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Spy in the sky over Chandni Chowk

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CIOL Bureau
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AC Ganesh

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NEW DELHI: Though hackles were raised over Google Earth posing a threat to the security of the country by making available satellite imagery of defence establishments, the Indian government has begun using similar technology for maintenance of law and order and internal security.

In a pioneering move, the Union ministry of science and technology has applied 3-D Geographical Information System (GIS), using high-resolution satellite imagery to keep a close watch on a plethora of activities in the 20-square-km densely-populated Chandni Chowk area in the heart of the national capital.

With the help of live cameras at the ground level and a spy satellite in the sky, the administration hopes to gather realtime 'intelligence' on a multitude of 'illegal' activities such as encroachment, violation of building laws, unlawful gathering and traffic snarls.

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The 'intelligence' so gathered will go into building a comprehensive 3-Dimentional database that would help the law enforcement agencies and the government maintain law and order.

The project involves the use of multiple technologies such as high resolution satellite imagery, vehicle borne and static laser systems as well as the conventional data collection methods such door-to-door surveys.

The use of satellite imagery and multi-media technologies allows mapping of urban structures with emphasis on building elevation. By supplementing the conventional satellite imagery with video, photographs and field surveys, the system can be used for a number of applications.

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The 3-D database created thus can be used for various applications such as:

  • Real time monitoring of illegal constructions
  • Land encroachments
  • Crowd management
  • Traffic management
  • Tax collection for properties
  • Planning and development of the areas
  • Utilities management such as Water, Power, Gas, Sewage etc.
  • Disaster Management
  • Environmental monitoring such as pollution control
  • Surveillance

Science and Technology minister Kapil Sibal said this pilot project will demonstrate how hi-tech can be used as a tool for good governance.

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The satellite imagery forms one of the essential components, which combined with spatial multi-media technologies, makes the system unique and usable for multiple applications.

The learning and feedback from the pilot project will be utilized to fine-tune its use and applications in other Metropolitan centres.

This technology would provide common platform to all the Ministries and Departments, which can use it for different purposes.

© CIOL Bureau

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