Government makes it easier for Indian mapping companies to access geospatial data

In a significant aid for Indian mapping firms, the federal government has made it simpler to get entry to particular geospatial information together with maps of all Indian territory. This implies Indian startups and corporations within the enterprise of mapping will now not have to attend for a number of formal approvals to launch new mapping merchandise and even use applied sciences like LiDar, 3D or 4D for detailed mapping.
The Division of Science and Expertise whereas asserting the brand new pointers for geospatial information mentioned, “What is readily available globally does not need to be restricted in India.”
In relation to mapping, the widespread man can solely relate to companies like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and so on. However geospatial information is of way more significance. Maps and correct geospatial information are essential for nationwide infrastructure initiatives corresponding to linkages of rivers, creation of business corridors and deploying good energy programs.
Whereas Indian startups and corporations are keen and able to offering instruments that may assist in infrastructure initiatives, the main roadblock has been in gaining access to geospatial information.
“There were significant restrictions on the mapping industry – from creation to dissemination of maps, requiring Indian companies to seek licenses, follow a cumbersome system of pre-approvals and permissions. Compliance with these regulatory restrictions has subjected startups in India to unnecessary red tape, hindering Indian innovation in map technologies for decades,” mentioned the ministry in a press assertion.
Explaining the coverage change, Sajid Malik of Genesys Worldwide mentioned, “To get a 3D map of a particular region which includes street imagery, the company is required to fly an aircraft, get data, process it and build tools based on that data accordingly. The entire process requires approvals at multiple levels from several ministries as per the project. Sometimes it may even take months to get the necessary approvals. The new policy change will simply allow us to work faster.”
“We welcome the path-breaking announcement and commencement of a new era in Indian GeoSpatial data collection and publishing. Having successfully created 360 degree immersive street imagery of all major Indian cities and undertaking several path-breaking projects for the Government of India, we foresee a positive impact on several industries and overall on the economy as well. We believe the policy is balanced as it also clears the way for foreign companies to operate without any ambiguity while empowering Indian companies,” Malik added.
The coverage change may even permit native gamers to develop finish customers purposes to assist widespread residents in navigation and it additionally paves the way in which for the creation of made-in-India Google Maps alternate options.