Survey Of India

Survey of India Dehradun – The Oldest Scientific Department of the Indian Government
The Indian central agency entrusted with the job of survey and mapping is Survey of India Dehradun which was set up in 1767. The agency is a brainchild of the British rulers, aka “East India Company”, who wanted a complete mapping of its territories within India. This is one of the oldest scientific departments under the government of India. It was based on the efforts of two stalwart surveyors of the British East India Company that at first base for such an agency was laid down.
Their pioneering efforts made it possible for the British to do a detailed survey of territories under their rule. Bit by painstaking bit, these stalwarts created a detailed and complete understanding of the then-Indian terrain. These two stalwarts whose efforts bore fruit and ended in the creation of the Survey of India were Mr.Lambdon and Sir George Everest. With limited resources compared to today’s tools, they created a complete mapping of the Indian territory covering all corners under their rule and provided a great resource for later generations.
Survey of India is the premier survey organization entrusted with mapping the entire geological topography of India. Mapping provides a country with vital data on various things such as resources, progress, and prospects for any country. It is the hard work of Survey of India that ensures they have comprehensive knowledge of resources at their disposal in any given part of Indian territory and how they can best use it for progress and development for today and a brighter tomorrow as well. Since those early days under the two stalwarts, the present Survey of India Dehradun has been a much-advanced body that has at its disposal a full arsenal of modern and technical devices that enable a higher degree of accuracy.
Today Survey of India has a task to publish maps and one can find unrestricted category maps easily from many geo data Centres set up around the country. One can also buy restricted category maps as well, however, it requires written permission. Another rule in place is that only a citizen of India can purchase a topographic map and that it shall never be exported beyond the shores of the nation.
Survey of India started with only 5 directorates under it in 1950 primarily for survey needs about the North West and the northeast, and since then it has swollen to 22 directorates and is situated in various parts of India and covers the country’s total mapping needs. Using the latest technological resources it now meets the needs of defence forces, planners, and scientists in geoscientific studies as well as land & resources management effectively. Various agencies of the Indian government now use the various information and data variables derived from the Survey of India. They have the stellar job of effectively maintaining state boundaries and ensuring development in underdeveloped areas.
There are three digital centers that effectively take care of the nation’s need for digital topographic data. These were set up in the late 80’s as it was required to create a digital data database for use by various ministries that were entrusted with planning and development. For better effectiveness, various wings of Survey of India have been strengthened such as directorates of geodetic research branch, R&D Directorate, and Survey training institutes for the betterment of the community.
Dehradun, in Uttarakhand, was chosen as the headquarters of this luminary division of government of India. Their office is situated at Hathibarakala estate and presently the director is Dr.Swarna Subba Rao. Survey of India stands by their motto which reflects that they know every part or inch of this exquisite nation because it is their task to map every map judiciously. This vision of Survey Of India is to take a position of leadership to enable the users with effective, reliable, and quality Geospatial data for ensuring Indians’ security concerns, national development issues, etc. as part of its Mission-Survey of India has dedicated its activities to the advancement of collecting and applying geospatial knowledge to promote exchange of information amongst data producers. It is done to provide the best high-resolution data at an affordable cost and in a real-time environment.
Some of their present deliverables are primarily as follows:
- Geodetic controls and geodetic & geophysical surveys
- Topographical surveys, mapping, and surveys within India.
- Mapping, production of geographical maps & aeronautical charts
- Surveys are aimed at myriad developmental projects
- Survey of city & Guide Maps
- Survey and creation of maps for special needs.
For an organization that had its beginning in 1767, there is tremendous progress that the survey of India has done over a few decades in existence. This is a prime example of how one of India’s premier agencies took roots from a humble beginning in the days of the British Raj and today a leader in its field. The survey of India is greatly responsible for the higher levels of development taking place in the country today.