Geospatial data policy liberalised
Context: In sweeping changes to the country’s mapping policy, the government announced liberalisation of norms governing the acquisition and production of geospatial data, a move to help boost innovation in the sector and create a level playing field for public and private entities.
Details:
- Under the new guidelines, the sector will be deregulated and aspects such as prior approvals for surveying, mapping and building applications based on those have been done away with.
- There will be complete deregulation with no prior approvals, security clearances and licences for the acquisition and production of geospatial data and geospatial data services, including maps.
- The reform will benefit the country’s farmers, start-ups, the private sector, the public sector, and research institutions to drive innovations and build scalable solutions, he said.
- Easing of norms will greatly help in several sectors that were suffering because of non-availability of high quality maps.