Kapil Sibal unveils proposal for creation of National Spatial Data Infrastructure

Union Minister for Science & Technology and Ocean Development, Shri Kapil Sibal today unveiled the proposal for creation of National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) as considered and approved by the Union Cabinet, in its meeting held on 2nd June, 2006. A Resolution by the Government of India to this effect will be issued shortly.

NSDI is a kind of soft infrastructure to be built at the national level for coordination, acquisition, processing, storage, distribution and improved utilization of spatial (geographic location) data. This is sought to be achieved primarily by leveraging the data assets of major data generating agencies through the process of standardization, creation of metadata and internet enabled access.

Geographical information – accurate and up-to-date is a critical input to any investment decision. Without this, decisions tend to be taken on subjective and extraneous considerations often leading to inefficient and wasteful spending of scarce resources. NSDI, when put in place shall synergise the work of all data producing agencies by eliminating duplication of their efforts. It shall also minimize the huge “transaction costs” now encountered by any potential user of spatial data.

Most developed countries, the European Union and many developing countries have this type of infrastructure and efforts are on for establishing Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI). India has an acknowledged superiority in the IT Sector. NSDI will facilitate extension of this advantage to the geospatial industry, which is as promising as Information Technology and Biotechnology. A liberalized National Map Policy, 2005 having been approved by the Central Government last year, the launch of NSDI could not have been more opportune.

The activities of the NSDI will be coordinated with the help of a two-tiered structure, the National Spatial Data Committee (NSDC) and the Executive Committee (EC). The NSDC – the apex policy making body of spatial data, shall be headed by the Union Minister of Science & Technology. The EC while managing the day-to-day functioning of the NSDI will also assist the NSDC.

Source : Press Information Bureau
Date : June 12, 2006