IDFC Institute appreciates the initiative that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has taken in drafting this crucial policy and putting it out for public consultation. Based on our published research and experience in advising various levels of government for data-related policies, we are pleased to share our views on the draft National Geospatial Policy.

In this document, we discuss general principles that should serve as the foundation of the Policy. Next, we discuss the implementation of this policy, in particular regarding its authorities and tools. We further comment on the terms proposed for opening geospatial data; we also discuss elements of privacy and standards that should be kept in mind. Finally, we highlight the need to develop incentives to build a more effective geospatial sector in the country.

• Geospatial data
• Privacy