**Executive Summary**
The procedural formalities for the National Geospatial Mission proposal appraisal have been initiated, with stakeholder consultations and the finalization of the mission document as a cabinet note. Upon approval, earmarked funds will be utilized. Geospatial data produced using public funds, excluding classified data, will be made easily accessible to all Indian Entities without restrictions, as per Geospatial Guidelines dated 15.02.2021. Training programs are underway to build capacity in geospatial technologies.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Mission Proposal Appraisal:**
* Procedural formalities for the National Geospatial Mission proposal appraisal have been initiated following the Budget Announcement.
* Wider stakeholder consultations have been conducted with concerned Ministries/Departments at various stages of appraisal.
* The mission document is being finalized in the form of a cabinet note after incorporating suggestions.
* Upon approval, the earmarked funds for the mission will be utilized.
* **Geospatial Data Accessibility:**
* As per Geospatial Guidelines dated 15.02.2021, all Geospatial Data produced using public funds, excluding classified data by security/law enforcement agencies, shall be easily accessible for scientific, economic, and developmental purposes to all Indian Entities.
* This data will be accessible without any restrictions on its use.
* Geospatial data generated by the Survey of India is readily and openly accessible via the Survey of India's online map portal: https://onlinemaps.surveyofindia.gov.in/.
* **Capacity Building and Training:**
* The National Institute of Geo-informatics Science and Technology (NIGST) is conducting training and capacity-building programs in geodesy, GNSS processing, digital mapping, and GIS technologies.
* These programs are for Survey of India's/ Central & State Government officers.
* Trainings for Survey of India officers and staff are also being conducted in collaboration with premier Indian Institutes like IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, and IIT Tirupati.
* **Global Engagement:**
* Active engagement is being undertaken through national and international geospatial platforms, including UN-GGCE and UN-GGIM.
* The objective is to align domestic capabilities with global best practices.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Entities**
* **Impact:** Will have easy and unrestricted access to geospatial data produced using public funds for scientific, economic, and developmental purposes.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the Survey of India's online map portal for accessing the data.
**Survey of India Officers and Staff**
* **Impact:** Will receive training and capacity-building in advanced geospatial technologies.
* **Action Required:** Participate in training programs conducted by NIGST and in association with premier Indian Institutes.
**Central & State Government Officers**
* **Impact:** Will benefit from training and capacity-building in geospatial technologies through NIGST.
* **Action Required:** Participate in relevant training programs.
Key Entities Referenced
National Geospatial Mission: The central initiative discussed in the document, focusing on geospatial data and technology.
Geospatial Guidelines dated 15.02.2021: The foundational policy document governing the accessibility and use of geospatial data.
Ministry of Science & Technology: The ministry responsible for the National Geospatial Mission.
Survey of India: The agency responsible for generating and providing geospatial data through its online map portal.
National Institute of Geo-informatics Science and Technology (NIGST): The institute conducting training and capacity-building programs related to geospatial technologies.
Ministry of Science & Technology
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PROGRESS OF
NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL MISSION
Posted On: 12 MAR 2026 4:04PM by PIB Delhi
In line with the Budget Announcement, the procedural formalities of National Geospatial Mission
proposal appraisal were initiated. In this regard, wider stakeholder consultation with concerned Ministry/
Department has been done at different stage of proposal appraisal as per prescribed guidelines. After
incorporation of suggestions received at various stages of appraisal process, the mission document in the
form of cabinet note is being finalized. After the approval, the fund earmarked for the mission will be
utilized accordingly.
As per the Geospatial Guidelines dated 15.02.2021, all Geospatial Data produced using public funds,
except the classified geospatial data collected by security/law enforcement agencies, shall be made easily
accessible for scientific, economic and developmental purposes to all Indian Entities and without any
restrictions on their use. Accordingly, all the geospatial data generated by Survey of India are easily &
openly accessible through the Survey of India’s online map portal
https://onlinemaps.surveyofindia.gov.in/.
Through the National Institute of Geo-informatics Science and Technology (NIGST), training and
capacity-building programmes are being conducted in geodesy, GNSS processing, digital mapping and
GIS technologies for Survey of India’s/ Central & State Government officers. Trainings for Survey of
India officers and staff are also being conducted in association with premier Indian Institutes like IIT
Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Tirupati etc. Active engagement is being undertaken through national and
international geospatial platforms, including UN-GGCE and UN-GGIM, to align domestic capabilities
with global best practices.
This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent charge) for the Ministry of Science and
Technology & Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
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