Sources of Geographical Data in India

The Survey of India is the oldest scientific department of the Government of India and is responsible for creating and maintaining topographic maps and geodetic data of the country.

The largest topographic map scale published by the Survey of India is 1:250,000, which covers an area of approximately 250 square kilometers.

The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series is primarily used by the National Remote Sensing Centre for Earth observation and data collection. These satellites provide data in various spectral bands and resolutions for various applications.

The Geological Survey of India generates a digital elevation model (DEM) called Cartosat DEM, which is derived from data collected by the Cartosat-1 satellite. This DEM has a resolution of 30 meters and covers the entire country.

The Central Water Commission is the primary organization responsible for collecting and disseminating hydrological data in India. It collects data on water resources, such as river flows, reservoir levels, and groundwater levels.

The National Geospatial Information System (NGIS) is the national geospatial data infrastructure of India. It aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated framework for geospatial data sharing and dissemination.

The Survey of India is responsible for maintaining the national geodetic network of India, which provides a reference framework for surveying and mapping activities.

The National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning is the national soil survey organization of India. It conducts soil surveys and prepares soil maps for various purposes, such as land use planning and agricultural development.

The Geological Survey of India is responsible for collecting and disseminating data on mineral resources in India. It conducts geological surveys and prepares geological maps to identify and assess mineral deposits.

The Forest Survey of India is the national forest inventory organization of India. It conducts forest surveys and prepares forest maps to assess the extent and condition of forest resources.

The Wildlife Institute of India is responsible for collecting and disseminating data on wildlife and biodiversity in India. It conducts research and surveys to assess the status of wildlife populations and habitats.

The National Institute of Oceanography is the national oceanographic data center of India. It collects and disseminates data on various aspects of the ocean, such as physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, and marine biology.

The India Meteorological Department is responsible for collecting and disseminating data on climate and meteorology in India. It operates a network of weather stations and observatories to monitor weather conditions and forecast weather events.

The Survey of India is the national cartographic organization of India. It produces and publishes topographic maps, thematic maps, and other cartographic products.

The Census of India is responsible for collecting and disseminating data on population and socio-economic conditions in India. It conducts a census every ten years to collect data on various aspects of the population, such as size, composition, and distribution.