SURVEY OF INDIA

Survey of India, under the Department of Science & Technology is the repository of National Frame
work data, Geodetic Control (Horizontal and Vertical) & Geodetic surveys, Topographical Control, Surveys
and Mapping, within India and neighbouring country, International Boundary matters, Surveys for
Developmental Projects, Cantonments, Large Scale City Surveys, Guide Maps etc, Mapping and Production
of Geographical Maps, Aeronautical Charts, Survey and Mapping of special maps and Toponomy.
With the advent of technology, especially in the field of Information Technology, there is a horizontal
growth in user base and vertical growth in demands of updated geospatial data. The users demands of
data are in respect of both resolution and currency for various applications. This poses a challenge as well
as provides an opportunity to Survey of India (SOI), the National Mapping Orgnisation with the
responsibilities to create, maintain & disseminate the Topographical Data for entire country.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
1.

Antarctica Expedition

Initiative:
Large scale maps and a network of well distributed precise control points is essential for carrying out
location based research activities, Survey of India started participation in Indian Antarctica Research
Programme from 10th Expedition, 1990-91 and start providing a network of Ground Control Points
and mapping for scientific studies in Antarctica.
Achievement:
Survey of India has already prepared a large scale base map of Indian permanent station, Maitri and
its surroundings and mapping of new site Larsemann on scale 1:2,500 has also been completed. This will
facilitate Indias claim for establishment of permanent station at this site. Survey of India also carries out
continuous GPS observation which will contribute for analysis of continental drift.
During 30th Antarctica Expedition survey team carried out 07 days GPS observation was at the main
GPS reference station at Bharati Island (Larsemann hills) and Detail survey on 1:5,000 scale with 5 metre
contour interval was carried out for an area of 1.493 sq. k.m in the Fisher Island area. This field data
collection work was carried out for the preparation of large scale topographical map of the Fisher Island
area.

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Fig. 6.1: Plane Tabling Survey in Larsemann Hills

2.

HUMAN RESOURCES FOR INDIAN S&T ADVANCEMENT

Indian Institute of Surveying & Mapping (IISM), the capacity building arm of Survey of India is now
recognised as the prestigious training establishment in the field of Surveying and Cartography to impart
training to the Officers and Staff of Survey of India and Government Organisation, Private Individuals and
Scholars from other Afro-Asian counties.
The Institute also conduct M.Tech (Geomatics) and M.Sc. (Geospatial Science) Academic two
years Post Graduate Programme in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University,
Hyderabad.
IIS&M courses are held in high esteem by Scientific Department and organizations. Total 515 persons
including 11 foreign trainees were trained during 2011-12.
3.

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

i)

Open Series Map (OSM) on Scale 1:50,000:

Initiative
Survey of India has been preparing maps on Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection since its
inception, but after the New National Map Policy, 2005 there was a major change in the policy of
map making wherein Survey of India has been mandated to prepare map on WGS-84 Datum and

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UTM Projection for public use without restriction. Also due to major activities in the Industry for
GIS preparation, data is mostly required in Geo-data base form.
Survey of India has generated two series of maps Defence Series Maps (DSMs) and the Open
Series Maps (OSMs) on WGS-84 Datum and UTM Projection.
Achievements:
Survey of India has completed 4400 Open Series Maps (OSMs) on WGS-84 Datum and UTM
Projection. To prepare a paper map, the major effort required was patterning (conversion of vectorised
data into symbolized form) of digital data and another activity for printing a paper map was
transformation of patterned data into CYMK (which requires generation of colour separates on
either film or directly on to plate for printing machine).
To complete patterning and CYMK generation in time Survey of India prepare a Plan Scheme
Patterning and Conversion of Digital data into Geo-database for 11th Five Year Plan. Year
wise achievements during 11th Five year Plan are shown as below:

Fig. 6.2

ii)

Digital Topographical Base on 1:25,000 Scale:

Initiative:
The main purpose of the National Map policy (NMP) is to promote a flourishing geo- spatial industry
with participation from academia, NGOs, Private sector etc. Therefore the NMP encourages the
user not only to access the map freely but also add value to them.

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To fulfill the above purpose Survey of India generate Digital National Topographical Data Base
(DTDB) of existing maps available in the Hard copy form as Printed maps, PT section, Air survey
section, Scribing section etc. on deferent Scale.
Achievements:
Survey of India has completed Digital Topographical Data Base of 394 Sheets of 1:250K, 5060
Sheets of 1:50K and 7,500 Sheets of 1:25K . For Generation of Digital Topographical Database
on scale 1:25 K Survey of India prepare a Plan Scheme Implementation of New National Map
Policy during 12th Five Year Plan (2007-2012) and Yea wise achievements are shown as below:

Fig. 6.3

(iii) Tidal Data.

Initiative:
Tidal data will provide a basic tool for various scientific studies related to sea level variations and
crustal movements and Survey of India provides accurate tidal predictions for safe commercial
navigation, sea level development work and for strategic planning with our traditional Indian tidal
network. Survey of India takes the initiative to modernize the Tide gauge stations during 10th and 11th
Plan and Prepare a plan Scheme Modernization and expansion of Indian Tide Gauge network
with special reference to storm Surge Modeling and Tsunami Warning System.
Achievements:
Survey of India has equipped the 18 nos. out of 36 Tide gauge stations with digital tide gauges colocated with GPS receiver to monitor sea level variation and crustal movement. Real time data
communication facilities have been established at National Tidal Data Centre, Dehradun as well as at
several remote locations along Indian coastline and Islands.
Tidal data received from the remote locations is being analyzed in real time at National Tidal Data
Centre, Dehradun. This data is also being mirrored to National Tsunami Warning Center, INCOIS,
Hyderabad on real time for further analysis and issuance of alert/ warning in case of extreme events

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like tsunami and storm surges taking place in the region. This will facilitate timely evacuation of public
from tsunami and storm surge hit areas.

Fig. 6.4

(iv) National Standardised Control Framework

Initiative
Survey of India is the only government agency, which provides Geodetic Control throughout the
country and also provides data to the various governments and other national orgnisations including
defence forces, according to their requirements. With the introduction of GPS technology, Survey of
India also develops a GPS Control network throughout the country. Standard Ground Control Points
(GCPs) enable state cadastral department besides other agencies engaged in generating geo-spatial
information to carry out their job in a national geodetic reference system.
Survey of India Prepared a Plan Scheme Creation of National Ground Control Points (GCP) Library
for India during 10th and 11th five year plan to carry out in three phases. The first phase envisages
the establishment of 300 well spread high precision Ground Control Points (GCPs) at a spacing of
250-300 km apart. In the second phase, the responsibility will be to densify it with 2200 precision
Ground Control Points at a spacing of 30 to 40 km apart and in the third phase, it will be further
densified to 65,000 GCPs connecting all the tri-junction village boundary pillars available on the
ground.
Achievement
Survey of India has completed the observation at 300 Ground Control Points (GCPs) covering the
entire country in 1st phase. Densification of first order network at a spacing of 30 to 40 km. apart is
likely to complete.
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Reece/ Site selection of 2262 points, construction of 2247 pillars and GPS observation at 1550
stations have been completed so far. State wise processing & adjustment of GPS data for GCP
Library Phase-II is under progress.

Fig. 6.5

(v) Mapping on 1:10,000 scale for micro-level planning

Initiative:
Providing reliable and accurate information with necessary details on time is extremely important for
geospatial solutions in the areas of rural and social development, infrastructure and natural resources
management programmes. Presently Survey of India has topographic maps on 1:250,000, 1: 50,000 and
1: 25,000 scale, covering entire country Keeping this constraint in mind, it is a necessary prerequisite to
generate large scale base maps for use in decision making and developmental programmes.
In view of the users demand for high resolution map data, Survey of India had taken initiative for
generation of maps on 1:10,000 scale for the entire country. To complete the above task survey of
India prepares a Plan Scheme Generation of National Digital Topographical Database on
1:10,000 Scale during 12th Five year Plan. This will facilitate the micro-level planning like watershed
development, irrigation etc. and will be made available for village/Panchayat level planners.
Achievement:
Survey of India has completed a pilot Project of 1:10k mapping and launched on the website for the
use of public. The map content, data model, alternate source material and their availability and technical
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methodology to be adopted have been finalized, based on that Standard Operating Process (SOP)
has been prepared. Data Model & Symbology Library for 1:10,000 Scale mapping has been prepared.

4. INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION

The rapid advance in geospatial information and technologies, and their easy accessibility, has made
such information an invaluable tool in research, business and policy planning and implementation. The
effective use of geospatial information helps many of the current humanitarian, environmental, and
developmental challenges facing by the world, such as climate change, natural disasters, population
displacement, peace and security, food and economic crises which are a cross-border nature requiring
both global and national policy. Survey of India represents at various International conferences/Seminars
to promote the growth of geospatial data/information and introduce the latest technology of surveying for
optimum results.
Surveyor General of India participated in the First Level Forum on United Nations Global Geospatial
information Management held on 24th to 26th October, 2011 in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The objective
of the Forum is to provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion and consultation among Governments,
non-governmental organisations and the private sector.
Survey teams from Geodetic & Research Branch of Survey of India are sent to Bhutan for Check
Survey of various Hydel projects under construction, with reference to the control points already established
by Survey of India and fixing some additional control points due to change of power house site for
Punatsangchu Hydro Electric Project for stage II in Bhutan.

5. NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (NSTMIS)
i)

Mapping and Delineation of Hazard Line:

Initiative
To ensure effective protection of shore lines, coastal infrastructure, livelihoods and lives through
improved coastal management a Coastal Management Program undertaken by Ministry of Environment
& Forest (MoEF) and entrusting the work of supplying a requisite coastal data and vulnerability
mapping,( involving hazard line demarcation of coastal areas) to Survey of India through its Integrated
Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project.
The objective of the project is to delineate, map and benchmark the coastal hazard line all along the
mainland coast of India under World Bank Assisted Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
project, where SOI has to generate a 0.5 meter elevation contour map on 1:10,000 scale as base
map to delineate the Hazard Line for the entire mainland coast of India upto the maximum width of 7
km from shore line on the landward side.
Achievement
1.

206

Tidal data pertaining to 40 years (as available with G&RB) for extraction of maximum annual
elevation and extra-pullation for 100 years pertaining to 20 ports (converted to MSL heights as
compiled by G&RB) has been submitted to MoEF.

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2.

Primary GPS Control has been completed.

3.

DT/ST leveling is under progress.

4.

Shape file generation for flight planning in respect of K&L GDC, M&G GDC, KGDC,
TNP&ANI GDC and WB&SGDC Completed.

5.

Collection of co-ordinate by hand held GPS on existing GTS BM & GCPs is under progress.

Fig. 6.6

ii)

Coal Mine Project

Initiative
Survey of India is going to generate up-to-date digital topographical maps of Major Indian Coal
fields covering an area of 26,400 sq.km. in five years time for Central Mine Planning & Design
Institute, a subsidiary of Cold India Limited using aerial photographs and adequate ground checks.
To generate the Topographical maps of the major coalfields on 1:5000 scale with 2 meter contour
interval in Plains (in case of hilly terrain contour interval may be 3-5 meter as practical ) in GIS digital
format based on Digital Photogrammetric Techniques using high resolution aerial photographs and
adequate ground verification.
Survey of India also impart on-job training on data processing and interpretation to 4 scientists of
Central Mine Planning & Design Institute for three months at the initial stage on preparation of
Topographical maps based on aerial photographs using digital photogrammetric technique.
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Achievement
Construction of 82 Primary BM/ GPS Pillars and 12 hrs. GPS observation on75 control points for
17 Coal Fields are completed. 2500 linear Km. DT leveling line has been carried out for providing
height contol. Aerial Photography in respect of 10 Coal Fields (Priority 1 area) (Bisrampur,
Lakhanpur, Korba,Chirimiri, Sonhat, Sohagpur, Talcher, Hasda, Arand,,I.B. Valley & MandRaigarh)
has been received and feature extraction is to be initiated.
iii) Urban Mapping for NUIS
Initiative
The Ministry of Urban Development (MOUD), hosts the National Natural Resources Management
System (NNRMS) Standing Committee on Urban Management (SC-U) and the proposal to develop
holistic National Urban Information System (NUIS) Scheme was mooted by the SC-U to be taken
up in a National Mission Mode. The objective of the project is to develop attribute as well as spatial
data base for various levels of urban planning and decision support to meet requirements of urban
planning and management. Survey of India has taken up the work to generate and supply the geospatial data required for the project.
Databases to be developed at two levels on 1:10,000 scale GIS database for Development/Master
Plan for 152 selected towns using remote sensing satellite imagery and on 1:2,000 scale GIS database
for detailed town planning schemes using high resolution remotely sensed data sources (Aerial
Photographs) for the same 152 selected towns. On 1:1,000 scale Utility Maps derived from the
1:2,000 base maps, for 22 towns to be undertaken using Ground Profiling/Penetrating Radar (GPR)
technology.
Achievement
- Databases on 1:10,000 scale Thematic mapping and thematic mapping of 125 towns have been
completed and final product of 116 towns has been sent to state nodal agencies.
- Databases on 1:2,000 scale - Aerial photography of 133 towns have been completed. Control
points of 119 towns have been completed. 2D Feature extraction of 94 towns and ground Survey of
4 towns, using Total Station has been completed. Final data of 86 towns has been sent to State
Nodal Agencies.
iv) Delhi State Spatial Data Infrastructure (DSSDI ) Project
Initiative
Survey of India has to create Land Information System and central data base for all Govt. Department
of Govt. of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) and 3D GIS solution including generation
of large scale base map.
Achievement

208

Extensions of framework control, Aerial Triangulation, DEM generation and preparation of

Ortho-photo have been completed.

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Installation, Testing, Integration and operationalisation of 2 main control centres and equipment
& commissioned for 8 monitoring centres are completed. Delhi Geo Portal for DSSDI
project completed.

3D Feature extraction, Ground validation over ground utility survey & creation of topographical
database have been completed. Property survey for property GIS, linking of property data with the
buildings and Utility Mapping (Underground) are under progress completed. 3D Topology generation
completed.
v)

GIS BASED MAPPING OF CITIES/TOWNS

Initiative
Survey of India has taken up a job for Registrar General of India to supply the digitized ward Maps
with attached attributes. Ward map will be prepared on large scale (1:2000) and will be verified on
the ground to collect the house number along with the other information in tabular form. When the
maps are digitized (with attribute house number map), the digital ward is joined with the tabular
information to give the digital data of ward with complete information.
Achievement
Survey of India has completed Ward wise Mapping and GIS creation of 28 cities, Project completed.

6. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMMES FOR SOCIO

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
(i)

Topographical activities:

(a) Control Work:

Traverse

...

Levelling

... 6882 linear km

372 linear km

(b) Surveys:

Boundary demarcation(Indo-Pak)

113 linear km

Boundary demarcation(Indo-Bangladesh)

.... 345 linear km

Joint demarcation /relocation of missing /

..... 20 pillars

Joint demarcation, relaying & construction of Boundary

pillars (India Bhutan)

..... BP 2-BP9, BP66/1-68/9,

BP15/8-24, BP68/10-75

Verification surveys for IAF

.... 15 Aerodromes

(c) Printing:

Printing of various types of maps

... 1000 Maps

(ii) Digitisation and creation of Digital Cartographic databases

Departmental maps on various scales

... 601 Maps on 1:25,000 scale

Extra Departmental maps on various scales

... 100 Project maps

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(iii) Geodetic and Geophysical surveys:

a)

Geodetic surveys for monitoring of progress of various developmental projects are in progress.

b)

During the year, Survey of India is committed to carry out the following tasks as departmental
commitment:

GPS observations

594 stations

Precision Levelling

1396 linear km

EDM Traverse

82 linear km

Gravity observations

1057stations

Installation of Tide Gauges

13 Stations

7.

DST SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTIONS & PROFESSIONAL ACADEMIES - Not Applicable

8.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BASED SERVICES

The following projects based on latest available technologies have been taken up by Survey of India.

a)

Hydro- Electric Projects

Large scale survey with provision of precise height and planimetric controls for planning of various
Hydro-Electric Projects at different places have been taken up.
(i)

Kauli Hydro Electric Power Project (Himachal Pradesh):- Providing plan & Height control
points & Mapping on 1:200 scale..

(ii) Thana Plaun & Beri Nichli H.E.P. Project (Himachal Pradesh):- Providing control work
by GPS and leveling (Provision of Control & levelling for 27 points.)
(iii) Kadwan Project (Uttar Pradesh):- Supply of Control data (Co- ordinates, BMs &Hts,) &
Field verification. Work is under progress.

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b)

Relaying of Bhakhra Grid junction point in seven village of Haryana: Grid junction points of
7 villages completed .

c)

NRSC Project:- Survey of India Converted Digital Topographical Data base of 2890 maps on
1:50,000 scale from DGN to Arc Geo data base and supply to National Remote Sensing Centre.

d)

Special Survey for IAF /Air Ports :- Survey of India carry out special survey for India Air Force
and Prepares IAF(OGM), IAF (PGM) & Land Approach Chart (LAC) etc.

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