Abstract:
The National Geospatial Policy (NGP) 2022 marks a transformative milestone in India’s geospatial
sector, driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and local development across multiple industries. By
liberalizing access to geospatial data and streamlining regulatory processes—most notably
replacing prior approvals with self-certification—NGP 2022 has democratized data access,
enabling startups and enterprises to build innovative, location-based solutions without
bureaucratic barriers. The establishment of over 1,000 Continuously Operating Reference Stations
(CORS) and open-data portals has empowered sectors such as logistics, agriculture, and urban
planning to optimize operations and reduce costs. The policy’s emphasis on indigenous
innovation has spurred the growth of domestic geospatial enterprises, raising their contribution to
75% of the national market and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem aligned with initiatives like
“Startup India.” Sector-specific advancements include precision agriculture, digital twins for smart
cities, optimized logistics, renewable energy siting, and disaster management using real-time
geospatial analytics. The policy also provides regulatory protections for local firms and has boosted
geospatial exports by 18%. Despite these advances, challenges remain, particularly in bridging the
rural-urban divide and addressing skill shortages, as only 15% of rural MSMEs currently utilize
geospatial tools and 40% of firms report difficulties hiring GIS professionals. The NGP 2022
addresses these gaps through capacity-building initiatives, transparent regulatory frameworks, and
support for venture capital funding. Integration with broader digital transformation efforts and
alignment with the Global Innovation Index have further solidified India’s position as a leader in
geospatial innovation. In conclusion, while the NGP 2022 has catalysed significant economic and
technological progress, sustained focus on equitable access, skill development, and local
empowerment is essential to fully realize its transformative potential for India’s innovation
ecosystem and global competitiveness.
