SETTING UP – Geospatiall

To Set up Geospatial Technology Parks for Integrated Development in various States.

GeospatiALL: An Introduction

Promotion, Innovation and Adoption of Geospatial Technology is essential for integrated development. This is an emerging technology gradually growing across the globe. A key stakeholder like governments need to concentrate on the technology from grassroots to state level. Syncing this technology with multiple interventions of government including welfare, development of communities.

A sustainable development approach can be adopted specifically to address development issues. Various governance challenges can be tackled through geospatial technology innovations that allow us to determine the exact location of situations/conditions/status or an object or person. New innovations are taking place as various scientific findings are available already initiated in different parts of the world.

We can apply them in multiple spheres, from geospatial technologies for maps like GPS navigators for drivers to vast-scope remote sensing by satellites orbiting Earth. This can be used in almost all government initiatives. Using geospatial technology is comparatively inexpensive and simple, while its possibilities are next to unlimited. Applications of geospatial technologies are incorporated in almost any sector, industry, or research where the location is important.

PROGRESPECT, is a non-profit entity working in the development sector and having affiliation with national and international level agencies and organizations in promoting different sectors including governance strengthening and application of digital technologies for speedy, accountable and responsive interventions of government. PROGRESPECT has a partnership and collaboration with various organizations at state, national and global levels.

The Concept: GeospatiALL Technology Parks

The concept and setting up a Geospatial Technology Park is a first of its kind across the globe. So far nowhere in the world not has this kind of initiative in the government or private sector. This will become a global level flagship program. This park can be set up with all standards to provide quality services to multi stakeholders including various government departments for speedy governance with rapid solutions.

PROGRESPECT and UNWGIC

PROGRESPECT is actively involving in promoting Geospatial Technology promotion, innovation and adoption. It was an active participant of Second United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress (UNWGIC) in Hyderabad, India from 10-14 October 2022. Hosted by the Government of India through its Ministry of Science and Technology, the convening of the UNWGIC arises out of the mandate from the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to the Committee of Experts to convene global forums to promote comprehensive dialogue on global geospatial information management with all relevant governments, international organizations and stakeholders. The congress will be a truly global event bringing together all stakeholders at the highest level to address and ensure that geospatial information has its widest and fullest utility in service of sustainable social, economic and environmental development.

As per the congress mandate, with an overarching theme “Geo-Enabling the Global Village: No one should be left behind”, the second UNWGIC will reflect the importance of integrated geospatial information to support sustainable development and the wellbeing of society, address environmental and climate challenges, embrace digital transformation and technological development, and catalyze vibrant economy. The congress addresses the development and strengthening of integrated geospatial information management, its capacities and capabilities, and demonstrates the importance of international cooperation and coordination for building a human data and geography community, against the three pillars of sustainable development, for a shared future and a better world, leaving no one behind within an inclusive and equitable global society.

Background:

About UNWGIC: In 2011, following decision 2011/24, the United Nations Economic and Social Council, of which the Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management is a subsidiary body, “encouraged Member States to hold regular high-level, multi-stakeholder discussions on global geospatial information, including through the convening of global forums, with a view to promoting a comprehensive dialogue with all relevant actors and bodies”. Thus, the aim of the United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress (UNWGIC) is to provide a convening, participatory and inclusive environment to enhance the communication, understanding, knowledge and application of geospatial information management.

The inaugural United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress was held in Deqing, Zhejiang Province from 19 to 21 November 2018. Convened by the United Nations, the Congress was hosted by the Government of China through its Ministry of Natural Resources and supported by the Zhejiang Province. UNWGIC in Deqing substantively improved and strengthened the role of geospatial information management, innovation and related technologies towards implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to keep the promise to leave no one behind. The theme, “The Geospatial Way to a Better World”, resonated with over 2000 participants and exhibitors from all continents, who resolved to work together to build a human data and geography community for a shared and better future, and to keep the promise to leave no one behind by fostering effective cross-sector and interdisciplinary international, regional and local collaboration and partnerships, and to support national development priorities.

The Second United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress in Hyderabad, India will be hosted by the Government of the Republic of India through its Ministry of Science and Technology. The Committee of Experts is expected to convene the third edition of the United Nations World Geospatial Information Congress in 2026.

Key Growth Engines: Geospatial Technology Parks

Many states in India are fast-growing states and have very good potentiality in using new age technologies in government operations. Geospatial technology facilitates the growth of the state in different ways. This technology can be used in all most services of the government. This park will provide services to private and others. This park aimed at Promotion, Innovation and Adoption (PIA) of Geospatial Technology and make it as a successful model at global level.

Promotion, Innovation and Adoption (PIA) of Geospatial Technology

Promotion: Geospatial technology will be promoted in as application in government sector. Technology learning can be started at high school to university levels through different conventional and non-conventional orientations. Government functionaries can be trained as per the requirement. As part of promotion Geospatial technology-based entrepreneurs and eco system can be inducted to promote the technology expertise and application from lower levels.

Innovation: The proposed Geospatial Technology park will initiate different innovations. As a hub of technology new experiments for new applications to departmental specific and interventions basis. The current models available across the globe will be considered for further improvement for optimization.

Adoption: This park will provide support and mechanism for adaptation of technology wherever required. Promotion and Innovation activities will be useful to promote the technology across the government departments. This can be used for individual and institution needs.

A Business Model: Geospatial Technology Park

This model will be worked out as a good business model through technology transfer on innovations, consultancy and business advisory for other entities without borders. The park will take up consultancy assignments across the globe to provide business and advisory services to other countries especially to African nations.

Geospatial Technology University

As Geospatial Technology is rapidly growing technology for future needs there will be a huge requirement of people with skills and technology. This university will help in creating technology based human capital to serve the needs of sectors. Certificate to higher level customary courses on Geospatial Technology can be conducted to create qualified people.

Integration of Geospatial Technology in Governance and Government Sectors

Day to day governance is a herculean task of the government. There are millions of grievances and issues of public need to solve by using technology. Geospatial Technology will provide a bigger solution for all these. The technology integration will act as a game changer in the entire scenario.

In government sectors the application of Geospatial Technology is highly required for rapid solutions to address people problems. Sectors like Agriculture and allied sectors, Industry and ecosystem, Infrastructure and services can be managed more easily, specifically and targeted. In brief below some outline provided for some understanding how the technology can be utilized in the government arena.

Geospatial technology correlates an object’s position with its geographic coordinates. The idea is not new and served for observing places with pigeons or balloons first, primarily for mapmaking purposes. However, it is dramatically deployed in the era of satellites and computers. Identification of geospatial data enables monitoring, tracing, measuring, assessment, identification, or modelling. The basic list of geospatial technologies encompasses remote sensing (RS), GPS, and GIS.

Different types of remote sensing as geospatial technology enables us to study objects or surfaces at faraway distances employing their reflectance properties. Sensing them with active or passive systems, measuring and analysing the response, experts can assess the target’s properties and make corresponding conclusions. Satellites revolve our planet and generate imagery based on several source options and methods of geospatial technology for data collection; Electromagnetic impulses (including visible, infrared, and microwave channels); Filmed or digital aerial imagery from piloted and non-piloted vehicles (e.g., airplanes and drones); Radars and lidars enabling to calculate the distance with radio or light signals correspondingly. Advanced systems distinguish objects of one meter and even smaller.

GPS is based on the geometric phenomenon of triangulation. As the name suggests, calculations ground on three sources. It is a typical situation, however. When it relates to space and signals, scientists have to bear in mind that transmitted energy travels at the speed of light, causing possible calculation discrepancies. To minimize errors and to make the calculations more accurate, global positioning systems use four sources.

GIS, one type of geospatial technology, merges spatial and non-spatial data, remote sensing imagery, GPS data points to elaborate a single complete system. It allows users to collect, group, and analyze required information on multiple layers, including elevation, vegetation species, forest health, roads, water bodies and animals, etc.

Geospatial Technology Importance

The innovation helps to find answers to many questions arising in multiple industries and sectors. At the dawn of its development, the data access and its application scale were limited. Nowadays, geospatial technology importance went far beyond cartographic or military needs. Geospatial technology allows tracking a questioned object and referring it to a specific location. This feature helps people to complete scientific or non-scientific tasks, governmental and non-governmental, military and civil.

The importance of geospatial technology is equally recognized by common people and giant corporations. It serves to fulfil both strategic and minor tasks like tracking atomic submarines or sharing one’s location with a friend.

Key Areas of Geospatial Technology Application

The scope of geospatial data use is vast: it embraces every sphere or industry where geographical position matters. The list includes geography proper, ecology, tourism, marine sciences, agriculture, forestry, marketing and advertising, military forces, navy, aircraft, law enforcement, disasters, logistics and transportation, astronomy, demography, healthcare, meteorology, and many others.

Typical Examples of Geospatial Technology Application

Logistics. Tracking goods and ensuring their quality.
Transportations. Identifying location and time of arrival, route making, and navigation.
Meteorology. Referring weather forecasts to particular territories.
Forestry. Detecting forest fires and deforestation & preventing large-scale wildfires (read more about satellite monitoring of forest fires and deforestation in Brazil Amazon).
Agriculture. Assessing vegetation state on a selected terrain.
Healthcare. Monitoring areas of epidemic outbreaks.
Ecology. Tracing species populations in certain areas, preventing and addressing calamities.
Marketing and advertising. Targeting ads to relevant regions.
Real estate. Visualizing and analyzing real estate objects remotely.
Insurance. Managing risks in questioned areas (e.g., via historical georeferenced data analysis).

Future Of Geospatial Technology

Even though it is difficult to imagine a sphere that does not use geospatial technologies, the finding prospects are even more promising. It assists in making weighted decisions and allows even more accurate analysis. The technologies find new implementations, and related research goes further. They are affordable for a wide audience, and their practical use inspires a greater spectrum of applications in the future. The reason for their popularity is in data accuracy, which means better precision and, thus, increased productivity.

Geospatial technologies enhance the performance of artificial intelligence and smart machinery in multiple spheres and agriculture in particular. Remotely controlled equipment completes numerous tasks via GPS and digital dashboards. Robots and smart machinery in the fields seem futuristic no longer, and it is not the limit.

Expansion and new application solutions are expected in biosecurity, education, construction, engineering, ecology, food supplies, precision agriculture, financial market, statistics, transportation, to mention a few.

Basically, geospatial data enhances performance in each sphere, outlining specific needs or issues in selected regions. When it comes to farming, for example, landowners can save costs and efforts by treating only critical spots with exact coordinates on the field map and see a big picture of their farmlands at the same time.

Further employment of GPS in the automobile and aircraft industries enables frequent use of driverless vehicles and UAVs as a matter of fact.

The development of geospatial technologies brings quite an interesting correlation onto the scene. New achievements in this branch mean the corresponding upgrade of related industries. So, the improvement process is not likely to stop, ensuring even greater precision, credibility, performance, quality, and security.

Poverty Reduction and Empowerment and Geospatial Technology

To provide geospatial technology adoption and innovation for the agriculture sector for sustainable utilization of natural resources-for livelihood generation.
To create vibrant opportunities for dependent communities on agriculture and allied sectors on a sustainable basis.
To increase living standards and quality of life communities by using technological solutions to location specific problems faced by targeted communities.
To build capacities of various stakeholders related to agriculture and allied sectors by using geospatial technologies and create a common platform for the cause of developing or deploying location specific challenges through wider dissemination of technologies.
To establish inter linkages with various institutes for promotion & development of appropriate geospatial technologies across the state and country.

Key Interventions

Setting up a full-fledged Geospatial Technology Park
Installing a Lab with all relevant Technologies
Establishing a Capacity Building, Research and Resource Centre
Opening Community Outreach Wing
Disseminating Knowledge on Geospatial Technologies for Agriculture and Allied Sectors in the state
Developing District, State, National and International Partnerships and Collaborations on the model