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(GIST OF YOJANA) Geographic Information System

[September-2020]

Geographic Information System

GIS or the Geographic Information System is a computer system used for capturing, storing, cheeking and displaying data will) regard to positions on the Earth’s surface. By joining the dots between seemingly unrelated data, CIS can aid in developing a deeper understanding of spatial patterns and relationships.
GIS is a framework that helps us in organising, communicating and understanding the science of our world. Pooled in geography, GIS integrates numerous types of data, analyses spatial locations and organises these layers of information into maps and 3D visualisations (ESRI, 2020).
Everyday various apps used by billions across the world are bringing GIS to life for everyone and in every home. Thousands of systems and companies today are powered by GIS. The underlying theme of most GIS applications has been the reduction in time and effort to accomplish tasks.
Through GIS-enabled maps we can find the fastest route to any location, predict delivery times and order food and other items through a simple click of a button.
From sending a satellite to space to getting ice-cream delivered at home; GIS has made tasks faster and easier.
To fulfill the aim of the Digital India initiative to establish end-to end geo-spatial electronics delivery systems. GIS-enabled BHARAT MAPS have been developed to enhance governance and improve planning and monitoring in New India.
With projects like School GIS, Postal GIS, GIS for Financial Inclusion, Bank GIS. Telecom GIS, BBNL GIS, BSNL GIS and GIS powered Dashboards in Ministries of Rural and Urban Development. India is optimally utilising the power of GIS for growth and sustainable development.
Further. GIS is also being widely implemented and used in India for crop and agriculture insurance as the insurance companies monitor land quality, humidity, weather and crop health using imagery captured through GIS.
The successful use of GIS in India has propelled our defence and space programmes, including the successful launch of space missions and the integration of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for defence operations.

Uses of GIS-Learning through Aarogya Setu:

The ongoing pandemic has further brought to the line the dependency of governments and organisations on GIS, Aarogya Setu app, like many others, is an excellent example for highlighting the importance of GIS in every sphere of life, especially for handling crises.
To improve the functioning of Aarogya Sent, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, created an Integrated Geospatial Platform out of available geospatial datasets. standards-based services, and analytic tools to aid decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic and help devise area-specific strategies to
combat the virus.
Identify an issue:
Arogya Setu uses GIS for identifying areas that have high rates of COVID-19 transmission, enabling the pm eminent in demarcate containment zones mown the country.
Monitor change and manage response:
The app constantly monitors the change in the number oi eases at any given time across India. For example. sitting at home you can know how many patients have tested positive lor (COVID-19) in your 1 km radius. This ability to monitor information real time allows for timely action and response during a crisis. If a person realised that the number of cases in her/his 1 km radius have gone up significantly she1ic would become more vigilant and ensure all precautions are adhered to.
Forecasting and Trends:
Based on transmission trends captured by Aarogya Setu, the government can predict how the virus is likely to travel across India.
The forecasts and trends have brought to the fore the stark contrast between the number of COVID-19 cases in urban areas versus the cases in rural India.

Prioritisation:

Enabling targeted decision-making and prioritisation is one of the key uses and advantages
of GIS.
Through the Aarogya Setu app, GoI has been able to identify containment zones, develop targeted strategies and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 from these high-case areas to other parts of the country. Prioritisation using GIS allowed the government to also undertake large-scale sanitation drives, ramp-up health infrastructure and develop targeted strategies for patient care: thereby helping India combat COVID-19.
By understanding the uses, importance and basic principles behind GIS we have established that the Geographic Information System is an integral part of our day to day lives and is an important tool for efficient governance across nations.
This segues into building a strong case for using GIS to heed the clarion call of Hon’ble Prime Minister for building an Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). GIS in India will help enable ease of doing business, attract investments and empower small businesses in the country.

Industrial Land Bank Mapping:

The Industrial Information System is a geographic information system mapping for showcasing available industrial land and utilities across India. The system is a one stop shop for investors looking for information on existing infrastructure, resource availability and details on connectivity for a particular region in the country.
The entire GIS mapping exercise for this exhaustive land bank information portal has been undertaken in close coordination with Invest India.
Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to assimilate information about industrial infrastructure across the country.
Information on the said portal has been entered and is periodically updated by central and state governments.
The portal provides GIS-enabled database of industrial areas including clusters, parks, nodes and zones across India to help investors identify their preferred location for investment.
The industrial land Kink portal is a unique comprehensive site with information on more than industrial clusters, coveting 4.8 lakh hectares across all states and UTs in India.

Conclusion:

In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India, along with the announcement of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge’, the country is at the cusp of rapid technological development.
The use of GIS in tills new chapter for developing a ‘unified Information Infrastructure’, wherein e-services can he hosted and easily accessed by every citizen across the country, will encourage Inclusive growth and prosperity In New India.