Geospatial Data Emerges as Core Pillar of Governance: India Leads Regional Push for Future-Ready Ecosystems

Bhooshan emphasised that geospatial information is no longer confined to mapping or data collection but is now integral to proactive governance.

Geospatial information is rapidly transforming from a technical support tool into a central pillar of modern governance, enabling governments to make faster, data-driven decisions across sectors ranging from agriculture to climate resilience, senior Indian officials said at a high-level regional forum in New Delhi.

Addressing the Technical Expert Forum on "Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Future-Ready Ecosystem", Shri Narendra Bhooshan, Secretary, Department of Land Resources, underscored the growing importance of geospatial systems as a critical public good powering next-generation governance frameworks.

"Modern governance increasingly depends on accurate, interoperable, and reliable geospatial data systems," Bhooshan said, highlighting their role in infrastructure planning, disaster response, land governance, and sustainable development.

Regional Forum Brings Together Asia-Pacific Leaders

Held at The Ashok, New Delhi, the forum convened policymakers, technical experts, and international delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting the rising global importance of geospatial technologies in public administration.

Key participants included:

• Shri S.K. Sinha, Surveyor General of India

• Dr. Victor Khoo, Director, Singapore Land Authority and Vice Chair, UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific

• Delegations from multiple countries and international organisations

The discussions focused on strengthening geospatial ecosystems to improve public service delivery, institutional coordination, and policy planning.

From Mapping Tool to Governance Backbone

Bhooshan emphasised that geospatial information is no longer confined to mapping or data collection but is now integral to proactive governance.

Across sectors such as:

• Agriculture and land administration

• Urban planning and infrastructure development

• Climate resilience and environmental management

• Transport and engineering systems

governments are increasingly relying on geospatial intelligence to anticipate challenges and optimise decision-making.

Global Frameworks Driving Standardisation

The forum highlighted the importance of internationally recognised frameworks developed under the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), including:

• Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF)

• Global Geodetic Reference Framework (GGRF)

• Global Statistical Geospatial Framework (GSGF)

• Framework for Effective Land Administration (FELA)

These frameworks provide structured roadmaps for countries to build interoperable, standardised, and scalable geospatial systems, aligning national efforts with global best practices.

Dr. Victor Khoo stressed the need for coordinated and structured approaches, noting that global frameworks are essential for ensuring consistency and collaboration across borders.

India Showcases Digital Land Governance Reforms

India's advancements in geospatial policy and land governance were a major focus of the forum, with several flagship initiatives highlighted:

• Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)

• SVAMITVA Scheme, using drone mapping to provide property ownership records in rural areas

• NAKSHA Programme, focused on urban land record digitisation

These initiatives leverage drones, GIS platforms, and digital mapping technologies to improve transparency, reduce disputes, and enhance planning efficiency.

Officials also discussed the concept of a "Land Stack"—an integrated digital platform combining multiple land-related datasets into a unified, GIS-enabled system. This model is seen as a potential game-changer for delivering citizen-centric services and improving governance outcomes.

Strengthening Regional Collaboration

Delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region emphasised the need for deeper cooperation in areas where geospatial data plays a critical role, including:

• Climate adaptation and disaster resilience

• Coastal vulnerability management

• Urban expansion and infrastructure planning

• Agricultural sustainability

• Modernisation of land administration systems

The forum served as a platform for sharing technical innovations, policy experiences, and institutional best practices, reinforcing the importance of cross-border collaboration.

A Future Built on Data-Driven Governance

Surveyor General of India S.K. Sinha highlighted that geospatial systems are becoming indispensable for efficient governance and sustainable development, while participants agreed that integrated, interoperable systems are key to unlocking their full potential.

As countries face increasingly complex challenges—from climate change to rapid urbanisation—the role of geospatial intelligence is expected to grow further, shaping how governments plan, respond, and deliver services.

The forum concluded with a shared commitment to building future-ready, citizen-centric geospatial ecosystems, positioning geospatial data at the heart of governance in the digital age.