National Geospatial Policy 2022

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The National Geospatial Policy 2022 positions India as a global leader in geospatial technology, ensuring that location-based intelligence powers the nation’s progress and prosperity.

About National Geospatial Policy (NGP)

• It was announced by the Centre in  2022 and it replaces  the National Map Policy, 2005.
• It builds on the Department of Science and Technology (DST) guidelines issued in February 2021.
• These guidelines deregulated the geospatial sector and liberalized the acquisition, production, and access to geospatial data.
• It outlines a strategic plan to develop geospatial infrastructure, services, and platforms at both national and sub-national levels.
• It aims to strengthen the location-centric industry to support the information economy.
• A key objective of the NGP is to establish a high-resolution topographical survey and mapping system by 2030, along with creating a highly accurate Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the entire country.
• It aims to drive India toward its vision of a self-reliant “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.

Features

• It acknowledges the role of geospatial technology in governance, economic growth, and societal development.
• It promotes self-reliance by empowering Indian companies and reducing dependency on foreign geospatial data.
• It focuses on enhancing institutional frameworks, coordination, and a vibrant geospatial ecosystem.
• It emphasizes data-driven decision-making to modernize infrastructure and improve governance.
• It encourages open access to geospatial data and services via geospatial platforms.
• It is aligned with PM Gati Shakti, which aims to streamline infrastructure development across 16 Ministries.

Related Steps

• Operation Dronagiri: It was launched in 2024, as a pilot project to showcase geospatial technology applications in governance, business, and citizen services.
• Initially implemented in five states (Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra).
• It Integrates government, industry, and startups for geospatial innovation.
• It facilitates seamless access and sharing of geospatial data for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.

Allocations and Trends from the Union Budget 2025

• The Government of India has allocated ₹100 crore for the National Geospatial Mission.
• This mission aims to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data, playing a crucial role in modernizing land records, urban planning, and infrastructure design

Conclusion

• The National Geospatial Policy 2022 is a significant step towards strengthening India’s geospatial ecosystem.

By simplifying data access, promoting innovation, and fostering enterprise development, the policy is creating a robust and dynamic geospatial sector that supports governance, industry, and research.