The Survey of India (SoI) is the OLDEST SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT OF THE GOVT. OF INDIA, having been set up in 1767, and operates as the National Survey and Mapping Organisation under the Department of Science & Technology (DST). SoI has developed rich traditions over the years, dating back to the 18th Century. The organization inherited a survey network built on scientific principles, exemplified by the Great Trigonometric series spanning the country, established through the efforts of distinguished surveyors such as Mr. Lambton and Sir George Everest.
The organization's structure is being aligned with the changed Geospatial data regime, focusing on facilitating and nurturing a vibrant domestic Geospatial services industry. While SoI continues to be the overarching nodal agency for Geospatial Data, its primary focus under the National Geospatial Policy-2022 is shifting.
SoI is specifically responsible for the maintenance of the following key National Fundamental Geospatial Data Themes:
- Geodetic Reference Frame: This provides the core reference (X, Y, Z) for the assembly and maintenance of all other data.
- Orthoimagery: SoI plays the lead role within the government for maintaining high resolution/high spatial accuracy Orthoimagery.
- Elevation (Digital Elevation Model - DEM).
- Functional Areas (Administrative Boundaries).
- Geographical Names (Toponymy).
In its new facilitative role, SoI has crucial responsibilities related to national Geospatial infrastructure:
- Geospatial Data Infrastructure: SoI is the agency responsible for developing and operating the National Geospatial Data Registry (NGDR) and the Unified Geospatial Interface (UGI).
- Data Harmonization: SoI acts as a facilitator in the harmonization of data sets created using public funds. This ensures that data generated from various mapping activities is seamlessly integrated into the Geodetic Reference Framework.
- National Topographic Template: SoI is in a process to develop a mechanism to facilitate the consolidation of data sets into the national topographic template to meet the demand for periodically updated, high-resolution, and accurate topographic data for the country.
- Capacity Building: The policy also acknowledges the need for training institutions to develop and nurture Geospatial professionals across all diverse areas of Geospatial and allied technologies, given that the Geospatial field is inherently interdisciplinary. To address this requirement, the National Institute for Geo-informatics Science and Technology (NIGST), a premier training institute under SoI, are providing specialized courses in the domain of Geospatial Science & Technology.
Over the years, Survey of India has generated an untold wealth of knowledge, data and experience. With its reputation for high standards and accuracy, it has evolved processes and techniques to generate Geospatial information of very high value and today has a large work force of highly skilled and professional surveyors, engineers, mathematicians, geographers, geodesy scientists, astronomers, cartographers and intrepid field workers.
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