The National Geospatial Policy 2022 is a game-changing initiative aimed at positioning India as a global leader in the geospatial technology sector. With a vision extending to 2035, this policy is set to revolutionize data accessibility, technological innovation, and infrastructure development. The policy aligns closely with India's broader digital transformation goals, particularly under PM Gati Shakti, ensuring seamless data integration across various sectors.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that democratizing India's geospatial ecosystem will accelerate innovation, bolster economic growth, and empower Indian enterprises to compete in the global digital mapping industry. This policy is a crucial step toward realizing Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), fostering collaboration between government, private industry, and academia.

Key Highlights of the National Geospatial Policy 2022

1. Vision and Long-term Goals

The policy aims to democratize access to geospatial data, enabling businesses, startups, and research institutions to leverage geospatial technology in India for innovation. Some of the major milestones set by the policy include:

• By 2025: Establish a legal framework to support data accessibility and integration.
• By 2030: Develop a high-resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and conduct comprehensive topographical surveys.
• By 2035: Create a National Digital Twin for major urban centers, offering digital replicas of cities to optimize planning and management.

2. Budgetary Allocations and Strategic Investment

In the Union Budget 2025-26, the government allocated ₹100 crore for the National Geospatial Mission. This investment will enhance:

• Land records modernization
• Urban and infrastructure planning
• Disaster response and environmental monitoring
• Private sector collaboration via the PM Gati Shakti initiative

By integrating geospatial technology with the PM Gati Shakti portal, real-time data will facilitate multi-modal transport connectivity and infrastructure development across India.

3. Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

To promote a vibrant geospatial ecosystem, the policy encourages partnerships between the government, industry leaders, and startups. This collaboration will boost:

• Digital mapping innovation for smart cities and agriculture
• Advanced disaster risk management systems
• Enhanced satellite imaging for defense and governance

Geospatial Policy’s Alignment with PM Gati Shakti

The PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity is a flagship program that integrates geospatial data for efficient infrastructure planning. The National Geospatial Policy 2022 plays a critical role in optimizing transportation networks, logistics, and urban planning through:

• Real-time tracking of supply chains and logistics
• Improved coordination between Ministries using geospatial data
• Streamlining infrastructure investments for sustainable growth

This integration ensures last-mile connectivity, reduces project delays, and enhances India's ease of doing business ranking.

National Geospatial Data Repository: A Unified Data Platform

A cornerstone of this policy is the creation of the National Geospatial Data Repository, a centralized platform consolidating geospatial datasets from various government and private entities. Benefits include:

• Seamless data integration across public and private sectors
• Interoperability for efficient decision-making
• Enhanced accessibility for businesses and academia

This repository will play a pivotal role in India's Digital India initiative, driving data-driven governance and economic growth.

Operation Dronagiri: Revolutionizing India's Geospatial Landscape

Launched on November 13, 2024, Operation Dronagiri is a pioneering project under the National Geospatial Policy 2022. The initiative aims to showcase the practical applications of geospatial technology across key sectors. Key features include:

• Implementation in five pilot states: Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra
• Integration of geospatial analytics and AI for governance and business solutions
• Development of an Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI)

Operation Dronagiri is expected to boost India’s geospatial industry by providing accurate data for smart city planning, disaster management, and agricultural mapping.

Empowering Inclusion and Economic Growth

The National Geospatial Policy 2022 focuses on inclusion and self-reliance, ensuring that location-based intelligence reaches the grassroots level. Key developments include:

• Survey of India’s CORS Network: Ensuring high-accuracy mapping for rural and urban areas
• SVAMITVA Scheme: Using drones to survey land records in over 2.8 lakh villages, improving property rights and governance
• Geospatial Startups and Incubators: Supporting R&D and fostering geospatial entrepreneurship

By promoting open data standards and public-private collaboration, the policy strengthens India's geospatial capabilities for economic and technological advancement.

A Geospatial Revolution for India’s Digital Future

The National Geospatial Policy 2022 is a transformative blueprint that places geospatial technology at the heart of India's growth strategy. By liberalizing data access, fostering innovation, and promoting digital mapping innovation, the policy ensures:

• Efficient infrastructure planning through PM Gati Shakti
• Enhanced public and private sector collaboration
• Cutting-edge geospatial intelligence for governance, business, and research

As India marches towards Viksit Bharat (Developed India), geospatial technology in India will play a crucial role in shaping smart cities, resilient infrastructure, and a thriving digital economy. With policies like Operation Dronagiri and the National Geospatial Data Repository, India is set to lead the global geospatial industry, ensuring data-driven decision-making, sustainable development, and technological self-reliance.

Subject Expert panel at Emergency Manager magazine think that by leveraging geospatial intelligence, India is not only securing its place as a leader in global digital transformation but also ensuring that data-driven governance benefits every citizen.