Geospatial Policies, Acts and Regulatory Framework in India

Geospatial technology involves collecting, analyzing, and storing spatial data associated with geographic locations on the surface of the Earth. In India, the regulatory landscape governing geospatial data, surveying, and mapping underwent a shift from restrictive colonial-era controls toward complete deregulation and commercial openness. Supervised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India’s policy framework transitioned from strict security clearances to self-certification, empowering domestic private entities and fostering digital transformation across governance, infrastructure, and land administration.

Historical Regulatory Evolution

Prior to 2021, acquiring, storing, and publishing spatial data in India required multi-agency clearances involving the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Survey of India.

• National Map Policy (2005): Divided maps into Defense Series Maps (DSMs) handled exclusively by military authorities and Open Series Maps (OSMs) made available for civilian use by the Survey of India. It mandated prior approvals for high-resolution mapping and restricted aerial surveys.
• Remote Sensing Data Policy (2011): Governed the distribution of satellite remote sensing data. Data of resolution finer than 1 meter required clearance from an inter-ministerial screening committee before distribution to non-government users.
• Deregulatory Guidelines (February 2021): The DST issued historic guidelines that completely deregulated the acquisition and production of geospatial data and maps. It eliminated prior approvals, security clearances, and licenses for domestic Indian entities.

National Geospatial Policy (NGP), 2022

Notified on December 28, 2022, the National Geospatial Policy replaced the National Map Policy of 2005 to establish a comprehensive vision extending through 2035. It aims to position India as a global leader in the geospatial space while democratizing access to data generated through public funds.

Milestones and Targeted Goals

Key Institutional Bodies and Governance

The governance model transitions operational duties to autonomous committees and specialized survey organizations.

• Department of Science and Technology (DST): Functions as the nodal administrative ministry responsible for overall policy implementation and inter-ministerial coordination.
• Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC): Operates as the apex national body to formulate strategies and guide policy execution. It subsumed the functions of the erstwhile National Spatial Data Committee.
• Survey of India (SoI): The national survey and mapping organization, responsible for establishing primary geodetic networks and Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) across the country.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): Operates satellite platforms, ground stations, and spatial data portals like Bhuvan and VEDAS.

Strategic Operational Infrastructure

Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) Network

Established by the Survey of India, the pan-India CORS network provides real-time, centimeter-level positioning services. This infrastructure eliminates the need for field survey teams to establish local baseline reference points manually.

PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

A digital platform integrating multi-modal infrastructure data across more than 20 central ministries and state governments. It uses GIS-based spatial planning tools to eliminate delays, optimize project routes, and coordinate civil works.

SVAMITVA Scheme

Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas leverages drone survey technology to map inhabited rural areas. It generates property cards (Svamitva Property Cards) to enable rural asset monetization and resolve land disputes.

Operational Rules for Data Security and Categorization

The regulatory framework balances commercial ease with national security interests by dividing geospatial data handling rules between Indian and foreign entities.

• Threshold Attributes: Indian entities can acquire, process, and store fine-spatial-resolution data (up to 1-meter threshold accuracy horizontally and 3-meter threshold vertically) without any restrictions.
• Negative List: Sensitive military installations, nuclear facilities, and strategic border locations remain restricted under a negative list managed by the DST.
• Foreign Entity Restrictions: Foreign companies and foreign-owned platforms cannot directly own high-accuracy geospatial data or run mapping surveys. They must license location services and maps exclusively from domestic Indian companies through API interfaces without storing raw data locally.
• Local Cloud Processing: High-resolution spatial data finer than threshold limits must be processed and stored exclusively on servers located physically within Indian territory.

Core Facts on Geospatial Framework in India

• Department of Science and Technology (DST) acts as the nodal government department for the geospatial sector.
• National Geospatial Policy was formally notified on December 28, 2022, replacing the 2005 National Map Policy.
• Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC) serves as the apex advisory body for policy enforcement.
• Self-certification replaced all pre-existing licensing and security clearance systems for domestic entities acquiring spatial data.
• Survey of India established a pan-India Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) network for high-precision positioning.
• The policy mandates complete high-resolution topographical mapping and a national Digital Elevation Model by 2030.
• Mapping of sub-surface urban infrastructure and creation of National Digital Twins are targeted for completion by 2035.
• Foreign companies are prohibited from conducting direct land surveys or storing high-resolution spatial data on servers located outside India.