3 December, Hyderabad, December 2024 – GeoSmart India 2024, India’s premier geospatial technology conference, commenced today at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC).

With the forward-looking theme, Powering Digital Public Infrastructure Through Geospatial Knowledge, the four-day conference aims to explore how digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation are reshaping governance by integrating geospatial data with advanced technologies.

Inaugurating the event, Chief Guest Balo Raja, Hon’ble Minister for Urban Affairs, Land Management, and Civil Aviation, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighted his vision for the state:
“As the Minister for Urban Affairs, Land Management, and Civil Aviation, our vision is to drive Arunachal Pradesh towards sustainable and inclusive growth. By prioritizing smart infrastructure, modernizing land administration, and enhancing air transport, we are building the foundation for a brighter future.”

“Through initiatives like the Arun Door Sanchar project and advancements in geospatial technology, we are bridging the digital divide and harnessing innovation to make real-time, informed decisions. Our commitment is to create accessible, environmentally conscious, and well-planned urban spaces while ensuring responsible resource management to unlock the state’s full potential.”

Science to Society

In his welcome address, Sanjay Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Geospatial World, emphasized the vital role of space infrastructure in the digital ecosystem. He explained that Earth observation satellites, positioning satellites (GNSS), and communication satellites (Satcom) collectively bridge space and surface technologies.

“Every day, we integrate space and geospatial technologies into practical use. These technologies not only adapt to disruptions but are also drivers of innovation. Location is at the core of every Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technology, as demonstrated by companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Google, and NVIDIA, alongside Indian enterprises such as Tata, Reliance, and L&T.”

Kumar echoed the sentiments of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, highlighted the country’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) as a transformative development. DPI enables the seamless integration of space-based data with various sectors, including defense, public safety, infrastructure, urban development, and transportation.

Kumar stated, “Science to Society. Ultimately, the science behind these technologies is translated into services for society.

Data as the New Oil
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), elaborated on the complementary nature of space and geospatial technologies. He remarked, “Satellites provide critical data for navigation, power planning, disaster management, and communication. Geospatial technologies extract insights from this data, driving innovation across industries like logistics, defense, and agriculture. Together, they contribute significantly to our GDP and innovation ecosystem.”

He highlighted the transformative impact of India’s Space Policy and National Geospatial Policy, which have deregulated the industry, fostering private sector participation and innovation.

He said, “Today, over 250 startups in the space industry are leading innovation, with private investment exceeding $125 million last year. This shift toward privatization is pivotal for India’s ambitious space goals, including the Chandrayaan missions and beyond.”

Ethical Use of Data
Srikant Lenka, Chief Strategy Officer for Telangana’s IT E&C Ministry, underlined the state’s commitment to infrastructure development and capacity-building. He noted the importance of geospatial data in solving real-world problems, from urban planning to disaster management.

He said, “Our focus is on collecting, analyzing, and utilizing geospatial data in ethical and meaningful ways to drive impactful outcomes across sectors.”

Driving the Market
Nick Bolton, Chief Executive Officer of Ordnance Survey, UK, emphasized the importance of actionable insights over raw data. He outlined the value chain of geospatial technologies through processes like positioning, capturing, refining, distributing, and applying data.

Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India, acknowledged the growing prominence of geospatial technology in India’s Union Budget, which is unlocking new investment opportunities. He noted, “With urban areas contributing 70% of India’s GDP, empowering urban communities is critical for sustainable development.”

Boris Skopljak, Vice President of Trimble’s Geospatial Sector, lauded India as an innovation hub. He highlighted the role of digital technologies in addressing industry challenges related to complexity, labor shortages, productivity, and sustainability.

With the Indian geospatial industry projected to reach $12 billion by 2030, GeoSmart India 2024 serves as a testament to the sector’s critical role in shaping a sustainable and innovative future.