Deregulation of geospatial data sector opens a new world for private sector

The domestic availability of locally relevant maps and geospatial data is expected to bring about improved management of resources

A business in India wanting access to maps and geospatial data would typically have to wait months before it got what it wanted.

Om Hemrajani, director at mapping, surveying and geospatial firm Genesys International Corporation Ltd, explains that those interested in aerial image collection to make maps are up against a maze of red tape and hurdles. Permissions are needed from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the ministry of defence; and approvals are largely given only for government projects. “Even if a company got a contract from a government and applied on its behalf, the permissions would take three