Overture Maps Foundation releases transportation dataset

The Overture Maps Foundation announced recently, the General Availability (GA) of its global Transportation dataset. This open map dataset supports new and expanded use cases across a broad swath of industries. The Transportation dataset includes 86 million kilometers of roads worldwide and is already in use by early adopters like Microsoft, Meta, and TomTom in mapping applications. The GA release means the data and underlying schema is now stable and that developers can start using the data in applications. overturemaps.org

PCMC launches GIS-based road asset management system

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has launched the GIS-based road asset management system (RAMS) to overhaul road maintenance and management in the city.

One of the major issues identified by the PCMC is the lack of a unified database for road assets, leading to fragmented information and inefficient planning. Additionally, the absence of a unique road identification system has made tracking and managing infrastructure challenging. The RAMS project introduces a technology-driven solution to these problems by creating a centralised GIS platform that provides detailed and real-time data on roads and related infrastructure. This includes road conditions, maintenance history, and asset details such as utility poles, streetlights, and signage. The system leverages advanced tools like GPS-enabled vehicles equipped with high-resolution cameras to collect data and assess road conditions.

GIS-based asset mapping and consumer indexing project in Jharkhand

Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited has appointed Rudrabhishek Enterprises Limited to execute a wide-range of GIS project. It involves consumer indexing, GIS-based asset mapping, creation/upgradation of GIS databases and applications. Spanning over over five years, it will have two years of implementation and three years of facility management services. The initiative is a part of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), launched by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, with a vision to enhance the quality, reliability and affordability of power supply to consumers.

Operation Dronagiri launched along with GDI

Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Professor Abhay Karandikar launched the Operation Dronagiri, a pilot project under National Geospatial Policy 2022 in New Delhi on 13 November, 2024. “In the first phase, Operation Dronagiri will be implemented in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh & Maharashtra, where pilot projects will be run and use cases will be demonstrated to showcase the potential applications of integration of geospatial data and technology in 3 sectors –Agriculture, Livelihoods, Logistics and Transport.” Professor Karandikar emphasised that Operation Dronagiri gains a powerful backbone with support from Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI), that will make spatial data accessible, bringing transformation similar to the process in which UPI has brought about financial inclusion. The Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI) enables seamless data sharing, access, and analysis for urban planning, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and more. Built with advanced data exchange protocols and privacy-preserving features, it empowers organisations to make datadriven decisions for the public good, fostering innovation and responsible use of geospatial data. GDI offers tools to unlock actionable insights and drive collaboration. It enables efficient data processing, analysis, and sharing among stakeholders. This collaboration ensures faster, more coordinated responses in areas like infrastructure monitoring, disaster relief, and environmental protection. A Grand Challenge was also announced in which startups will be selected and supported in developing Proofs of Concept (POCs) that address specific problems within the designated sectors. The initiative executed through geospatial innovation accelerators will provide a platform for both earlystage and growth-stage startups, offering them mentorship, resources, and access to geospatial datasets, fostering their potential to contribute meaningfully to India’s thriving geospatial ecosystem. The activities under Operation Dranagiri will be overseen by IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF). The Geospatial Innovation Accelerators (GIAs) at IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIM Calcutta and IIT Ropar will act as the operational arms of Operation Dronagiri. The entire implementation process will be driven by Geospatial Innovation Cell, Department of Science and Technology, Govt of India. https://pib.gov.in

Indian Institute of Soybean Research identifies potential soybean cultivation region with GIS mapping

To enhance the production of soyabean at the national level and incorporate new potential areas under the crop, the Indian Institute of Soybean Research, Indore has utilised GIS mapping system to chart potential regions in the country which are optimally suitable for soyabean cropping. The institute has collaborated with the ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur and Solidaridad Network, an international civil society organisation working to support producers and establish supply chains in agricultural products, for GIS mapping of the soyabean producing regions in India. The GIS mapping has identified regions in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan where soil and climatic conditions are conducive for soyabean cultivation