GIS gets savvier with satellite imagery

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad-based PointSoft Pvt Ltd, a software development and services company, is planning to go a step further in Geographical Information System (GIS) and deploy the advanced technology-Digital Photogrammetry for better results in surveying. For this technology, the company is planning to invest Rs two crore and employ technical expertise in this area.

"Digital Photogrammetry relies on satellite imagery and the data captured through this technology would be of higher quality and gives images with exact points that is essential for data interpretation. This kind of deployment requires technical competency, relevant software and hardware infrastructure including aerial survey cameras, gauging meters, etc.," said PoinSoft CEO Brij Mohan.

"This would require investment of anything between Rs two to Rs five crore. So far we are planning to invest a minimum of Rs two crore but this figure might increase or go down by the time we actually deploy the technology. We would be deciding about this in 2005," he informed.

According to Mohan, GIS is a booming industry as every industry is depending on it for better results. From banking to power industries, to petroleum, to telecom there is an increasing demand for the use of GIS. "Presently, GIS contributes 10 — 12 percent of the total revenues of the company, but with the advanced technology and new projects, we expect this to increase by about 35 - 40 percent in the next three years," he explained.

PointSoft has already worked on various government projects with National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) involving digitizing, editing, labeling, and plot generation of maps for identifying the pockets of water levels in the country, digitizing of land records in Andhra Pradesh and so on. Presently, it is talking to few companies including a leading telecom major for the deployment of GIS to achieved desired results.

Also, the company is planning to set up a sales and marketing support staff in Noida or Gurgaon in 2005. It is also planning to increase its workforce from the present 130 to 170 in the next 3-6 month period.