GIS Technology to Aid Realtime Monitoring of Delhi

The Ministry of Science & Technology in a pioneering endeavour is seeking to apply advanced technologies to realtime monitoring of diverse activities in Delhi. In the first phase, a pilot project is being monitored to integrate different state-of-the-art technologies that includes the use of high resolution satellite imagery and spatial multi-media mapping to build a 3D Geographical Information System (GIS) with live cameras for Zone 1 of Delhi covering approximately 20 Sq Km.

The use of satellite imagery and multi-media technologies allows mapping of urban structures with emphasis on building elevation. By supplementing the conventional satellite imagery with video, photographs and field surveys, the system can be used for a number of applications. The satellite imagery forms one of the essential components, which combined with spatial multi-media technologies, makes the system unique and usable for multiple applications. This pilot project is being monitored to evaluate the use of the advanced integrated technologies in the Indian context and to assess its use as a tool to help in management of a metropolis like Delhi.

In the project, multiple technologies such as high resolution satellite imagery, vehicle borne and static laser systems, Global Positioning System (GPS) and other attribute information collected from door-to-door surveys will be utilized for making a comprehensive 3-Dimentional database to enable the modern tools such as GIS to be utilized for various applications. It is expected to have immense potential in application areas such as:

Visualisation of data in 3D

Real time monitoring of illegal constructions

Land encroachments

Crowd management

Traffic management

Tax collection for properties

Planning and development of the areas

Utilities management such as Water, Power, Gas, Sewage etc.

Disaster Management

Environmental monitoring such as pollution control

The project would also be useful in tracking unauthorized construction in the city as and when it happens. Since it would provide realtime monitoring, nobody would then be able to escape from it. Ignorance will be no excuse for evading responsibility. As senior officials would have instant knowledge of the developments in this regard and they would not be able to pass on the blame to junior officials for not bringing it to their notice. Hence it would create sense of accountability on their part.

This technology can also be useful in other aspects of the city like garbage collection etc. Realtime data would be available instantly and there would be no scope for any lapses.

The learning and feedback from the pilot project will be utilized to fine-tune its use and applications and apply it to other parts of Delhi and also for other metropolitan centres.

Source : Ministry of Science & Technology
Date : January 30, 2006