Data Exchange Platform

Background and Scope

  • The Integrated Geospatial Data sharing Interface (GDI) is a platform that enables easy but controlled access to data across public and private geospatial datasets. The GDI platform with its powerful spatial analytic processing engine will be a key enabler in creating an ecosystem that connects consumers and providers of data, unlocking the full potential of geospatial technologies.
  • The genesis of GDI comes from the National Geospatial Policy (NGP 2022). Geo-spatial data analysis is a crucial factor in solving complex problems in multiple domains. It will drive the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and accelerate economic growth. In India remarkable efforts both in the government and private sectors have led to an abundance of geospatial data sources. NGP 2022 empowers the liberalization and democratization of these resources and recognizes their rich potential. However these resources are not easily discoverable or accessible. Additionally non standardized data formats and the lack of interoperability does not allow for the realization of this potential. NGP 2022 recognizes this gap.
  • The National Geospatial Policy further states that consumer applications, solutions and services can access the data via Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI) which defines electronic data querying and processing services for accessing geo-spatial data. The GDI platform effectively addresses this need and provides a critical public digital infrastructure to exploit the potential of geospatial data. The GDI team works closely with NIGST to effectively realize this potential.
  • GDI is built based on the principles of open APIs and data models. The data exchange will be integrated with a Spatial Analytics Engine equipped with advanced spatial processing primitives and services that serve data catering to the specific needs of the consumers of this data.

Primary Objectives of GDI

  • An open API based geo-spatial data exchange that provides access to geospatial data from diverse sources in an interoperable and easy to use fashion. The specification of open APIs and exchange protocol for this data exchange will form the basis of GDI specifications.
  • Enhancing discovery of data through a catalogue of available data sources and corresponding metadata.
  • Providing secure identity, consent and authorization mechanisms that enable controlled access to data A spatial data analytics engine that contains advanced spatial processing primitives, thereby enhancing the value of raw data available with the exchange.
  • Geospatial Data Science Algorithms: Develop advanced analytic algorithms using remote sensing and geo-spatial data such as LULC (LandUse LandCover classification), Point based "Segment Anything" (SegmentAnything) Spatio-Temporal Interpolations, etc,.