A Kolkata-based institute, working in geospatial science and dealing with GIS, will be discussing ways to use the science for the development of the state in collaboration with various government agencies and industry partners.

The Radhanath Sikdar Institute of Geospatial Science & Technology (RSIGST) is organising a two-day conference on the science, Translating National Geospatial Policies and India Vision 2047. The conference will be attended by representatives of central and state governments and also be represented by ISRO and United Nations officials.

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The delegates will discuss digital mapping, geographic information systems and remote sensing. These technologies are being used in most of the areas like disaster management, railways, policing etc. All the mapping now is spatial as the information is from satellites.

Talking about the technology and the importance of the conference, BR Chowdhury, founder Chairperson of RSIGST and SAIARD, said, “The seminar will discuss National Geospatial Policies and National Space Policy (NSP) along with emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, data science (cloud-based platforms). Different departments of both central and state governments are also getting associated with us. It would be great if the state will also support us in this regard as that we can be their supporting hands too.”

The United Nations, Google will also be joining the seminar, virtually, said the sources. The representatives of US and Australian consulates have shown interest to be part of the conference, said sources.

“We will focus on work in capacity building to develop manpower, industry and government connection, supporting government policies through GIS, project development and collaboration and livelihood generation. Collaborations will lead to fund flow for the state and give employment to youth from state,” said Mr Roy Chowdhury, adding, “Through the programme we will be announcing the Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management. We have also proposed to the state about a collaboration plan. Through this centre, we plan to connect the eastern corridor, northeast states and south Asia network.”

The National Geospatial Policy (launched in 2022) has laid emphasis on making India a geospatial nation. For GIS capacity building, (training) of skilled manpower is important. This will help in transition of data to server-based systems (digital to spatial). Though the NGP was launched, there has not been much work on the ground. Our initiative is a step in that direction. We are involving various stakeholders for better work at the state level, said Mr Chowdhury.

The IMD has already signed an MoU with the centre to work on climate change and disaster related issues.