GIS

Mapping and updation of key waterways charts of Indonesia and Philippines

Japan will begin developing high-precision nautical charts for five strategically important waterways across Southeast Asia as part of a broader effort to safeguard maritime trade and reduce dependence on traditional shipping corridors. The project will focus on the Molucca Passage and Ombai Strait in eastern Indonesia, the Sunda Strait in western Indonesia, and the Surigao and Balabac Straits in the Philippines. Each survey will cover roughly 100 square kilometres and include hydrographic mapping, seabed studies and the installation of navigational aids.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry will carry out the work in partnership with Indonesia, the Philippines and Timor-Leste (East Timor), with the resulting charts expected to be published by the coastal states. The move comes weeks after tensions in the Middle East renewed concerns over the vulnerability of maritime chokepoints. https://stratnewsglobal.com

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and GSI Sign MoU

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines, Government of India, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to strengthen collaboration in geosciences, disaster resilience, technological innovation, and landslide risk reduction.

By bringing together GSI’s extensive geoscientific expertise and Amrita’s strengths in artificial intelligence, IoT, remote sensing, digital technologies, and landslide early warning systems, the partnership aims to develop innovative, science-based solutions for geohazard assessment, monitoring, and disaster risk reduction. The collaboration holds particular significance for strengthening India’s efforts in landslide risk reduction. Both institutions are internationally recognised contributors to the International Programme on Landslides (IPL), with Amrita serving as a World Centre of Excellence on Landslide Risk Reduction and GSI playing a leading role in geological investigations, hazard zonation, and geoscientific research. www.amrita.edu

Trinidad & Tobago technical bilateral with India

The Survey of India had the first virtual bilateral meeting between India and the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago on 22 July 2026 to explore opportunities for collaboration in drone-based surveying and mapping. The meeting highlighted India’s geospatial initiatives, including the NAKSHA Programme, Bharat Land Stack, and the SVAMITVA Scheme, while exploring opportunities for technical cooperation, knowledge sharing, institutional partnerships, and capacity building. The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to advancing geospatial innovation and strengthening bilateral cooperation in modern land surveying and administration.

Nepal, India to Hold Key Border Technical Talks

Nepal and India is likely to hold the 13th meeting of the Survey Officials Committee (SOC) in Lucknow, India, from August 12 to 14 to deliberate on technical issues. The meeting is expected to approve the work plan and budget required for implementing the decisions taken during the seventh meeting of the Boundary Working Group (BWG).

During the seventh BWG meeting, held on July 30 last year, both countries agreed to complete the construction of new border pillars, jointly repair damaged pillars, and undertake other technical works within the next three years.

According to Nepal’s Department of Survey, the Lucknow meeting will also review progress on upgrading Global Positioning System (GPS) base stations along the border. https:// english.hindusthansamachar.in