As geospatial technology converges with AI, India is moving through a crucial stage of digital transformation. Though not yet a global leader, the country is seeing rapid growth in GeoAI adoption, helped by policy reforms and expanding use cases across sectors.
Esri India, a long-time player in this space, supports projects in infrastructure, urban planning, and disaster management. In a conversation with TechCircle, Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India, spoke about India’s progress in GeoAI, the impact of new policies, the need for skilled professionals, and the company’s evolving role as a strategic enabler in the country’s geospatial ecosystem.
Edited Excerpts:
Where does India stand today in the global adoption of GeoAI, are we early adopters, fast followers, or leaders in some areas?
GeoAI adoption is gaining momentum in India, but the country is yet to emerge as a leader in this field. For now, it remains a follower, mainly due to limited data accessibility. Satellite imagery continues to be difficult to obtain, and challenges persist in drone and aerial survey data collection. Since GeoAI relies on such imagery to identify objects and patterns, whether from satellites, drones, aircraft, or video feeds, these constraints have slowed progress. However, awareness is increasing, and multiple use cases have been identified across sectors. Several projects are already underway, with more in the pipeline, indicating that adoption is set to grow in the coming years.
As India urbanises rapidly, what key geospatial challenges do cities, enterprises, and citizens face, and how can GeoAI help address them in the near future?
The challenges today are fewer than before. The national policy framework has become simpler since the release of the geospatial data guidelines in February 2021. This was followed by the drone policy and the national geospatial policy in late 2022. Remote sensing data policies have also been revised to improve access and use.
Some approvals and documentation are still required for drone data collection, but these are expected to become easier over time. Most earlier challenges have been addressed, and the policy now clearly defines what is permitted and what is not. Government organisations can now publish open data, which is being used by both public and private agencies.
These changes have also allowed more GIS data to be published on the Living Atlas, a cloud-based system that hosts the most recent geospatial information. Hundreds of Indian data layers are now available on the platform. Although the Living Atlas is a global framework, India contributes significantly by working with government departments to gather open data, georeferencing it, and mapping it for public access.
These developments reflect the broader transformation in the policy environment over the past few years. Further simplification is likely, which could accelerate the adoption of GIS and geo-AI technologies across the country.
Do you think the current policy still has gaps that limit the growth of AI-driven spatial analytics in India?
There are no specific policies governing the use of AI in geospatial data. Existing rules focus on the accuracy of geospatial data and the resolution of satellite imagery, and these apply whether or not AI is used. As long as these guidelines are met, users are free to apply AI tools or work without them. There are no restrictions on AI use.
Most data used in GIS systems is not personally identifiable. It typically includes agricultural or land resource information rather than individual-level data. Personal information, such as land ownership records, is usually stored within government systems and is not widely accessed by the private sector.
In terms of security, managing geospatial data is relatively straightforward. When GIS systems are developed, customer data remains with the client. They retain full control and access, while developers assist in building and maintaining the systems.
Many organisations say they struggle to find people who can link AI skills with geospatial knowledge. What’s your view on this?
Yes, you’re largely right. The demand for skilled professionals far exceeds supply. In geo-AI, expertise in both AI and GIS is required, and that combination is in short supply. We are working to address this gap. We collaborate with several universities to update their curricula, adding geo-AI and related AI components to geoinformatics courses.
The GIS Academia Council of India, led by Padma Shri Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Director of NIAS in Bangalore and former Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is also involved. The council includes around 60 professors who have developed a framework for revising university programs in geoinformatics, both at the postgraduate level and as electives in civil engineering.
The updated framework incorporates new technologies such as AI, big data analytics, video-based analysis, and IoT integration. Faculty training and curriculum updates are being implemented across institutions to align with these changes.
Beyond AI, which technologies—such as digital twins, blockchain, or edge computing—do you expect to converge most significantly with GIS in the coming decade?
A decade is too far to predict, but the next few years are clearer. Two or three years ago, no one expected AI to grow as fast as it has. Technology moves quickly. One major development now is digital twin technology, which is expanding across sectors including urban development, infrastructure, and public safety.
Work on digital twins is advancing rapidly. Another growing area is the use of AR and VR with GIS to handle complex or hazardous tasks, such as plant maintenance. Gaming engine technology is also being integrated with GIS to enable more realistic simulations.
On the systems side, big data and Kubernetes are driving the shift toward microservices architecture, allowing applications to scale with demand. Large language models are also being integrated with AI, adding new capabilities and accelerating technological progress.
How do you see your company’s role in India’s evolving ecosystem — as a software provider, infrastructure enabler, or strategic partner? And has this role changed in recent years?
India’s growing economy and its goals of reaching $5 trillion and beyond have increased the country’s strategic needs. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a central role in meeting these needs across multiple sectors.
GIS supports the development of infrastructure such as roads, highways, tunnels, and airports. It also contributes to national safety and security, agricultural improvement, efficient energy and water distribution, and disaster management. In cities, it helps improve everyday life through better management of utilities and urban services.
In infrastructure projects, GIS works with Building Information Modeling (BIM) to streamline design, engineering, and construction workflows. This integration helps prevent cost overruns and project delays by enabling better planning and coordination.
In disaster management, GIS helps governments and agencies plan for, respond to, and recover from natural calamities. It allows faster assessment of damage, more effective relief operations, and quicker rehabilitation of affected areas.
Urban local bodies and municipal corporations are increasingly using GIS to improve services such as road maintenance, street lighting, parking management, and water supply. These applications link technology with better governance and economic efficiency, reinforcing GIS as a strategic tool for national development.
