Currently the DEM generated from the topographical datasets of Survey of India (SoI) and the contours in the Open Series Maps (OSM) are available on https://onlinemaps.surveyofindia.gov.in. Further, the Government of India has recently announced the National Geospatial Mission (NGM) under which the generation of high-resolution Ortho-imagery (ORI) & high accuracy Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the entire country has been envisaged. These can be used for the different application in various sectors including facilitation of participatory planning and monitoring of environmental violations in Landslide-Vulnerable regions such as the Western Ghats.

Guidelines for acquiring and producing Geospatial Data and Geospatial Data Services including Maps, 2021 provides that 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. Such access shall be given free of any charges to Government agencies and at fair and transparent pricing to others. National Geospatial Policy, 2022 further provides for establishing and strengthening an integrative interface for all digital data having location dimension collected or developed utilizing public funds, for easy access, sharing, use and reuse. Also, the topographic data and other Geospatial Data produced by Survey of India using public funds is treated as common good and easily available. Accordingly, the DEM/contour data of ecologically sensitive areas and disaster-prone zones (like Coastal Areas and River basins), that have been generated by SoI under various National Projects, are accessible to all Indian entities.

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2150133)