Government embraces GIS for map making

New Delhi, May 19 (UNI) Inaccurate and low quality maps could become a thing of the past as the government embraces Geographical Information System (GIS) technology in the new national map policy.

According to Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal, many of the elements of map making have become redundant and anachronistic calling for changes in the 21st century.

''Geographical information, which is accurate and up-to-date, is a critical input to any investment decision. With GIS technology, this has become quite achievable,'' Mr Sibal told a news conference today.

The Survey of India, which is the national agency for map making, will include technology in the new national map policy, he added.

Under the new initiatives, the Survey of India will come out with maps of India, cities and a world map soon with the help of computers. A Delhi map is ready, which will be followed up with Mumbai.

The government has also signed Memoranda of Understandin, with various state governments, central ministries and public sector undertakings to encourage the use of accurate and up-to-date geographical inforation as critical inputs to all investment decisions.

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