Mapping The Contours Of The New Geospatial Guidelines On India

Introduction:

Better maps have been touted as the key to unlocking India's digital economy¹, and according to the Minister of Science and Technology, the recently launched Geospatial Guidelines have the potential to enable an INR 1 lakh crore rupees² industry in India. This post examines the Geospatial Guidelines and highlights the key implications of this policy on opening up the otherwise restricted industries dependent on mapping data.

Overview of existing mapping regulations in India:

In the past, regulation of mapping data has largely been about restricting the power to make maps and licensing their use from a government agency.

For example, the National Map Policy, 2005 ("Map Policy") gave these powers to the Survey of India³. The Survey of India maintains the National Topographic Database ("NTDB"); which formed the basis of all geospatial activity in India⁴. The Map Policy defined two kinds of maps- Defense Series Maps and Open Series Maps⁵. Defense