Watchdog for geospatial affairs on anvil

With the increasing demand for geospatial data by the private industry, there is a need to have an independent regulator for geospatial affairs on the lines of insurance, telecommunications or the stock market.

Sensing this demand, the government is planning to set up a National Geospatial Data Authority, which would provide a level playing field to both government and non-government players. In the process, the Centre is also considering to bring in a National Geospatial Data Authority Bill to enable the creation of an ecosystem to proliferate the applications of geospatial technologies.

Announcing this at the Map World Forum, a three-day conference of geospatial professionals, Kapil Sibal, minister for science and technology and earth sciences, said the demand for accurate and up-to-date maps and the use of geospatial products have increased exponentially. However, requisite manpower at several levels has to improve to provide such accurate maps.

On the recession in the industry, Sibal said the geospatial industry has not been affected by it. The huge demand for location-centric services and applications of geospatial technologies are expanding to newer sectors, ranging from infrastructure and disaster management to national security and law enforcement applications, he added.