National Geospatial Policy 2022 liberalised sector, strengthened access to geospatial data: Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Thursday said the National Geospatial Policy 2022 has been a landmark reform that democratised access to geospatial data and liberalised the sector, enabling wider innovation and participation.
Addressing the inaugural session of GeodCon-26, the first national conference on geodesy, at Indian National Science Academy in New Delhi, Singh said India is moving towards scientific self-reliance under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and foundational sciences such as geodesy must emerge as strategic national strengths.
He emphasised that the geospatial sector now plays a critical role across governance, infrastructure development, national security, disaster resilience and economic growth.
“Geodesy forms the scientific backbone of the expanding geospatial ecosystem, enabling accurate positioning, satellite navigation, infrastructure planning, climate monitoring and disaster response,” the minister said.
Geodesy key to geospatial ecosystem
Singh noted that while mapping represents the visible layer of development, geodesy provides the invisible scientific foundation that makes it possible.
“A technologically advanced nation must maintain sovereign capability over its geodetic reference frames, gravity models and positioning systems,” he said.
Highlighting India’s growing technological capabilities, the minister referred to the country’s indigenous satellite navigation system NavIC and various space and Earth observation programmes, saying these reflect India’s expanding role in the global geospatial ecosystem.
He added that the success and precision of such systems depend heavily on strong geodetic infrastructure and reference frameworks.
Collaboration essential for growth
The minister stressed the importance of collaboration between government institutions, academia, industry and young researchers to strengthen India’s geospatial capabilities. Platforms such as GeodCon-26, he said, provide valuable opportunities for dialogue, networking and cooperation among stakeholders.
Singh also highlighted the work being carried out by the Department of Science and Technology and the Survey of India to strengthen the country’s geospatial infrastructure and promote research in geodesy.
Experts highlight need for scientific investment
Speaking at the conference, V. P. Dimri, patron of GeodCon-26 and a Padma Shri awardee, said geodesy has long been a foundational science that often remains unnoticed despite its importance.
He welcomed the establishment of the National Centre for Geodesy at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur along with six regional centres, describing it as an integrated national effort to strengthen geodetic science, research and capacity building.
Meanwhile, Manoj Anjan Mohanty, head of the NGP division at the Department of Science and Technology, said the centre is supporting research in areas such as GNSS-based reference frame development, crustal deformation monitoring, space geodesy techniques and GeoAI-based applications.
National platform for geodesy discussions
The conference, GeodCon-26, has brought together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, academic institutions and young researchers to discuss advancements in geodesy and its applications in national development, scientific research and strategic sectors.
The inaugural session also featured addresses by Onkar Dikshit, chairperson of GeodCon-26, and Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, the Surveyor General of India.
