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RS & GIS ORGANIZATIONS & INITIATIVES IN INDIA

NRSC (National Remote Sensing Centre) at Hyderabad has been converted into a full-fledged

centres of ISRO since September 1, 2008. Earlier, NRSC was an autonomous body called National

Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) under Department of Space (DOS). The Centre is responsible for

remote sensing satellite data acquisition and processing, data dissemination, aerial remote sensing and

decision support for disaster management.

NRSC has set up data reception station at Shadnagar near Hyderabad for acquiring data from Indian

remote sensing satellites as well as others. The Centre is also engaged in executing remote sensing

application projects in collaboration with the users. Currently NRSC is supplying data from CartoSat - 1, 2,

2A & 2B, ResourceSat - 1 & 2, OceanSat, TES, IRS - 1D and IMS - 1 to the users. The users are ever

growing and utilized about 67,000 data products during 2010-11 in comparison with that of 50,000 during

2009-10.

National Remote Sensing Centre, located at Hyderabad is one of the centres of the Indian Space

Research Organisation(ISRO), striving to realize the Indian Space Vision, as a key player in Earth

Observation Programme and Disaster Management Support programme. NRSC is responsible for

acquisition, processing, supply of aerial and satellite remote sensing data and continuously exploring the

practical uses of remote sensing technology for multilevel (global to local) applications. It provides the

necessary trained manpower through capacity building in remote sensing applications. NRSC has wealth

of images from Indian and foreign remote sensing satellites in its archives and also has the capability to

acquire data pertaining to any part of the globe on demand. NRSC also supports, through ANTRIX,

establishment of International Ground Stations and International reseller network to receive, process and

market IRS data products globally. NRSC provides end-to-end solutions for utilisation of data for natural

resource management, geospatial applications and information services. NRSC facilitates several remote

sensing & GIS application projects for natural resources and environmental management catering to food

security, water security, energy security and sustainable development. NRSC is also providing single

window, disaster management support services through the Decision Support Centre. Recently NRSC

has started to give its services on Land use Land cover of India under an Information portal

called BHOOSAMPADA. The major objective of this portal is- Dissemination and Sharing of Geo-spatial

Information Derived from IRS Data on Land use and Land cover of India.

The Survey of India (SOI) is India's central engineering agency in charge of mapping and

surveying. Set up in 1767[1] to help consolidate the territories of the British East India Company, it is one

of the oldest Engineering Departments of the Government of India. The Survey of India's distinguished

history includes the handling of the mammoth Great Trigonometrical Survey under William Lambton and

George Everest and the discovery of Mt. Everest.[2] Its members are from Survey of India Service cadre

of Civil Services of India.

Survey of India publishes maps and the unrestricted category maps can be obtained at very reasonable

prices from its several Geo-spatial data centers. Restricted category maps require due approval from

government authorities. Many other rules govern the sale and use of Survey of India maps. Only an

Indian citizen may purchase topographic maps and these may not be exported from India for any reason.

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The Survey of India, headquartered at Dehra Dun, has 18 civil engineering divisions ranging from the

prediction of tides to aerial survey. It has 23 Geo-spatial Data Centers spread across India, each catering

to the respective administrative area.Surveyors are the back bone of Survey of India.

Vision: Survey of India will take a leadership role in providing user focused, cost effective, reliable and

quality geospatial data, information and intelligence for meeting the needs of national security,

sustainable national development, and new information markets.

Mission: Survey of India dedicates itself to the advancement of theory, practice, collection and

applications of geospatial data, and promotes an active exchange of information, ideas, and technological

innovations amongst the data producers and users who will get access to such data of highest possible

resolution at an affordable cost in the near real-time environment.

Activities/ Charter of Duties: The Survey of India acts as adviser to the Government of India on all

survey matters, viz Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Mapping and Map Reproduction. However, the main

duties and responsibilities of the Survey of India are enumerated below:

All Geodetic Control (Horizontal and Vertical) and Geodetic and Geophysical surveys.

All Topographical Control, Surveys and Mapping within India.

Mapping and Production of Geographical Maps and Aeronautical Charts.

Surveys for Developmental Projects.

Survey of Forests, Cantonments, large scale city surveys, guide maps, cadastral surveys etc.

Survey and Mapping of special maps.

Spellings of Geographical names.

Demarcation of the External Boundaries of the Republic of India, their depiction on maps

published in the country and also advice on the demarcation of inter-state boundaries.

Training of officers and staff required for the Department, trainees from Central Government

Departments and States and trainees from Foreign Countries as are sponsored by the

*Government of India.

Research and Development in Cartography, Printing, Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Topographical

Surveys and Indigenisation.

Prediction of tides at 44 ports including 14 foreign ports and publication of Tide Tables one year

in advance to support navigational activities.

Scrutiny and Certification of external boundaries of India and Coastline on maps published by the

other agencies including private publishers.

NATMO (National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization), Kolkata: The plan of

compiling a National Atlas of India was formulated for the first time in this country by Prof. S.P.Chatterjee,

the then Professor of Geography, Calcutta University. A discussion on this subject with late Pandit

Jawaharlal Nehru in 1953 resulted in his instant approval of the project. The then Ministry of Natural

Resources & Scientific Research after consultation with other Ministries decided to set up an Advisory

Board in March 1954 for formulating a scheme for preparation of National Atlas of India. The Advisory

Board gave a favourable report and also provided a tentative guideline about the scope and contents of

the atlas. Subsequently in April 1954 the same Ministry sanctioned a skeleton staff of 7 posts on a

temporary basis to help Professor S.P.Chatterjee in giving shape to the Board‟s suggestions.

The order also sanctioned creation of additional 56 temporary posts and Padma Bhusan Prof.

S.P.Chatterjee was appointed as the Honorary Director of the Project. The institution thus created was

named National Atlas Organization. The Geography Department of the Calcutta University located at

Senate House in those days provided the first shelter to the organization.

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The small group of workers officially known as National Atlas Unit drafted maps on various topics for the

proposed atlas. These were examined by different experts in Planning Commission and in the Ministries.

The authorities were eventually impressed and convinced about the essentiality of the project and on

August 18, 1956 an order from the Government of India issued by the Ministry of N.R. & S.R. sanctioned

a budget grant of Rs. 12.43 lakhs for 1956-57.

The first National Atlas of India in Hindi popularly known as Bharat: Rashtriya Atlas having a 26 multi-

colour maps with a scale of 1:5 million portraying a comprehensive physical and socio-cultural structure of

the country was published in 1957 and was acclaimed the world over as a unique publication.

Consequent upon the success of Bharat: Rashtriya Atlas, the organization decided to prepare an

ambitious project containing 300 plates which covered all the aspects of the land, people and economy of

the country. This atlas was issued in 8 volumes. Apart from the above project, the organization also took

up various projects either from outside agencies or its own.

The organization grew in strength in the successive plan periods and took up projects of great national

importance. The Government appointed a Review Committee in December 1975 under the Chairmanship

of Prof. George Kurian and as per recommendation of the Committee, the Department of Science and

Technology through an order dated 9th August 1978, modified the name of the Organization as “National

Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO)”.

National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization is a specialized institution of its kind in the world. This

organization was assigned with responsibility in the field of thematic cartography and geographical

research at national level. It has grown in size, activities, popularity and prestige since its inception and

has established itself by making substantial contribution towards the nation‟s effort for socio-economic

revival.

A subordinate office under Department of Science & Technology, it is the sole authority for depicting

National framework data in the form of thematic maps and atlases to cater the actual picture of the

development and planning initiatives of the country among the users. Keeping pace with the modern state

of the art technologies and also to achieve the goal as per its mission in the arena of geo-spatial

technologies, NATMO has already progressed a lot.

It employs a large number of highly qualified professional geographers, perhaps largest, under one roof

anywhere in the world. The Organization has a total sanctioned strength of 322.

Forest Survey of India (FSI) is a premier national organization under the union Ministry of

Environment and Forests, responsible for assessment and monitoring of the forest resources of the

country regularly. In addition, it is also engaged in providing the services of training, research and

extension. Established on June 1,1981, the Forest Survey of India succeeded the "Preinvestment Survey

of Forest Resources" (PISFR), a project initiated in 1965 by Government of India with the sponsorship of

FAO and UNDP.

The main objective of PISFR was to ascertain the availability of raw material for establishment of wood

based industries in selected areas of the country. In its report in 1976, the National Commission on

Agriculture (NCA) recommended for the creation of a National Forest Survey Organization for a regular,

periodic and comprehensive forest resources survey of the country leading to creation of FSI. After a

critical review of activities undertaken by FSI, Government of India redefined the mandate of FSI in 1986

in order to make it more relevant to the rapidly changing needs and aspirations of the country.

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Objectives:

To prepare State of Forest Report biennially, providing assessment of latest forest cover in the

country and monitoring changes in these.

To conduct inventory in forest and non-forest areas and develop database on forest tree

resources.

To prepare thematic maps on 1:50,000 scale, using aerial photographs.

To function as a nodal agency for collection, compilation, storage and dissemination of spatial

database on forest resources.

To conduct training of forestry personnel in application of technologies related to resources

survey, remote sensing, GIS, etc.

To strengthen research & development infrastructure in FSI and to conduct research on applied

forest survey techniques.

To support State/UT Forest Departments (SFD) in forest resources survey, mapping and

inventory.

To undertake forestry related special studies/consultancies and custom made training courses for

SFD's and other organisations on project basis.

Major Activities:

Forest Cover Assessment

Inventory of Forest areas.

Thematic Maps.

Inventory of Trees Outside Forests (Rural & Urban).

Inventory data processing.

Methodology Design.

Training and Extension.

Projects and Consultancies.

Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) Dehradun, under Indian Space Research

Organisation, Department of Space, Govt. of India is a premier Training and Educational Institute set up

for developing trained professionals in the field of Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics and GPS Technology

for Natural Resources, Environmental and Disaster Management.

It functions as a constituent Unit of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space,

Government of India. Formerly known as Indian Photo-interpretation Institute (IPI), founded in 1966, the

Institute boasts to be the first of its kind in entire South-East Asia. While nurturing its primary endeavour

to build capacity among the user community by training mid-career professionals, the Institute has

enhanced its capability and evolved many training & education programmes that are tuned to meet the

requirements of various target groups, ranging from fresh graduates to policy makers including academia.

The Institute campus also houses the headquarters of the Centre for Space Science and Technology

Education in Asia and The Pacific (CSSTEAP), affiliated to the United Nations and first of its kind

established in the region in 1995. IIRS provides support to conduct all its remote sensing and GIS training

& education programmes at postgraduate level. The headquarters of Indian Society of Remote Sensing

(ISRS), the largest non-governmental scientific society in the country, is also located in the Institute

campus.

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History & Objectives

Formerly known as Indian Photo-interpretation Institute (IPI), the Institute was founded on 21st April 1966

under the aegis of Survey of India (SOI). It was established with the collaboration of the Government of

The Netherlands on the pattern of Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the

University of Twente, formerly known as International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Sciences,

The Netherlands. The original idea of setting the Institute came from India's first Prime Minister Pandit

Jawahar Lal Nehru during his visit to The Netherlands in 1957.

History: The Institute's building at Kalidas Road, Dehradun was inaugurated on May 27, 1972. Since its

founding, the Institute has been playing a key role in capacity building in remote sensing and

geoinformatics technology and their applications for the benefit of the user community from India and

abroad.

Keeping pace with the technological advances, the Institute has enhanced its capability with time, to fulfill

the increased responsibility and demand from Indian and international community. Today, it has

programmes for all levels of users, i.e. mid-career professionals, researchers, academia, fresh graduates

and policy makers. The sustained efforts by its dedicated faculty and the management have made the

institute remain in the forefront throughout its journey of about four and a half decades from a photo-

interpretation institute to an institute of an international stature in the field of remote sensing and geo-

information science.

Objectives: Capacity building in the field of Remote Sensing & Geoinformatics and their applications in

natural resource management, earth and atmospheric sciences, oceanography, urban & infrastructure

development, environment and disaster management, through:

Special and customised training programmes as per the need of stakeholders.

Educational programmes at post graduate level and undertake applied research.

Capacity building in the field of remote sensing and Geoinformatics through:

Quality education and training programmes as per the state-of-art technology, need of

stakeholders and continual improvement by periodic course curricula revision, infrastructure

upgradation, feedback and faculty improvement.

OR

The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), unit of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),

Department of Space, Government of India is a premier education, training and research institute for

capacity building in the field of Remote Sensing, Geo-information, positioning & navigation technology

and its applications. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), formerly known as Indian Photo-

Interpretation Institute (IPI), was set up in 1966 under the aegis of the Survey of India to provide

comprehensive training with hands on experience of the emerging technology. Institute was merged with

National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) in July 1976, and in the year 1980, NRSA came under the

umbrella of Department of Space (Government of India). Since September 1, 2008, IIRS as part of NRSC

was inducted under the ISRO umbrella, and presently IIRS reorganized as a separate entity of ISRO with

effect from April 30, 2011.

IIRS endeavor has been to train thematic experts from user community including academic institutions in

RS & GIS technology / applications at Post Graduate level with the overall goal of 'technology transfer'

and user awareness. The Institute has evolved many programs that are tuned to the different needs of

various target groups.

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IIRS conducts a variety of courses for the different categories of users including fresh postgraduate

students viz., M. Tech., M.Sc., PG Diploma Courses, 2 months NNRMS sponsored courses for University

Faculty, 2 weeks on demand Special Courses and 1 week duration Overview Course for Decision

Makers.

IIRS has trained nearly 8000 alumni including 750 plus foreign trainees from 77 countries of Asia and

Africa. The latter have taken benefit from ISRO SHARES Fellowship Program, ITEC/SCAAP Fellowship

Scheme of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and other Fellowship Schemes etc. In

addition, IIRS houses state of the art infrastructure facilities for both RS and GIS. It has experienced and

internationally known teaching faculty with specialization in RS, GIS & GPS Technology and its

applications.

IIRS is the host institute as well as, headquarters for the Centre for Space Science and Technology

Education for Asia and Pacific (CSSTE-AP) region under United Nations. It is first of its kind established

in the region and conducts regular postgraduate and short courses in Remote Sensing and GIS every

year since 1996.

IIRS has been recognized by National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) to conduct

specialized courses for the duration of 8 weeks every year for University faculty at Postgraduate level so

that they are able to impart education on specific subjects on Remote Sensing and GIS in their area of

specialization and/or start new programs like M.Tech / M.Sc / Postgraduate diploma with emphasis on RS

& GIS application in their institutions. IIRS has trained nearly 800 University faculty spread all over India.

Many universities have been benefited from the IIRS training programs and have started RS & GIS

courses at postgraduate level with institutional support from IIRS.

IIRS for the first time launched Distance Learning Program i.e. EDUSAT based training program on

Basics of RS, GIS and GPS and conducted six such programs (including one special course on

Advances in Geoinformatics) from 2007 to 2011 for more sixty universities / institutions at postgraduate

level spread across India, training more than 4000 students. University students attending their

undergraduate/postgraduate programs in their own disciplines as part of acquiring the basic degree can

also attend IIRS Outreach Certificate Program in parallel, broadening the scope in the new and

challenging field of Geoinformatics.

National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) (www.nnrms.gov.in/)

Spatial Information, images and maps, forms the foundation and basis for most planning and

implementation of developmental activities; infrastructure development; disaster management support;

environmental monitoring; natural resources management; business geographics and many other

national activities. Even common citizen's require maps and spatial information for their localized

decision-making. Generating the information on the nation's natural resources and its infrastructure;

updating and maintaining the information sets and integrating these with administrative and social

datasets provides the most optimal and scientific decision-alternatives in support of national development.

This is the primary driver for the Government of India to establish, in 1983, the National Natural

Resources Management System (NNRMS).

NNRMS supports the optimal utilisation of country's natural resources and supports developmental needs

by generating a proper and systematic inventory of natural resources and provides integrated solutions

for its optimal utilisation and management. In doing so, NNRMS adopts various advanced technologies of

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satellite and aerial remote sensing; Geographical Information Systems (GIS); precise Positioning

Systems; database and networking infrastructure and advanced ground-based survey techniques.

Over the years, NNRMS has carried out a number of projects/programmes that has provided the impetus

to use data from the Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) series, GIS techniques through:

Over the years, NNRMS has carried out a number of projects/programmes that has provided the impetus

to use data from the Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) series, GIS techniques through:

National mapping missions of NNRMS - wherein mapping and inventory of forests, wastelands,

land use, surface water-bodies, wetlands, coastal landuse, ground-water targets, urban landuse

etc have provided the basis for managing these resources to the different ministries and users

Use of satellite images and GIS for user-demanded resource management applications like crop

production estimation, land and water resources optimization in watersheds, urban planning and

management, coastal zone regulation, environmental impact analysis, landslides hazard zonation

etc - where decision-support information is generated.

Creation of large-area databases, covering many states, have been generated under the Natural

Resources Information Systems (NRIS) and Disaster Management System (DMS) project of

NNRMS - which has developed standardized GIS databases for states and software tools to

support the planning and governance needs of the states.

The NNRMS activities have been restructured in the recent times to reflect the changing technological

and applications dimensions in the country and elsewhere. Accordingly, a 3-tier strategy is being

considered with the following direction:

Organizing the spatial databases with GIS capabilities and working towards a Natural Resources

Repository with front-end NNRMS portal for data and value added services - (NR Repository)

Taking cognizance of the convergent technologies, integrating satellite communications and

remote sensing applications for disaster management and Village Resource Centers with the

concept of working with the community – (VRC Programme)

User funded projects meeting the objectives/goals of the user departments/agencies both at the

national and regional/local scale – (User Projects)

It is envisaged that such an integrated approach with close inter-related horizontal and vertical

connectivity will provide an organized NNRMS data and value added services directly to the communities

for grass-root level development.

NRDMS: The Programme (http://www.nrdms.gov.in/about_nrdms.asp#)

Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) programme was initiated in 1982 by the

Department of Science and Technology as a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional R&D programme.

The evolution of the programme has been discussed below in details by dividing it into three decades viz.

1st decade from 1982-92, 2nd decade from 1992-2002 and 3rd decade 2002 onwards.

First decade (1982-92), During this period , national planning exercise was in transition from national to

local, while the planning philosophy was sectoral . The Planning commission introduced concept of

spatial planning to smaller area levels. Pertinently, vision of the NRDMS programme during its inception

was to provide S&T inputs for operationalsing the concept of Decentralized Planning of the country. Goal

of the programme was to develop computer compatible methodology for developing spatial databases on

natural resources, socio and agro-economic parameters to further the concept of area specific

decentralized planning. In order to achieve this goal, the objectives of the programme were:

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To promote R&D in spatial data management.

To develop pilot scale integrated databases on natural resources and socio-economic parameters

to cater to micro level planning.

To demonstrate the efficacy of database approach for management and conservation of natural

resources with emphasis on location specific problems.

To build spatial resource profiles at different hierarchical units of planning i.e. district, block and

panchayat.

To provide software support for data management, modeling and operations research.

Training of potential users.

Documentation and dissemination of NRDMS methodology.

Data collated and collected from different sources like topo-sheets, aerial survey, satellite imageries,

census reports, data from district line departments and from limited surveys were used to convert into

computer compatible formats in a common database which was not developed as per database design.

Those data were processed to generate outputs like statistical table, thematic maps, charts, diagrams etc.

and were considered to be inputs or support to decision-making (Fig.1). The system was not focus to the

information requirement of users.

At the end of the first decade, standardized formats and computer-based methodologies for collection,

storage and retrieval of data on natural resources and socio-economic parameters were developed. An

indigenous DOS based GIS package, Geo Reference Area Management (GRAM) was developed in

modular form. On the recommendations of the working group on district planning set up by the Planning

Commission and the multi-level planning unit of the Planning Commission, the developed packages were

operationalised by establishing ten pilot district database centers at Vishakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh),

Koraput (Orissa), Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Gurgaon (Haryana), Kheda (Gujarat), Alwar (Rajasthan),

Munger (Bihar), Pauri (Uttar Pradesh), Chandel (Manipur), Goa/Daman. The average cost for

operationalising the centers was $12,000 per annum. Few Decision support modules for location of

amenities, land and water management and investment planning were developed in research mode. The

application of NRDMS technology was demonstrated in drought management in the Gurgaon district of

Haryana state.

On evaluation of the first decade of NRDMS programme the following shortcomings were observed:

Data The developed databases were mostly non-spatial and not much spatial data were there. Due to

inefficient inter-sectoral data flow, developed databases were not integrated in nature and didn‟t serve the

information need of local level planners. In spite of huge amount of data collected, little of it was available

in computer readable form.

Technology Exorbitant cost of imported equipment and software packages on Relational Data Base

Management (RDBMS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) and higher cost of conversion of

spatial data to digital form were the main hindrances to the diffusion of spatial data technologies at the

local level. Need for development of technologies for spatial information generation was felt to fulfill the

need of local level planning. The developed databases needed constant updating and developed

software and GRAM needed updating and maintenance.

Technology Transfer Lack of trained manpower in the R&D sector as well as handling of spatial

databases at the local level was hindering the spatial data technologies potential application to local level

planning. Need for demonstration of the technologies to users was felt during the end of this decade.

Second decade (1992-2002)

At the local level, necessary institutional changes were brought about during this period to ensure

people‟s participation in the planning process. As per the provisions of the 73rd and 74th constitutional

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amendments, different State Governments constituted a three tier system of local bodies at district ( Zilla

Panchayat) , block (Panchayat Samiti) and village ( Gram Sabha) levels at rural areas and Municipalities

(Nagarpalikas) at urban areas. Mandates of such local level bodies are to collect revenues, draw up and

implement integrated development schemes.

The VIII 5 Year- Plan (1990-95) of Planning Commission suggested that the developmental plans should

be drawn up at the local level (district and below) taking into account the physical and human

endowments of the area, felt needs of the people and funds available.

Entry of GIS in India during late 80‟s and launching of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite during 1987

guided the evolution of the NRDMS programme during its second decade. The programme was looked

upon as a major initiative for introduction of Geo spatial technologies and tools in the local level planning

of the country.

In this context, vision of the programme remained the same as first decade, while the goals were focused

towards 1. Development of spatial data management technologies for integrated rural development

planning and 2. Demonstration of utility of spatial data tools in local level decision making.

Objectives remained almost the same, adoption of Geographical Information System (GIS) as the core of

NRDMS methodology for locale specific problem solving was made explicit. Forging linkages with users

at different levels was introduced as one of the objectives for dissemination of NRDMS methodology.

At the end of the second decade, about $2.1 million had been spent on the NRDMS programme. This

included a support of $1.26 million from the UNDP. The major outputs at the end of second decade have

been enumerated in the Table 2.:

Table 2. Major Outputs of the NRDMS programme (1992-2002)

Improved procedures for data collection, collation and processing at local level developed.

Indigenous GIS package GRAM upgraded to Windows based GRAM++ and allied tools like

GRAM controls, VECVIEWER, GRAM-DRISHTI developed for customization and applications

development.

Tutors (GIS Tutor, GRAM++ Tutor) developed for the training of officials and Line Department

staff, NGOs and Communities in principles of GIS.

Spatial Decision Support Systems for Water management, Energy management and

infrastructure development developed.

Software to aid watershed management developed e.g. GRAM SWAT, WMDSS, ECOLAND.

User- friendly interfaces developed for language conversion, visualization and web-based

applications.

Spatial resource profiles and user specified applications developed and demonstrated at district

level in selected sectors of land and water management, road construction, infrastructure

location, health planning, natural disaster management, election management etc.

Pilot scale district level GIS databases developed and demonstrated in 40 districts. Stage has

reached for proliferation of the Geo-information technologies at other districts.

Availability of the Core Expertise in Spatial Data Management in R&D institutions and concept

champions at districts / states

VISION

Enabling people, communities and institutions of local-self Governance with requisite databases

and S & T tools for informed participation in local self-governance .

The corresponding goals of the Programme to realize the above vision could be the following:

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To strengthen the S&T inputs in developing tools and techniques for integrated resource

management and for capacity building at various levels for planning and implementation in a

spatio-temporal context in a multi-level framework below the district.

OBJECTIVES

Demonstrate and promote the use of Spatial Data Technologies for micro level planning under

diverse terrain conditions.

1. Provide software support for data management, modelling and operation research.

2. Promote R & D in spatial data technology

3. Technology transfer & Capacity building of potential users

4. Forge linkages with the users at different levels

Provide S & T inputs for framing Policies related to Spatial data technology.

Develop & Demonstrate pilot scale spatial infrastructure and provide research support to National

Spatial Data Infrastructure.

Documentation and dissemination.

Bureau of Indian Standards The National standards Body of India

(http://www.bis.org.in/bis_overview.asp)

BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 1986 for the harmonious

development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and for matters

connected therewith or incidental thereto.

BIS has been providing traceability and tangibility benefits to the national economy in a number of ways -

providing safereliable quality goods; minimizing health hazards to consumers; promoting exports and

imports substitute; control over proliferation of varieties etc. through standardization, certification and

testing.

Keeping in view, the interest of consumers as well as the industry, BIS is involved in various activities as

given below:

Standards Formulation

Product Certification Scheme

Compulsory Registration Scheme

Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme

Hall Marking Scheme

Laboratory Services

Laboratory Recognition Scheme

Sale of Indian Standard

Consumer Affairs Activities

Promotional Activities

Training Services, National & International level

Information Services

BIS has its Headquarters at New Delhi and its 05 Regional Offices (ROs) are at Kolkata (Eastern),

Chennai (Southern), Mumbai (Western), Chandigarh (Northern) and Delhi (Central). Under the Regional

Offices are the Branch Offices (BOs) located at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, BhopaSl,

Coimbatore, Dehradun, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Nagpur,

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Parwanoo, Patna, Pune, Rajkot, Raipur, Durgapur, Jamshedpur and Vishakhapatnam, which offer

certification services to the industry and serve as effective link between State Governments, industries,

technical institutions, consumer organization etc. of the respective region.

Origin of BIS

In the twilight years of British rule in India, when the country was faced with the gigantic task of building

up the industrial infrastructure, it was the Institution of Engineers (India), which prepared the first draft of

the Constitution of an Institution which could take up the task of formulation of National Standards. This

led to the Department of Industries and Supplies issuing a memorandum on 03 September 1946, formally

announcing the setting of an organization called the “Indian Standards Institution”. The Indian Standards

Institution (ISI) came into being on the 06 January 1947 and in June 1947 Dr. Lal C. Verman took over as

its first Director.

In the initial years, the organization concentrated on standardization activity. To provide the advantages

of standardization to common consumers, the Indian Standards Institution started operating the

Certification Marks Scheme under the Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act, 1952. The

Scheme, which was formally launched by ISI in 1955-56, enabled it to grant licences to manufacturers

producing goods in conformity with Indian Standards and to apply ISI Mark on their products. To meet

the requirements of the Certification Marks Scheme, the nucleus of a laboratory was started in 1963.

While the product certification was being operated under the Indian Standards Institution (Certification

Marks) Act, 1952, the formulation of standards and other related work were not governed by any

legislation. A Bill with this objective was therefore introduced in the Parliament of 26 Nov 1986.

Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) came into existence, through an act of parliament dated 26 November

1986, on 1 April 1987, with a broadened scope and more powers taking over the staff, assets, liabilities

and functions of erstwhile ISI. Through this change over, the government envisaged building a climate for

quality culture and consciousness and greater participation of consumers in formulation and

implementation of national standards.

The Bureau is a Body Corporate consisting of 25 members representing both Central and State

governments, Members of Parliament, industry, scientific and research institutions, consumer

organizations and professional bodies; with Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public

Distribution as its President and with Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

as its Vice-President.

Water Resources Information System, WRIS (india-wris.nrsc.gov.in/)

The project “Generation of Database and Implementation of Web Enabled Water Resources Information

System in the Country” short named as India-WRIS WebGIS is a joint venture of the Central Water

Commission (CWC), Ministry of Water Resources, Govt. of India and Indian Space Research

Organization (ISRO), Department of Space, Govt. of India, as per the Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU) signed on December 3, 2008 between the two departments for a period of four years - January

2009 to December 2012 and has been extended till December, 2015.

India-WRIS WebGIS aims as a „Single Window‟ solution for comprehensive, authoritative and consistent

data & information of India‟s water resources along with allied natural resources in a standardized

national GIS framework (WGS-84 datum and LCC projection) tools to search, access, visualize,

understand and analyze the data for assessment, monitoring, planning, development and finally

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

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The data collection, generation and presentation into the portal are continuous activities. The current

version India-WRIS WebGIS (Version 4.1) has spatial layers and attributes as per data collected till July

2015. Further updating the attribute data and presentation are being done by the India-WRIS Project

Team. These data have been collected from concerned state Govt. departments, CWC offices and Govt.

of India departments and are organized in this portal.

Based on the type of data and its availability, the present portal contains 12 major info systems, 35 sub

info systems having 95 spatial layers along with large attribute data of the water resources assets and

temporal data of 5-100 years. Based on the National Map Policy (2005) and CWC data dissemination

policy, the portal has two versions. The public domain version complies with both policy guidelines.

The India-WRIS WebGIS portal (Version 4.1) has been designed looking at the variety of users and their

requirements. It has six major sections on the left panel such as WRIS Info Discovery, WRIS Explorer,

WRIS Connect, Share Success Stories, Water Resources Planning and Management and Input Data

Builder. More details are available by hovering the mouse on the expandable menu tabs.

The next versions will be enriched further with modules like 3D Geo-visualization, direct link to current

hydro met observations, hydrology tools for online analysis and WRIS education.

The project website, India-WRIS WebGIS Version 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 were launched on December 10,

2009, December 7, 2010, March 22, 2012, December 4, 2012 and March 28, 2014 respectively.

However, the updation of spatial and temporal coverage of the existing Version 4.1 is a continuous

process, and will be made available to users as per the generation and readiness.

National Carbon Project (NCP):

(http://archive.apan.net/meetings/apan32/Session/Slides/agriculture/3-1.pdf)

In order to understand the terrestrial carbon cycle over India, a comprehensive study through „National

Carbon Project‟ (NCP) has been taken up under the ISRO-Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP).

The major goals of NCP are:

Assessment of Carbon Pools, Fluxes and Net Carbon balance for terrestrial biomes in India

To establish an observational network and create remote sensing-based spatial databases for

modeling and periodic assessment of net carbon balance in India

To provide support to Second National Communication (SNC) activity of Ministry of Environment

and Forests, GOI to UNFCCC with respect to carbon balance.

Vegetation Carbon Pools (VCP) As part of (VCP), an optimal phytomass density observation, modeling

and mapping approach for national-scale forest carbon pool assessment was defined. A total of 6500 field

plot data from forests and trees outside forests was collected with defined sampling protocols. The forest

density, vegetation type map, accessibility (nearness to road), normalized difference vegetation index and

district boundary have been used to select sites for sampling. 2,350 permanent sample plots were

identified for further monitoring as well as for quality assurance. 753 regional species volume equations

and general equations were collated. Specific gravity data of 16,400 species of the Asia has been

collected. Specific gravity of 86 fire wood trees and shrub growing in wasteland/degraded sites has been

added. A geo-referenced relational database of plot wise forest inventory and biomass density estimates

was prepared. Figure 1 shows the various methods of generating spatial biomass map that is being

employed as per the regional suitability and availability of data types. 0.2-5 5-10 10-20 20-30 >30

Predicted Basal Area (m2 ha-1) Field Data/Sampling Data Stratificati on and extrapolat ion with RS data

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Data Mining L‐ Band Microwa ve Optical RS & Modeling Spatially explicit above ground forest carbon

(5x5km) South Western Ghats 6500 field plot data 1250 permanent plots Estimation of above ground

biomass using L-band PALSAR data.

Pilot studies in 16 test-sites in different ecological regions in the country have been taken to test the

methodology for biomass estimation and spectral modeling using optical and microwave data in forest

ecosystem. End-to-end analyses at eight sites have been completed. Interferometric Water Cloud Model

(IWCM) has been successfully applied for forest biomass retrieval in Dudhwa National Park (Pandey et

al., 2010). Similarly the plot-wise field data from south Gujarat (Patil et al., 2012) was aggregated to

MODIS pixel (250 m) using area weightages of forest/vegetation. The study reports that above ground

phytomass varied from 6.13 t/ha to 389.166 t/ha. The contribution of bamboo in AGB has been found very

high. The phytomass range obtained by using MODIS data varies from 0.147 t/ha to 182.16 t/ha.

Recent estimates found that conservation policies have resulted in increase of the country‟s forest carbon

stocks from 6244.8 to 6621.6 Mt with an annual increment of 37.7 Mt of the carbon from 1995 to 2005

(Kishwan et al., 2011). Spatial explicit biomass estimation procedures were also tested to quantify

biomass distribution in Orissa state using data mining techniques. The study involved evaluating the

relationship between basal area and stand height collected over 17,500 plots and different spatial

information on multi temporal spectral data, terrain, climate, forest type and crown density using random

forest decision tree algorithm.

Space Based Information Support for Decentralized Planning (SIS-DP)

(http://bhuvan-panchayat.nrsc.gov.in/)

Space Based Information Support for Decentralized Planning (SIS-DP) project has been initiated by

National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO under the aegis of National Natural Resources

Management System (NNRMS) and is being jointly executed by National Remote Sensing Centre and

State Remote Sensing Centres of the country. The Goal of the project is to Empower the Panchayati Raj

Institutions (PRIs) and the Stakeholders with Space Based Information Support for Decentralized

Planning and Governance in the country.

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Objectives

To generate and provide „Satellite Image Maps‟ for the entire country as base for decentralized

planning. (High resolution, true color, Ortho-rectified, merged satellite data products)

To prepare thematic & base layers on 1:10000 scale using „Satellite Image Maps‟, slope classes

maps and cadastral maps vectorization& geo-referencing

To create databank: comprising of „Satellite Image Maps‟, thematic and base maps, slope class

maps; and organize census data, climate data, cadastral maps, stakeholder‟s data and available

legacy thematic & base data on GIS platform.

To develop comprehensive web portal as per PRIs & stakeholders needs for decentralized

planning, governance, outreach to the citizens and data dissemination.

To build Capacity of PRIs & stakeholders for the use of Space Based Information in

Decentralized planning and governance.

Major Features of Bhuvan Panchayat Portal

Mapping of 340 Assets categorized into 5 major classes

Mapping of Activities including Land & Water Development Activities, Productive Activities, Civic

Amenities & Infrastructure Development Activities, Social Welfare Activities and Governance

Activities

Implementation and Monitoring of the Schemes

Download of Datasets in PDF format and to share views

Geo-Visualization of Resource Layers, Assets Layers and Meteorological Data

View Area Profile and Resource Envelope

Integration of Census Datasets

Provides a Great Opportunity for Space Inputs in Decentralized Planning which is by nature

Participatory in action

Integrated in application

Spatial in ground results

National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) services in tackling

Disasters (ndem.nrsc.gov.in/)

Towards supporting country‟s efforts in efficient management of natural disasters, ISRO has evolved a

comprehensive space-based Disaster Management Support (DMS) Programme and institutionalised the

same in association with concerned ministries / agencies. The DMS programme addresses disasters

such as flood, cyclone, drought, forest fire, landslide and earthquake. Earth observation satellites together

with meteorological and communication satellites and aerial survey system form the base for providing

timely support and services for disaster management.

To support the total cycle of disaster/ emergency management for the country, in near real time, the

database creation is addressed through National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM), a GIS

based repository of data. NDEM is envisaged to have core data, hazard-specific data, and dynamic data

in spatial form as well as textual form. The database enables development of decision support system in

the form of customised user interfaces with necessary security mechanisms.

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Major Highlights of NDEM

Exclusive NDEM facility is established at Shadnagar in a secured environment with necessary

computer infrastructure.

NDEM database is organised by bringing the diverse data sets into a common reference

framework

Envisaged database at 1:50,000 scale for 36 States/UTs is served through ISRO-DMS VPN

secured network

Value-added information/ maps (about 388 disaster-specific products covering 36 States/ UTs)

derived from satellite data for the disaster events occurred during 1998-2014 were hosted on

NDEM server and enabled download of the products through ISRO-DMS VPN secured network

Decision Support Tools for Spatial, Proximity, Network analysis have been customised and

implemented

Appraised all State Govt. officials about NDEM project, products and services besides training on

NDEM server operations by conducting six regional training programmes

All mobile applications developed under NDEM are made available for download and also

appraised all State Govt. Departments regarding its utilisation

Database Organisation

Database available with ISRO, Central and State Departments are integrated and organised into NDEM.

A comprehensive database is worked out to meet the objectives at different scales. At 1:50,000 scale,

database covering base layers, thematic layers, infrastructure layers along with raster data sets are

integrated. The disaster-specific database covering Flood/ Cyclone, Forest Fires, Tsunami, Drought,

Landslides, Earthquakes, etc. are also integrated. The database at 1:10,000 scale is organised for 94

districts out of 350 districts.

Information Dissemination

Information Dissemination is done through secured Satellite based Virtual Private Network (VPN). State-

wise value-added information and products derived from Satellite datasets on disasters are organised in

NDEM Portal and enabled access to respective State Government Departments through ISRO-DMS-VPN

secured network. The open data sets as well as disaster information is also being disseminated through

ISRO web portal Bhuvan.

NDEM portal Ver 2.0 was launched and enabling the access to authorised users to NDEM products and

services for better management of disasters. NDEM portal with standard GIS functionalities was

developed using open source tools with multi-level authentication. State-wise web pages are enabled for

independent access to relevant disaster products for respective States. Tools for downloading the

products were also enabled. Decision Support Tools for Spatial layer analysis, Proximity, and Network

analysis have been customised and implemented. User Interaction portal was developed for close

interaction among nodal departments. Mobile Apps for emergency field attribute collection, geo-tagging of

emergency facilities using online maps, disaster report cum relief management are also enabled through

NDEM portal. Exclusive regional training programmes for State officials have been conducted for better

utilisation of NDEM products and services.

In order to utilise the NDEM services for tackling disasters, the National Disaster Response Force

(NDRF) linked a pact with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). Accordingly, ISRO will provide

geo-spatial database and other satellite data to NDRF for sharpening its relief and rescue operations. A

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in this regard between NRSC and NDRF. As per the

protocols of the MoU, the NRSC would also share with the NDRF the services of NDEM and customized

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mobile Apps developed for responding to such emergency situations where the fury of the devastation

caused by the nature, at times, remains unpredictable.

As a part of the MOU, a three day training programme was organised at NDRF HQ, New Delhi during

November 2015 for the familiarisation of NDEM products and services to NDRF officials. In this

programme, officials from NDRF HQ have participated in person and officials from all 11 NDRF battalions

across the country participated through videoconference. A detailed live demonstration on

NDEM portal Ver 2.0 on database services, decision support tools, live news & alerts, interaction portal,

IDRN and health database etc was arranged. Mobile apps developed for relief management, incident

reporting and geo-tagging of emergency management facilities have been demonstrated with hands on

sessions. These mobile apps have been shared to all participants along with user manuals.

This systematic approach will help in better Disaster Response for Relief and Rescue; Ensuring satellite-

based communication during disasters; Assessment of the damage and Mitigation planning.

National Information System for Climate & Environment Studies (NICES) (www.nrsc.gov.in/nices)

Climate change is amongst the most concerning issues being discussed across the world to preserve the

planet earth. The 4th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has

reported an estimated increase of 0.74°C in global mean temperatures from 1906 to 2005. Other studies

have indicated that there is a steady increase in the concentration of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) such as

CO, CO2, CH4, NO2, etc. in earth's atmosphere. The human impact on climate during this era greatly

exceeds that due to known changes in natural processes, such as in solar radiation and volcanic

eruptions. Increasing atmospheric concentration of GHGs due to burning of fossil fuels are strong agents

in alterations of our climate. Certain fundamental changes are also evident in terms of decline in

stratospheric ozone content, acid precipitation, melting of polar ice cover, shift in natural vegetations,

manifestations of extreme weather conditions, etc. Impact of climatic changes is already being felt in the

Indian sub-continent in terms of the behavior of tropical cyclone, frequent flooding, drought and

desertification, sea level rise, soil erosion, landslides, rise in vector borne diseases and increase in snow

and glacier melting.

In this context, issues related to natural environment and climate change need understanding of physical,

chemical and biological processes that regulate the total Earth System, the changes that are occurring in

the system, and the manner in which they are influenced by the natural forces and human activities.

ISRO, with its geostationary and polar orbiting satellites, has been active in climate research with a focus

on specific indicators, like, glacier melt, desertification, land use and land cover change and agents, like,

GHGs, aerosols, etc. The Department has drawn a comprehensive EO program for providing continuity

envisaging new observational capabilities in the domain of land, ocean, environment and atmosphere.

ISRO/DOS has also developed various ground based observation systems for measuring climate

variables as part of ISRO-GBP, ASP, Space Science Programme and research activities at PRL, SPL,

NARL etc.

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Realising the need, ISRO formulated the National Information System for Climate and Environment

Studies (NICES) with the mandate to build an information base for climate change impact assessment

and mitigation under the guidance of NICES Programme Management Council (NICES-PMC) with

representatives from inter and intra-departmental institutions. NICES-PMC will formulate a science plan

for climate research and environment studies and will constitute inter-departmental thematic groups

addressing the algorithm developmental needs, reprocessing, process modeling and simulation scenarios

and data compilation and standardization of formats to comply with the GCMs and RCMs. Thus, NICES

will build an archive for climate and environmental data with a provision for access and visualization for

various ministries, academia and research institutions in the country though a NICES portal.

NICES will establish a dedicated Information System for Climate and Environment Studies at national

level using Indian Remote Sensing and geostationary satellites data and others. Additionally, NICES will

build specific observational networks, effectively coordinate among various departments and carry out

climate and environmental impact assessment through formulation of a science plan. NICES is intended

to generate climate and environmental data archives with a provision for access and visualization to

various ministries, academia and research institutions in the country. NICES will work towards developing

intra and inter departmental linkages and collaboration for information and knowledge sharing in the area

of climate & environment studies, and extend policy level support. NICES would have the following

specific objectives:

Geophysical parameter retrieval and generation of methodologies for Essential Climate Variables

(ECVs) from Indian EO missions.

Acquisition and processing of international missions data for other relevant parameters to support

Indian EO ECVs and cal/val and generation of long term data records

Establish necessary infrastructure including hardware and software for NICES.

Establishment of NICES portal.

Development of methodologies to carry out scientific studies and partner with other national

organisations in using ECV for impact assessment, adaptation, vulnerability and mitigation etc.

Generation of spatial & temporal blended ECV products based on Indian and foreign satellites and

in situ observations through multi-institutional participation.

Develop outreach and interaction mechanism for effective dissemination and utilization of NICES

ECVs.

Promote scientific utilization and collaboration in the area of climate and environment.

Establishment and development of linkages with appropriate observational networks, and

calibration & validation sites.

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Disaster Management Support Programme ISRO-DMSP

(www.isro.gov.in/applications/disaster-management-support-programme)

India has been traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters on account of its geo-climatic conditions.

Floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes and landslides have been recurrent phenomena. About 60% of

the landmass is prone to earthquakes of various intensities; over 40 million hectares is prone to floods;

close to 5,700 km long coastline out of the 7,516 km, is prone to cyclones; about 68% of the cultivable

area is susceptible to drought. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the East and part of West coast are

vulnerable to Tsunami. The deciduous/ dry-deciduous forests in different parts of the country experience

forest fires. The Himalayan region and the Western Ghats are prone to landslides.

Under the DMS programme, the services emanating from aerospace infrastructure, set up by ISRO, are

optimally synthesized to provide data and information required for efficient management of natural

disasters in the country. The Geostationary satellites (Communication and Meteorological), Low Earth

Orbiting Earth Observation satellites, aerial survey systems together with ground infrastructure form the

core element of the observation Systems for disaster management.

The Decision Support Centre established at National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO is

engaged in monitoring natural disasters such as flood, cyclone, agricultural drought, landslides,

earthquakes and forest fires at operational level. The information generated from aero-space systems are

disseminated to the concerned in near real time for aiding in decision making. The value added products

generated using satellite imagery helps in addressing the information needs covering all the phases of

disaster management such as, preparedness, early warning, response, relief, rehabilitation, recovery and

mitigation.

Flood: India is one of the most flood prone countries in the world. Floods occur in almost all rivers basins

in India. Twenty-three of the 35 states and union territories in the country are subject to floods and 40

million hectares of land, roughly one-eighth of the country‟s geographical area, is prone to floods.

Assessment of the extent of flood affected areas and the damage to the infrastructure will enable the

decision makers to plan for relief operations. Satellite based imageries due to their synoptic coverage are

the best tool to assess the extent of flood affected areas. As soon as the information of a flood event is

obtained, the earliest available satellite is programmed to collect the required data for the delineation of

flooded areas. Both optical and microwave satellites data is being used. The inundation maps with

flooded and non-flooded areas marked in different colours along with the affected villages and the

transport network are disseminated to the concerned Central / State agencies. Using the historical data of

floods affecting different areas flood hazard zonation is being carried out. Such district level hazard

atlases have been prepared for Assam and Bihar States. Further, integrating the information on the river

morphology generated from aerial surveys, weather forecast and the in-situ data from CWC, flood

forecasting methodologies have been generated and being operationalised.

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Cyclone: The major natural disaster that affects the coastal regions of India is cyclone. India has a

coastline of about 7516 kms and it is exposed to nearly 10% of the world‟s tropical cyclones. About 71%

of this area falls in ten states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry,

Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal). The islands of Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep are also

prone to cyclones. On an average, about five or six tropical cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal and

Arabian sea and hit the coast every year. When a cyclone approaches to coast, a risk of serious loss or

damage arises from severe winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges and river floods. Using appropriate models

and satellite data, ISRO is supporting the efforts of India Meteorological Department to predict the tropical

cyclone track, intensity and landfall. After the formation of cyclone, its future tracks are regularly

monitored and predicted on an experimental basis using a mathematical model, developed at Space

Application Centre, ISRO. These experimental track predictions are regularly posted on departmental

web portal (http://www.mosdac.gov.in/scorpio/) as part of information dissemination. Using the wind

pattern generated by the Oceansat-2 Scatterometer data models have been developed for predicting the

formation of a cyclone even before the depression turns into a cyclone. Such cyclogenesis predictions are

being carried out for all the global cyclones and uploaded to the portal.

Agricultural Drought: With more than 70 percent of India‟s population relying directly or indirectly on

agriculture, the impact of agricultural drought on human life and other living beings is critical. In India,

around 68% of the country is prone to drought in varying degrees. Of the entire area, 35% receives

rainfall between 750 mm and 1125 mm, which is considered as drought prone and 33%, receives rainfall

less than 750 mm, which is considered to be chronically drought prone. Coarse resolution satellite data,

which covers larger areas, is used to monitor the prevalence, severity level and persistence of agricultural

drought at state/ district/ sub district level during kharif season (June to November). The operational

methodology developed by ISRO over the years is now institutionalized by setting up Mahalanobis

National Crop Forecasting Centre (MNCFC) under the Ministry of Agriculture. Currently, ISRO is

concentrating on upgrading the methodology for monitoring the drought and efforts are on to develop

early warning systems for agricultural drought.

Forest Fire: Nearly 55% of the total forest cover in India is prone to fires every year. An estimated annual

economic loss of Rs.440 crores is reported on account of forest fires over the country. Forest fires in India

have environmental significance in terms of tropical biomass burning, which produces large amounts of

trace gases, aerosol particles, and play a pivotal role in tropospheric chemistry and climate. Active forest

fires are detected from the satellite images and the information is uploaded daily to the Indian Forest Fire

Response and Assessment System (INFFRAS) website during the forest fire season – February to June

(www.inffras.gov.in).

Landslide: Remote sensing data have been proved to be useful for landslide inventory mapping both at

local and regional level. It is also used for generating maps such as lithology, geological structure,

geomorphology, land use / land cover, drainage, landslide scarp, etc. These maps can be combined with

other terrain maps like slope, slope aspect, slope morphology, rock weathering and slope-bedding dip

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relationship in GIS environment to map the vulnerable areas for landslides. Department of Space has

prepared Landslide Hazard Zonation maps (LHZ) along tourist and pilgrim routes of Uttaranchal and

Himachal Pradesh, Himalayas and in Shillong-Silchar-Aizwal sector. As a part of the DSC activity all the

major Landslides are being monitored for damage estimation.

Earthquakes: Remote Sensing and GIS provide a database from which the evidences left behind by

disaster can be combined with other geological and topographical database to arrive at hazard map. The

area affected by earthquakes are generally large, but they are restricted to well known regions (Plate

contacts). Satellite data gives synoptic overview of the area affected by the disaster. These data can be

made use to create a very large scale base information of the terrain for carrying out the disaster

assessment and for relief measures.

ISRO Disaster Management Programme (http://www.nrsc.gov.in/ISRO_DMSP)

The Decision Support Centre (DSC) established at NRSC under Disaster Management Support

Programme (DMSP), is the single window delivery point for aerial and space enabled inputs together with

other important data layers for its use in disaster management of pre-disaster, during-disaster and post-

disaster phases. DSC is addressing five natural disasters viz., Flood, Cyclone, Forest Fire, Earthquake

and Landslide. DSC team keeps a close watch on the disaster situation in the country and acquires

satellite/aerial data on the affected regions. The data is analysed and rapid based mapping and

assessment is carried out and value added products are disseminated to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

and nodal ministries via FTP, Web page, E-mail etc. For online transfer of space-enabled inputs to the

State and Central government user departments, a VSAT based satellite communication network has

been established. The products are also hosted on web portals viz., Bhuvan, NRSC and NDEM for wide

public viewing/usage. DSC is working on space inputs for long-term disaster mitigation and rehabilitation

like hazard zonation, vulnerability and risk assessment. DSC provides satellite data support to

International disasters through forums like the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters,

Sentinel Asia and UNESCAP/UNSPIDER. DSC is also working on improving the models for forecasting

and early warning.