NEW DELHI: The launch of the Capacity Building Programme on Geospatial Technology and Applications, jointly organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), marked a significant milestone in the realm of technological advancements. Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, inaugurated this pioneering initiative via video conferencing.

Singh emphasized the pivotal role of geospatial data in the PM Gati Shakti infrastructure development programs and the Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) scheme. He advocated for increased collaboration among researchers, private industries, and startups, highlighting the Anusandhan National Research Foundation's significant supplementary role in nurturing the entire geospatial ecosystem.

The government has been actively fostering the field of geospatial data since 2021. Geospatial data encompasses both static and dynamic information, incorporating geolocation data such as longitude and latitude, coupled with data acquired from remote sensing satellites or ground-based sensors. Its applications span diverse sectors and thrive on competitive and innovative products.

Projections indicate a promising trajectory for India's geospatial economy, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 12.8%, expected to surpass Rs 63,000 crore by 2025. Experts in foreign trade foresee the Indian space economy potentially reaching $100 billion in the coming years.

Minister Jitendra Singh remarked, "The last decade has witnessed a significant scientific transformation in India's post-Independence journey, particularly in the realm of Space & Geospace. Over the last five years, this transformation has been even more apparent. Space technology is progressively becoming a critical component of India's overall economy, and its role in contributing to our economic growth is set to escalate further. Such capacity-building programs may become more frequent and extensive in the future. However, today marks the initiation of this realization and an effort to institutionalize it."

The launch of this initiative signifies a momentous step towards enhancing expertise in geospatial technology, fostering innovation, and fortifying India's position in the global space economy.

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