ISRO and CBC Join Forces to Enhance Geospatial Skills. Empowering a New Generation of Geospatial Experts: ISRO & CBC Partner on Capacity Building Program.
In a pivotal step towards technological advancement, the launch of the Capacity Building Programme on Geospatial Technology and Applications by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) has set the stage for remarkable advancements. Hon’ble Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, inaugurated this groundbreaking initiative via video conferencing.
Singh underscored the critical role of geospatial data in driving the nation’s infrastructure development programs, including the PM Gati Shakti initiative and the Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) scheme. He advocated for a strengthened collaborative effort among researchers, private enterprises, and startups, emphasizing the Anusandhan National Research Foundation’s crucial role in fostering the entire geospatial ecosystem.
The government has been actively fostering the field of geospatial data since 2021. Geospatial data encompasses both static and dynamic information, incorporating geolocation data such as longitude and latitude, coupled with data acquired from remote sensing satellites or ground-based sensors. Its applications span diverse sectors and thrive on competitive and innovative products.
Projections indicate a promising trajectory for India’s geospatial economy, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 12.8%, expected to surpass Rs 63,000 crore by 2025. Experts in foreign trade foresee the Indian space economy potentially reaching $100 billion in the coming years.
Minister Jitendra Singh remarked, “The last decade has witnessed a significant scientific transformation in India’s post-Independence journey, particularly in the realm of Space & Geospace. Over the last five years, this transformation has been even more apparent. Space technology is progressively becoming a critical component of India’s overall economy, and its role in contributing to our economic growth is set to escalate further. Such capacity-building programs may become more frequent and extensive in the future. However, today marks the initiation of this realization and an effort to institutionalize it.”
The unveiling of this groundbreaking initiative marks a significant leap forward in bolstering India’s expertise in geospatial technology, igniting innovation, and solidifying its position as a leading force in the global space economy.
