With
the advent of computers, the scope of information processing has
become unlimited. Computers are now able to process maps - both
individually and along with tabular data. This has provided a new
dimension to information processing - specifically related to the
processing of information of the earth and its natural resources,
automated mapping, facilities mapping, marketing and retailing and
so on. This has opened new vistas in the domain of Informatics.
New
technologies have emerged because of this capability - specifically
the Geographical Information System (GIS) which is a tool which
allows synergism of map data and tabular data in the most efficient
manner. Further, GIS also allows the integration of these data sets
for deriving meaningful information and outputting these information
derivatives in map format or tabular format. GIS allows the organisation
of databases which have both the map - spatial data, and the tabular-non-spatial
data, in an integrated manner. The database is best utilized for
the planning and decision making at different levels.
Another
area of development is database technology that has now encompassed
both spatial and non-spatial data. Efficient methods to store and
organise data have been the thrust of many research activities.
Commercial availability of databases has also provided a new dimension
in organisation of information system.
The
advent of efficient computing based on the advances in hardware
technology - ranging from the PC platforms to the work-stations
has provided a boost to the desk-top planning process and has helped
in removing the aura of big computers. The developments in graphics
hardware have provided unlimited scope for the visualisation and
presentation of events, situations and scenarios.
Easy
availability of data in the temporal domain, mainly from remote
sensing techniques, provides a new dimension and generates a large
volume of information - both as data products and as analysed information.
Geomatics
pertains to the technology dealing with the character and structure
of spatial and non-spatial information. Methods of data acquisition,
analogue and digital data capture, organisation, classification
and qualification, analysis, management, display and dissemination,
as well as the infrastructure necessary for the optimal use of the
information, are various elements of Geomatics. Applications of
Geomatics are mainly oriented to the real-world problems of management
of natural and man-made environment and of the objects related to
it.
Geomatics
is a synergism of various disciplines. It includes spatial information
systems, computerised databases, computer graphics, cartography,
statistics, remote sensing etc. Its applications would encompass
the fields of natural resources management, resources planning and
decision making, facilities management, automated mapping, marketing
and retailing etc.
In
India, the overall context of Geomatics is still in its infancy
but is fast becoming a major element of the resources management
and decision making sector. Much of the efforts in Geomatics and
its allied fields is concentrated amongst a limited number of government
agencies and a smaller number of the private sector agencies.
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Survey
of India (SOI), who have the mandate to establish the digital
cartographic database for the country.
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National
Informatics Centre (NIC), who has the largest computer
network in the country and has tabular databases, organised
for a major part of the country. NIC also promotes the Informatics
culture amongst the different government agencies.
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Department
of Science & Technology (DST), who provide a thrust to different
technologies - database organisation, information processing
etc.,
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Census
department of the centre and the states who have computerised
the total census operations of 1991 and have provided the
census data in digital mode.
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Department
of Space (DOS), which through its constellation of
Indian Remote Sensing satellites, IRS and communications satellites,
INSAT, provide the necessary infrastructure for data acquisition
and dissemination. It also has the major role in the establishment
of the National Natural Resources Management System, NNRMS.
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Industries
who are involved in the development of different computing
systems and in providing information technology to meet Indian
needs and applications.
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Educational
institutions, universities and IITs etc., who provides the
research inputs to many of the problems associated with
Geomatics.
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A
host of user agencies who address applications in various
disciplines. Many of these agencies have initiated projects
to organise operational information systems in various fields.
To list a few:
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There
is a large body of professionals working in these organisations.
There is a need to promote interaction between these professionals
and also promote the advancement of the technology and applications
of Geomatics so that it becomes a part of the information management
and decision making process. It is to serve to this end that the
Indian Society of Geomatics has been formed.