Survey of India

A specialized workshop on Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) technology was conducted by Survey of India MPGD, Jabalpur in collaboration with National Highways Authority of India for officers, engineers, and technical personnel associated with highway and infrastructure projects.

The workshop featured technical sessions on GNSS, CORS infrastructure, satellite-based positioning, and geospatial applications in highway surveys. Participants were also provided live demonstrations of CORS-based Network Real Time Kinematic (NRTK) techniques, including field surveys, alignment setting, and real-time accuracy checks for engineering applications.

The programme highlighted the importance of modern geospatial technologies in improving survey accuracy, reducing project time, and supporting standardized infrastructure development across national highway projects.

Dr Jitendra Singh Abhay Karandikar Department of Science and Technology, Government of India National Highways Authority of India - NHAI Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India



[Geospatial Technology, CORS, GNSS, Positioning Services, GIS, Land Survey, Infrastructure Mapping, Highway Survey, India Mapping]

Survey of India expresses sincere gratitude and best wishes to Shri Abhay Karandikar, for his guidance and leadership during his tenure as Secretary, Department of Science and Technology.

His encouragement towards innovation and technology-driven governance has greatly contributed to the advancement of geospatial science and technology in the country.

His contributions towards advancing geospatial science, technology and innovation will always be remembered.

We wish him continued success in his forthcoming role as Member, NITI Aayog.

Dr Jitendra Singh Abhay Karandikar Department of Science and Technology, Government of India NITI Aayog PMO India

On the occasion of International Museum Day 2026, the Survey of India proudly celebrates the timeless legacy of surveying science, heritage, and innovation.

The National Survey Museum, Survey of India preserves historic surveying instruments and technologies that played a significant role in shaping India’s surveying and mapping journey, from the Great Trigonometrical Survey to advancements in scientific observation and mapping.

This year’s theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World”, reflects how museums connect generations through knowledge, discovery, and shared heritage. By showcasing these invaluable instruments, the museum continues to inspire young minds and encourage curiosity towards India’s scientific and technological achievements.

Dr Jitendra Singh Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Ministry of Culture, Government of India MyGovIndia Ministry of Education



[International Museum Day, Survey of India, Museum Day 2026, Museums Uniting Worlds, Innovation, Indian Heritage, Mapping India]

The Survey of India defines and maintains Mean Sea Level (MSL) as the national vertical reference for measuring elevations across the country.

Since sea level continuously varies due to tides, waves, and meteorological conditions, MSL is established as a long-term average derived from systematic tidal observations. Through a network of tide gauges along the coastline, precise data is collected and analyzed to determine a consistent reference level.

MSL plays a crucial role in navigation, flood forecasting, coastal planning, and climate studies, supporting informed decision-making and national development.

Dr Jitendra Singh Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services

A two-day Workshop on Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) was successfully conducted on 07–08 May 2026 by PHHP&C Geo-Spatial Directorate, Survey of India, for officials and consultants from National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and other associated agencies. A total of 80 participants attended the workshop.

The workshop aimed to enhance awareness and technical understanding of CORS technology and its applications in infrastructure development and geospatial activities. Technical sessions conducted on 07 May 2026 focused on GNSS technology, CORS network components, advantages, registration process, and its utilization in highway infrastructure projects.

On 08 May 2026, participants were provided hands-on practical training, including a visit to a CORS station for live demonstration and field exposure to the operational aspects of the technology.
The workshop was graced by Sh. Sandeep Shrivastava, Addl. Surveyor General, GRF & GDED Division, as Chief Guest; Sh. Nitin Joshi, Addl. Surveyor General, Northern Zone; Sh. Neeraj Gurjar, Director G&RB; Col Ajay Singh Bargoti, Regional Officer, NHAI, as Guests of Honour; and Sh. Gaurav Kumar Singh, Director, PHHP&C Geo-Spatial Directorate.

Dr Jitendra Singh Abhay Karandikar Department of Science and Technology, Government of India National Highways Authority of India - NHAI Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India



[Geospatial Technology, Survey of India, CORS, GNSS, Positioning Services, GIS, Land Survey, Infrastructure Mapping, Capacity Building, India Mapping]

Survey of India enables a deeper understanding of terrain through accurate representation of elevation using contours in topographical maps.

Contours provide valuable insights into landforms, slopes, and surface characteristics, helping users interpret whether the terrain is flat, undulating, or steep.

With consistent contour intervals and well-defined characteristics, these maps support engineering projects, route planning, watershed analysis, and infrastructure development across the nation.

Dr Jitendra Singh Abhay Karandikar Department of Science and Technology, Government of India



[GeospatialTechnology, SurveyingScience, ContourLines, DigitalCartography, SpatialDataInfrastructure, DroneMapping, GNSSSurvey, RemoteSensingData, InfrastructurePlanning, MappingIndia]

The Executive Board (EB) Meeting of UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific was successfully hosted by the Survey of India on 27th April 2026.

This marked the first official EB meeting under the co-chairmanship of India, represented by the Surveyor General of India, and the Republic of Korea, setting the tone for the new term (2026–2028).

The meeting witnessed strong participation, with Executive Board Members and delegates from nine countries coming together to deliberate on key priorities for the region.

As the inaugural EB meeting of the current term, the discussions were strategic and forward-looking—focusing on defining the course of action for UN-GGIM-AP to enhance its contribution to the global geospatial agenda and to better support Member States.

Key Highlights (among others):
Presentations and updates from Working Groups on:

• Geodetic Reference Frame
• Integrated Geospatial Information for Effective Land Administration
• Integrating Geospatial Information and Statistics
• Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF)
• GeoAI for Sustainable Development
• Discussions on strengthening coordination with the broader UN-GGIM framework
• Preparations for the 16th Session of UN-GGIM
• Planning and coordination for the upcoming Annual Plenary Meeting of UN-GGIM-AP
• Advancing joint activities and regional collaboration

The meeting witnessed rich discussions and constructive deliberations, providing clarity and direction to the Executive Board for advancing its programme of work during the current term. The Asia-Pacific geospatial community reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the global UN-GGIM agenda and contributing meaningfully to the evolving global geospatial ecosystem.

Dr Jitendra Singh Abhay Karandikar Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Department of Land Resources Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India



[Survey of India, UN-GGIM-AP, Geospatial Information, GeoAI, IGIF, International Collaboration, Mapping, Geodesy, Land Administration, Technical Forum]