India’s geographic information system (GIS) sector is on the cusp of a transformative era, fueled by rapid urban development and the adoption of advanced technologies. Globally, the GIS market is projected to grow from USD 11 billion to USD 24.61 billion by 2034, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.71%, according to Precedence Research. Developing economies like India and China are poised to play critical roles in this expansion, driven by infrastructure projects and smart city initiatives.
Key Role in National Programs
GIS technologies are increasingly at the core of India’s national missions, such as the National Water Mission, the National Mission for Clean Ganga, and disaster management initiatives led by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India, emphasized the importance of GIS in these programs, stating, “GIS is helping us solve crucial social and business challenges more effectively through its integration with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, augmented reality, and digital twins.”
GIS applications are no longer limited to urban planning. They now span diverse domains, including disaster resilience, agriculture, education, utilities, and telecom. These advancements underscore the growing reliance on GIS to address critical challenges while enhancing operational efficiencies.
Operation Dronagiri: A Game-Changer
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently launched Operation Dronagiri, a pilot initiative under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, aimed at leveraging GIS for agriculture, logistics, transport, and livelihood improvement. Initially implemented in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, the project aspires to showcase the transformative potential of geospatial technologies in enhancing the quality of life.
Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, compared the project’s potential impact to that of UPI in revolutionizing financial inclusion, highlighting its role in driving socio-economic growth.
To support Operation Dronagiri, DST introduced the Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI), designed for seamless data sharing and analysis. The GDI platform aims to foster collaboration among government agencies, industries, and startups, while enabling stakeholders to harness geospatial insights for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.
India’s geospatial economy is projected to surpass ₹63,000 crore by 2025, growing at an annual rate of 12.8%. The sector is also expected to generate over one million jobs, highlighting its role as a key driver of socio-economic development. The increasing adoption of GIS tools across Indian states further reinforces its importance in public service delivery and innovation.
India’s dynamic GIS landscape, bolstered by urbanization and cutting-edge technologies, is positioning the country as a major contributor to the Asia-Pacific GIS market.
