Annual Report 2006-2007

Science & Technology Based Services

Survey of India

Since last 2 centuries, Survey of India has been the sole agency for generation & maintenance of spatial data for both civil and defence uses in India. With the advancement in technology and emergence of diverse applications, the customer bases have multiplied manifold and covers a wide spectrum of requirements. Therefore the responsibilities, activities and role of Survey of India in Nation building is no longer limited to only Surveying and providing conventional maps. Survey of India is determined to take up the challenge and use this as an opportunity for regaining pre-eminence and as the National Mapping agency of Govt. of India, with the unique responsibility of providing timely, cost effective and accurate spatial data to the Geo-spatial community. In this prominent role, the Department ensures that the country's domain is explored and mapped suitably to meet the emerging needs of the information market especially after the recently announced National Map Policy (NMP).

Digital technology occurred with revolutionary change in use of computer for handling of information through Geographical Information System. This has changed the method of collection and handling of spatial data, its analysis and use. In view of this development, the newly created GDCs have been encouraged to acquire data from satellite imagery as well and provide GIS solutions to various users. Survey of India, with up to date technology, has entered the market with analogue and digital products, to meet the needs of variety of users. Updating the existing Digital topographic data base on 1:50,000 scale using remotely sensed inputs, combined with ground truth checking has taken priority over other tasks, due to its time target. Another priority is the provision of digital data for implementation of vehicle navigation system for metros. Besides the department is pursuing the (i) Normal Geodetic, Geophysical and development surveys, (ii) Geomagnetic, (iii) Gravity, (iv) Deformation and crustal movement studies, (v) Collection, analysis and dissemination of tidal data, for providing useful information to all sections of the society.

1. Technology Development Projects

i) The following activities are being pursued to bring out two series Topographical Maps (OS&DSM) based on WGS-84 datum.

a) Updation of 1:50,000 scale maps in project mode using Satellite Imagery for office updation with subsequent ground verification. 4070 Sheets out of 5060 Sheets have been completed.

b) Transformation parameters from Everest Spheroid to WGS-84 systems have been worked out for the entire country. Transformation of 3283 Sheets from Everest spheroid datum and Polyconic projection to WGS-84 datum and UTM projection alongwith quality control and edge matching of the sheets has been completed.

c) Technical Instruction for Generating Digital Topographical data and Cartographic product (paper map) for OSM from Digital Topographical Data base (DTDB) as well as cell Library has been created.

(ii) As a part of Modernisation and expansion of Tide Gauge Stations along Indian Coast and Island for Tsunami Warning System and Disaster Management, National Tidal Data Centre (NTDC)/National GPS Data Centre of Survey of India has been established at Dehra Dun. National Tidal Data Centre is receiving the Tidal Data in Real Time mode from three Tide Gauge locations and work of modernisation and expansion of Tide Gauge Stations are in progress for another 33 locations.

(iii)To equip the department for taking up the new tasks arising out of the map policy mandate, board of officers have been constituted for the finalising tenders for the following

- Air craft

- Digital Camera

- ALTM Sensor

- CYMK generation for patterning

- 4 Colour Printing Machine

- Map publishing System.

(iv) Creation of National Ground Control Points (GCP) Library for India - project envisages setting up of a precise and consistent Ground Control Points Library in a Geocentric Coordinate System for the entire country.

(v) Using the latest available technologies the following project based activities have been taken up by Survey of India.

a) Generation of GPS compatible maps for navigation purpose for seven metros - Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

b) Mapping and generation of GIS data base on 1:10,000, 1:2,000 scale and utility maps on 1:1,000 scale in respect of 137 cities / towns under the scheme of "National Urban Information System" (NUIS) a National Mission programme of Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India.

c) Generation of Village Information System (VIS) i.e. administrative boundaries up to village level and integration of socio-demographic data, infrastructure data and topographical data for various states of the country. The data has already been delivered to Planning Commission, NIC and Election Commission and Intelligent Bureau for planning and monitoring of their activities.

d) Digital Mapping of Bamboo resources showing different species of Bamboos in North Eastern regions.

e) Digital Mapping of "National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuary" along with GIS on scale 1:25,000 under NNRMS project.

2. Basic Research Projects

i) Geomagnetic observations of Horizontal Force (HF), Vertical Force (VF) and declination (D) at Magnetic observatory, to control the Base line values of the Magnetograms.

ii) Development of Gravimatric Geoid in India.

iii) Redefinition of Indian vertical Datum.

iv) Exploring / Fine tuning of windows based Mercator Software for automatic patterning of topographic features and CYMK Creation.

3. Technologies Transferred/ Commercialization

i) Updation of Topographical maps on 1:25,000 scale using Cartosat imageries of various resolutions.

ii) Supply of computer aided digital mapping data for 3 cities, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Mumbai on scale 1:1000 for meeting the requirements of the Planning Commission conceptualized project of Computer aided digital mapping of metro cities, being implemented through National Informatics Centre (NIC), Department of Information Technology, Government of India, New Delhi.

(iii) First Stage of "Nirmala Nagar" project of 1895 wards in 57 Towns (ULB's) in Karnataka in Collaboration with Director, Municipal Administration, for providing GIS/MIS is completed. In IInd stage scrutiny of 1665 wards are completed and balance is in progress.

(iv) Control & Detail Survey has been carried out for many Hydro Electric (HE) Projects in various states of India.

4. Technology Demonstration Project undertaken in the area of Socio-Economic Development

(i) Topographical activities:

(a) Control Work:

• Topo Triangulation (by GPS) ... 186 sq km
• Aerial Triangulation ... 51,340 sq km
• Traverse ... 1,316 lin km
• Levelling ... 4,027 lin km

(b) Surveys:

• Digital Photogrammetric surveys on various scales(Pre-field updataion) ... 937 sheets
• Ground surveys on various scales ... 1866 sheets
• Boundary demarcation(Indo-Pak) … 610 lin km
• Verification surveys for IAF .... 1,93,600 sq km

(c) Fair Mapping:

• Topographical(post field updation) ... 704 sheets
• Digital Mapping (DCDB for OSM) on 1:50,000 scale ... 627 sheets

(d) Printing:

• Printing of various types of maps ... 628 Maps

ii) Digitisation and creation of Digital Cartographic databases:

• Departmental maps on various scales ... 950 Maps
• Extra Departmental maps on various scales ... 350 Maps
• Conversion of data for OSM, DSM ... 3283 Maps

i) Geodetic and Geophysical surveys:

a) Geodetic surveys for monitoring of constructional progress of various developmental projects are in progress.

b) During the year, Survey of India is committed to carry out the following tasks as departmental commitment:

• GPS observations - 37 stations
  
• Precision Levelling - 2159 lin km
  
• EDM Traverse - 71 lin km
  
• Gravity observations - 601 stations
  
• Gravity on Bench Marks - 33 stations
  
• Installation of Tide Gauges - 9 ports

5. Patents Filed - Nil

6. Research Highlights

i) Survey of India has continued participating in the Indian Antarctic Programme.

ii) Various papers on various aspects of Surveying and the related technologies have been presented by the officers of Survey of India at different national and international forums.

7. Any Other Information Of Interest

i) Boundaries Demarcation:

Demarcation, Relocation and Construction of boundary pillars and preparation of Strip-Maps of various international and inter-state boundaries are in progress.

ii) Topographical Surveys:

a) Surveys on various large scales are being taken up on selective basis according to the priorities indicated by the Central/ State Governments and other user communities.

b) 4,000 maps out of 5,060 maps on the primary scale of 1:50K covering the entire country have been updated in field. Post field updation is in progress.

c) Maps on 1:250 K scale covering the entire country have been digitised and updation of these maps are in progress.

d) Compilation of various Geographical maps, State maps and mapping of Guide maps etc. are being continuously carried out.

iii) Digital Cartography:

(i) Digitization of 1838 maps out of 19,540 maps on 1:25,000 scale and 1378 strip maps out of 1588 maps on scale 1:15,000 have been completed.

Digital Data will be available in single, multiple and commercial licensing for general use, value addition and marketing.

iv) Printing and Publication:

Other than the regular publication of the topographical maps on various scales and Geographical maps, Guide maps, District Planning maps etc. the following publications were also brought out:

a) Geodetic Report and Charts 1990 & 91

b) Publication of Magnetic Bulletin 2005

c) Indian Tide Tables - 2006 and Hugli River Tide Table 2006

d) Guide Maps of different cities and Hills of Kumaon

v) Human Resources Development and Training:

Training in the field of surveying and Mapping was imparted to the departmental staff, other central Govt. / state Govt. staff and officers from neighbouring countries in Survey Training Institute, Hyderabad throughout the year.

vi) New National Map Policy:

Under National Map Policy, Survey of India is mandated to create develop and maintain the National Topographical Database in all scales. Survey of India is gearing up to meet the mandate arising out of the National Map Policy. Science & Technology Based Services

National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO)

Introduction:

The NATMO is a subordinate office under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Science & Technology (Department of Science & Technology), Government of India. The Organization is headed by a Director and assisted by two Joint Directors, seven Deputy Directors, twenty-eight Group 'A' Officers, thrity-seven Group 'B' Officers of Gazetted Category, eighty-six Group 'B' Non-Gazetted Officers, two hundred & nine Group 'C' members and forty-six Group 'D' officials. The Organization has a total strength of 416 till date which includes a large number of qualified professional geographers and cartographers. It is a premier organization in the field of thematic map preparation.

Functions:

1. Compilation of the National Atlas of India in English and Hindi
2. Preparation of National Atlas Maps in regional languages
3. Preparation of thematic maps based on research studies on environmental and associated aspects and their impact on social and economic development.
4. Any other work entrusted by the Central Government to NATMO
5. Installation of Automated Mapping System for increasing efficiency in mapping &
6. Geographical/Cartographical research & training.
7. Golden Map Service covering Whole India
8. Development of Digital Cartographic Database for Large-scale thematic Mapping
9. Web-based National Atlas of India
10. Maps for Low Vision Persons
11. Maps for Visually Impaired

Target and achievement for the year 2006-2007

Name of the Programme              Target 2006-07                    Achievement  for 2006-07                                                     by No. of Maps                            (as on 31st Oct. 2006)
Digitization of DPMS Maps                          20                                               10
Revision of National Atlas                          16                                               08
District Planning Map Series                       10                                               04
State Atlas of Uttar Pradesh                       15                                               07
State Atlas of Bihar                                   12                                               07
State Atlas of Madhya Pradesh                   10                                               06
Cultural & Heritage Atlas                            10                                               05
School Atlas for Visually Impaired               -                                                  -
Electronic Atlas of India                              10                                               07
Historical Atlas of India                               07                                               05

The target mentioned above is from 1st April 2006 to 31st March 2007 and achievements is upto 31st November 2006. In some sector, the achievement is much above the target keeping in view the public demand.

Achievement during the year 2005-2006

1. Exhibition:

The organization operated stalls with sales provision on NATMO Maps/Atlases in exhibitions and Book Fairs all over India.

2. Scientific Papers:

A good number of scientific papers have been presented by NATMO Officers and Members of the Staff at different seminars held in different parts of the country.

3. NATMO DMS Building Complex:

It is a fully automated Digital Mapping Section of NATMO, equipped with modern state-of-art technologies related to GIS & GPS & RS System. It is meant for specific value-added digital output, training & research.

4. Training:

A good number of Officers and Members of the staff of NATMO were trained in the following training courses/workshops;

1. GIS - DOEACC, Jadavpur University
2. Advanced GIS Survey Training Inst., Hyderabad
3. Ground Water IISWBM, Kolkata Development & Management
4. Remote Sensing National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad Technology & Its Application
5. Computer Software Aptech Computer Education, Dehradun & Hardware Networking
6. Administrative Training for Technologists IIPA, New Delhi

National Accreditation Board For Testing And Calibration Laboratories (NABL)

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) is the sole laboratory accreditation body in India. NABL has its origin in a DST programme called National Coordination of Testing and Calibration Facilities (NCTCF) and is mandated to provide accreditation services to testing and calibration laboratories in all disciplines. NABL accreditation is based on international standard (s) and additional requirements framed by NABL in the form of specific criteria.

Harmonization of practices among different accreditation bodies is achieved through evaluation of accreditation bodies using a set of parameters for joining the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) of International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). Worldwide 56 accreditation bodies from 45 economies are signatories to ILAC MRA thereby establishing a network of over 22000 accredited laboratories. NABL is a signatory to the ILAC MRA since November 2000 and with this status it has established equivalence of its accreditation, to accreditation provided by all major accreditation bodies in the world. Accreditation through mechanism of ILAC MRA effectively reduces technical barriers to world trade by assuring consistent quality of test / measurement reports and also lowers the costs by avoiding delays and repeat testing / measurements when goods/services cross national boundaries. Thus NABL is fully geared to play its role in promotion and acceptance of Indian goods and services in international market.

Complimentary to its role in promoting world trade NABL performs many other functions. One of them is to provide feedback to laboratories on their quality assurance system and technical competence thereby enhancing their confidence in their goods and services through internationally accepted third party assessment process. Acceptance and relevance of third party accreditation can be judged from the nature of the laboratories accredited by NABL. More than 35% of NABL accredited laboratories come from industry or corporate sector spread across the spectrum of automobile, cement, chemicals, construction, electrical, electronics, engineering, health care services etc. About 25% laboratories belong to the Government sector and approximately 35% laboratories are private laboratories that provide testing and calibration services to various customers. Science & Technology Based Services

National Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Programme

Governments and industries all over the world are concerned about safety of humans, animals and the environment through use of chemicals (industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, pesticides, cosmetic products, food additives, feed additives, etc.). Regulatory authorities, the world-over, are continuously engaged in determining the level of risks acceptable to the society and elaborate on scientific inputs and technical data to ensure that risks posed by these chemicals do not exceed the contemplated level of risks.

Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is a quality system, which has been evolved by the member countries of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), concerned with the organizational process and conditions under which non-clinical health and environmental safety studies on the above-said chemicals are planned, performed, monitored, recorded, reported and archived. This system helps to ensure the quality and integrity of safety data (on chemicals) produced by test facilities. The OECD Principles of GLP are internationally accepted.

A National Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Compliance Monitoring Authority was set up in April 2002, under the administrative control of Department of Science and Technology, with the approval of the Cabinet to help Indian industries to obtain GLP-compliance status for their test facilities, so that data generated by these test facilities is acceptable in the countries of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). India, at present, enjoys the status of a Provisional Member of the OECD for the purpose of GLP, and this membership will end in April, 2009.

Some of the major achievements of the Indian GLP programme are given below:

• One new test facility, namely, Zydus Research Centre, Ahmedabad was granted the GLP-compliance status.
• Two more test facilities are likely to be granted the GLP-compliance status by March 31, 2007.
• Annual Surveillance inspection of following five test facilities was done and their GLP-compliance status was continued for a period of another one year :
  • International Institute of Biotechnology and Toxicology (IIBAT), Padappai
  • Jai Research Foundation (JRF), Vapi
  • Gharda Chemicals Limited, Dombivili
  • Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited, Discovery Research, Hyderabad
  • Orchid Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited, Chennai
• Annual Surveillance inspection of another test facility, namely, Advinus Therapeutics Private Limited, Bangalore would be done in the month of February, 2007.
• The following training course/workshop/symposium were organized:

  a) Three-day Training Course on "Good Laboratory Practice in the Indian Context" for test facilities in New Delhi on February 20-22, 2006.

  b) Two-day Workshop on "Good Laboratory Practice for Academia" at All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi on November 24-25, 2006.

  c) Symposium on GLP during XXXIXth Annual Conference of Indian Pharmacological Society in Jaipur at SMS Medical College, Jaipur on December 22, 2006.

• A website "www.indiaglp.gov.in" has been launched and is continuously being updated.