GPS an essential planning tool: Sibal

NEW DELHI: "The global positioning system (GPS) is a major scientific tool for social and civic development. These scientific inputs just not provide an accurate information on our surroundings but also address our problems scientifically." Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development Kapil Sibal stated, while addressing the participants of a workshop on 'Mapping the Neighborhood'.

He underlined the uses of GPS and GIS technologies, and said that with the help of this advanced system we could create a database for developmental activities. These would be a vital clue for technologists to get accurate information on our national treasure and for planners to chalk out their strategy for systematic and planned development.

Sibal pointed out that the government desires to expand this program to reach around 30 thousand schools all over the country. Mentioning that this pilot project would be a foundation for National Spatial Data Infrastructure, he said that spatial data system should also be part of our education system.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Center for Spatial Database Management and Solutions (CSDMS) have jointly initiated this project in 10 schools of Almora in Uttranchal. The DST and CSDMS has provided spatial data tools such as GPS, global information system (GIS) and space imagery incorporated in the hand held computers to 250 students from various schools in Almora to create maps with the neighborhood details to nurture their knowledge about immediate surroundings.

Some of the students who are taking part in the two-day workshop also shared their experiences with the minister and other dignitaries.