial technology market is set to grow rapidly in India. And, can be a big employer. Says Agendra Kumar, president ESRI India Technologies, “We are working with universities and other institutions to integrate geographic information systems (GIS) curriculum in the courses. GIS has an impact on every industry and all professionals must be familiar with it.”

ESRI Technologies is a global GIS company which works across various sectors from banking to defence. About 1,000 new maps are created every day by customers for mapping and location analytics solutions. In India, bodies such as the National Disaster Management Authority have used GIS constructively by creating public dashboard to manage the Covid-19 pandemic.

Industry players estimate the market at over Rs 7,700 crore growing at almost 14 per cent CAGR. Investing in national GIS systems and encouraging a strong partnership with the private sector should be an important part of reform process in India.