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Volume 13, No. 4 Special Issue on December, 2007 Geospatial Data Interoperability

In this Issue

Editorial ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3

Articles

Standards and Interoperability ………………………………………………………………. 4 Arup Dasgupta

Ocean Data and Information Management – Open Standards and Interoperability ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 Shailesh Nayak & E. Pattabhi Rama Rao

Progress on ‘Geo-spatial Interoperability’ under DST’s ‘Natural Resources Data Management System’ (NRDMS) Programme ………………. 15 PS Acharya & D. Dutta

Implementing a Geospatial Web Server …………………………………………………. 19 Kiran Ahuja, Sneha Mehta & Bansari Magia

Village-wise Micro Watershed-wise Land and Water Resource Development Plans on Satellite Images …………………………………………………. 25 Shuchita Mehta, Ajay Patel, Khalid Mahmood & Vijay Singh

Importance of Coral Reefs and Mangroves ……………………………………………. 36 R.S. Rao

News & Events

Forthcoming Events ………………………………………………………………………………… 38

Society Matters

From ISG Secretariat ………………………………………………………………………………. 40 Chapter Activities ……………………………………………………………………………………. 40 ISG Fellows ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 43 Patron Members ……………………………………………………….……………………………… 44 New ISG Members ………………………………………………………………………………….. 45

ISG Newsletter 1 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 ISG Executive Council 2005-2008

President Shri Rajesh Mathur, ESRI India, New Delhi – 110019 [email protected]

Vice-Presidents Dr. Ajai, Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad - 380015 [email protected] Dr. Ashok Kaushal, ASL Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd., Bangalore – 560052 [email protected]

Secretary Shri M.H. Kalubarme, Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad - 380015 [email protected] Joint Secretary Brig.(Retd) M.C. Dhamija, PAN India, New Delhi [email protected]

Treasurer Shri I.C. Matieda, Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad - 380015 [email protected]

Members Shri K.C. Bhattacharya, NESAC, Shillong [email protected] Dr. P. Jothimani, RMSI Private Limited, Noida - 201301 [email protected] Dr. M. Ramalingam, IRS, Anna University, Chennai - 600025 [email protected] Prof. S.M. Ramasamy, Director, CRS, Bharathidasan University, Thiruchirappalli - 620023 [email protected] Dr. J.R. Sharma, RRSSC, Jodhpur [email protected]

Ex-Officio (Immediate Past President) Prof. A.R. Dasgupta, BISAG, Gandhinagar - 382007 [email protected]

Permanent Invitee Chief Editor, Journal of Geomatics and ISG Newsletter Dr. Baldev Sahai ______

Editorial Board

Dr. Baldev Sahai, Chief Editor* Dr. Beena Kumari [email protected] R.P. Dubey [email protected] Dr. R. Nandakumar [email protected] Pushpalata Shah [email protected] Shashikant A. Sharma [email protected] C.P. Singh [email protected]

* 56, Nehru Park, B/H Balaji Complex, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad – 380015 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

Send your contributions/ comments to the Chief Editor at the above address.

ISG Newsletter 2 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Editorial

This issue is based primarily on a are doing yeoman service in bringing about compilation by Prof. Arup Dasgupta, of the necessary standards in this respect, articles on Geospatial data interoperability. some of which have been addressed in the With the growing number of spatial data articles appearing in this Issue. providers across the globe and the plethora of open source and commercial software While Dasgupta’s article covers this topic in packages to deal with them and the variety general, Nayak and Rao write in specific in computing and communicating systems reference to Ocean related data sets and from hand-held devices to multi-CPU Acharya and Dutta in the context of the servers involved with varying processors NRDMS programme. A couple of other operating systems, and data storage articles from BISAG, Gandhinagar and an options and the ever-increasing number of odd note on coral reefs and mangroves users who are interested in accessing from SAC also appear in this issue apart geospatial data both from static and mobile from the regular news and events features vantage points and the dichotomy in and Society matters. geospatial data itself covering raster and vector data types and country/region Shri CP Singh has designed the cover specific datum and projection options and image of this issue. The Editorial Board, in the long list of metadata catalogue entries spite of its best efforts, regrets the delay in describing the geospatial datasets and their bringing out this issue. format options, geospatial data interoperability assumes a very important R. Nandakumar place in Geomatics. OGC and ISO/TC-211 On behalf of the Editorial Board

Journal of Geomatics Vol 1 No.2 October 2007 Journal of Geomatics (A publication of the Indian Society of Geomatics)

Vol. 1, No. 2 October 2007

Contents

1. Updation and metrology of cadastre using high-resolution satellite data ………………………………. 71 P. Jayaprasad, A. Nadeem, R. Ghosh, S.K. Pathan, Ajai, S. Kaliappan, R. Vidhya & M. Shanmugam

2. Framework of semantic interoperability using geospatial ontologies ………………………………….. 77 Sumit Sen, Dolphy Fernandes, G. Arunachalam, Sri Ram Gupta & N.L. Sarda

3. Morphometric and structural analysis in Zagros Mountains, Southwest Iran: an application of geo- information technology …………………………………………………………………………………. 87 Saied Pirasteh, Syed Ahmad Ali & Saiedeh Hussaini

4. Flood disaster studies and damage mitigation - an application of remote sensing and spatial information systems …………………………………………………………………………………….. 93 K.H.V. Durga Rao, Parama Bhattacharya, & Madhubanti Bhattacharya

5. WebGIS – an application of agriculture information system at district level ………………………….. 101 B.Veeranna, I.V. Muralikrishna & E.G. Rajan

6. Prioritization of timber species richness hotspots for optimal harvesting and conservation planning – a spatial statistics approach …………………………………………………………………………….. 107 Bijoy Krishna Handique & Gitasree Das

ISG Newsletter 3 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Standards and Interoperability A.R. Dasgupta Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geo-informatics, Gandhinagar

1. Introduction The first requirement of such a system is standardisation of data acquisition and Geospatial information is increasingly content and reduction in data redundancy. becoming a part of the information needs Data needs to be acquired by focal agencies for the daily operations of an enterprise. as per a predefined content and format The enterprise could be a business like a agreed upon in advance by the data using department store, a utility like a power agencies. Such data has an associated company or a local government entity like a accuracy, integrity and reliability assured municipality or even a government by the focal agency. By reducing department like roads and buildings. In redundancy in data collection, costs are each case the importance of ‘where’ saved in terms of collection, timely data becomes enhanced as enterprises try to availability and repeated reuse of the maximise their profits or effectiveness in an collected data. Standardisation results in increasingly competitive and demanding better data management and enhanced environment. In this milieu Geographical modelling capabilities as models can be Information Systems play an important role made available across the enterprise by ingesting, storing, processing and resulting in better decision support. analyzing geospatial information relevant to the operation of the enterprise. GIS The second requirement of the system is utilization began as a standalone operation interoperability across applications and in the IT or MIS department of an systems. Factors which affect inter- enterprise but, as the technology matured operability are heterogeneity at syntactical it migrated to the desktop, and now to and semantic levels. Standardisation hand-held devices. GIS operations have ensures a higher degree of semantic thus become more decentralised, interoperability since all users will use democratised and ubiquitous. standard terms to describe geospatial features. This will also enable This process has major benefits as it puts interoperability across applications. Thus the information right in the hands of an end applications like citizen services, road user but it also results in problems like maintenance, health care, market research, fractured databases, lack of etc., can use geospatial data seamlessly synchronization, data duplication, loss of with other business processes like data and ultimately loss of efficiency and Enterprise Resources Planning systems, e- accuracy. Unorganised growth also leads to Governance, etc. To enable this GIS needs a proliferation of systems with attendant to be at the core of the organisation with interoperability and compatibility problems. links to all services and applications. These An enterprise therefore requires a system applications may be deployed over a wide that is designed to provide an integrated variety of systems and devices and and interoperable environment, in which accessible over both public networks like the individual departments and the Internet and private networks. To functionaries of an enterprise can create, overcome these heterogeneities we require access, view, and analyze data and syntactic interoperability which can be information relevant to their tasks. This achieved by adopting a standardized information could encompass spatial as well encoding system for the data and as non-spatial data sets. Applications could standardised services for data access, range from complex spatial models to analysis and management. These form the delivery of services encompassing Interoperability Specifications. government, business and citizens.

ISG Newsletter 4 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 2. Data Standards a two dimensional representation based on the reference ellipsoid and projection. The Standards enable harmonious working advent of aerial photography and satellite within and across entities. As technologies remote sensing brought in a new dimension evolve, standards also evolve to meet the to data acquisition and therefore new new specifications. In the field of geospatial standards. Cartography, the technique of data, standards have played an important creating two dimensional graphic role and continue to play such a role as new representations from this data, also technologies evolve or are adopted and developed its own standards as it adapted. Geospatial data acquisition has progressed from manual methods to moved from field surveys to aerial surveys analogue and then digital techniques. Map to satellite observations. Observation analysis received a boost as digital methods systems have evolved from analogue enabled the creation of databases of instruments to digital sensors. Mapping different maps and their conjunctive technologies have also evolved from analysis. Here too, the technology manual plotting to CAD, automated progressed from file based systems for fast cartography and digital photogrammetry. access on slow computers to geo-relational Spatial analysis is another field where databases which linked graphic files to computers and DBMS have brought in a standard relational databases. Standards revolution through the development of were set by the technology used and were geographical information systems. Data limited to an organisation. Today, fully standards have always been an integral relational spatial databases and fast part of these advances. desktop computers have made spatial data commonly available. Therefore it has In the past the process of standardisation catalysed the development of standards, had been implemented in parts. Further which cut across institutional, community these standards were dictated by regional, and regional barriers. technical and application considerations. Consider the case of the reference ellipsoid. As can be seen from the above description, It was well known that the earth’s surface the process of standardisation must cover was an irregular spheroid and it was all aspects from data acquisition to pre- necessary to model it in mathematical processing to database creation, usage and terms to be able to map it. Initially each information delivery. This is summarised in country developed its own ellipsoids based Figure 1. Standards need to be developed on celestial measurements. Thus we had for each module such that the data flow separate ellipsoids for India, America, becomes smooth and seamless. Europe and so forth. The development of satellite geodesy resulted in the evolution The process of standardisation must begin of the WGS global reference ellipsoid which with the selection of the reference datum has now become the global standard. All and the preferred map projections. Large other ellipsoids are now related to the WGS areas will require the maps to be tiled and ellipsoid through mathematical models. referenced to a geographical framework but Similarly, the map projections required to the provision must exist to be able to transfer the ellipsoid to a planar surface access the data seamlessly across tile also evolved as per the needs. Navigators boundaries. The combination of datum, found the Mercator projection most useful projection and map tiles form the national as it gave true bearings. However, when spatial framework. The following specific area and linear measures were of standards need to be addressed: importance the preferred projections were those that preserved these characteristics. Image Standards It is therefore not surprising that there are Thematic and Cartographic standards more than 400 projection systems! Geo database standards Mapping itself involved laborious field Output standards observations and then transferring these to ISG Newsletter 5 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Thematic Thematic Image Mapping Maps

User Geographic Geodata Defined Transform and Transforms Images

User Services

Figure 1: The Data Process Flow [Adapted from 1]

Accuracy standards mappable unit and the planimetric and thematic classification and mapping Contents standards accuracies. Where height data is involved it Metadata standards is necessary to specify the height accuracy and the resolution. Finally the digital format Standards review and updating in which the maps are to be generated mechanism should be specified. Image standards should address the data resolution needed at different scales of The next important step is to specify the mapping, referencing to the selected datum geo-database standards. Since the national and map projection, planimetric accuracy framework is defined this becomes the geo- and in case of multispectral data the database framework. Tie points must be tolerable band to band registration error. It identified on which the input images and should be noted that the image standards maps can be referenced. The tie points are should not be tied to any one remote the corner references for the map tiles in sensing system. The specifications should the national spatial framework. A typical tie be generic and keep the final objective in point scheme for a typical database is view as remotely sensed images are an shown in Figure 2. important input data source these specifications will impact the further Other reference specifications are the products and the final database coordinate units to be used, the coordinate parameters. Images will be converted to precision and the accuracy with which the thematic maps through a process of input map registers to the framework. interpretation. The maps will need to be Specifications on the registration accuracy, referred and tied to the national framework. planimetric accuracy and the limit of Other than the standards, which are coordinate movement tolerance resulting inherited from the source image it is also from GIS operations are important to necessary to specify the minimum ensure that the input maps are consistent

ISG Newsletter 6 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 and compatible. Other specifications are is the symbology to be used, the colour weed and sliver tolerances. Weed schemes and patterns for different features. tolerances indicate the minimum distance This is usually standardised nationally but between two vertices in a feature. Sliver in rare cases the user may desire a unique polygons are generated during GIS symbol set. operations and are removed if they are smaller than the minimum mapping unit. In The quality of data in a database is of prime the case of raster data like images and importance. Quality parameters must be digital elevation models the pixel size has defined for each level beginning with the to be defined for each scale and is usually national framework, planimetry of the input several orders better then the minimum data, classification and mapping accuracies mapping unit. of the input maps, the minimum mapping unit and the scale distortion for analogue Output standards define output formats outputs. It is necessary that quality checks such as soft copy, hardcopy and output are carried out at each level to ensure the media types. The framework (datum and integrity of the database. projection) is usually specified by the user. The data format can also be specified in the case of digital data. An important element

Figure 2: A tie point schematic for different scales of mapping [1]

ISG Newsletter 7 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 interoperability while the Open Geospatial Each input map has to have its contents Consortium; OGC has developed tools and defined. Predefined terminologies for processes to implement these standards. features are essential to maintain semantic integrity. Classification should be However, in spite of these efforts the hierarchical to enable map generalisation. proliferation of interoperable systems is still Classification should also be flexible to a far cry. One reason could be the difficulty enable addition, deletion and modification in understanding the ISO standards and of classes and sub-classes. Content OGC implementation schemas. In this classification can be contentious and context, an extremely useful document requires the participation of data prepared by the Geospatial Applications and generators and users to arrive at an Interoperability Working Group of the US acceptable solution. Federal Geographic Data Committee is the Geospatial Interoperability Reference An important feature of the database is the Model, GIRM.[5] This document puts the catalogue information, which provides data plethora of standards in the context of about the database contents. This is mechanisms for effective cooperation metadata and it also must be standardised between software elements. It is a to enable easy access to the catalogue consultative tool to help determine which information. Metadata must be sufficient to standards and procedures are applicable in unambiguously specify the data without a given context. The model is aligned with being too detailed. Typically metadata the US NSDI but it does give a template for includes data source, date of creation, others to follow in their own country accuracies, extent and access information. contexts.

In closing it is important to note that the In brief the Interoperability reference model development of standards is a gradual and as evolved by OGC is shown in Figure 3. inclusive process. Standardisation may appear to slow down the work on hand but As can be seen the model depends on a it pays dividends in the long run with ease distributed computing paradigm. Today the of access, consistency and reliability. All best model, which fits this paradigm is the stakeholders must be a party to the Web based Service Oriented Architecture. standards. Further, no standard can be Most of the implementations of inter- static. It has to evolve as new requirements operable systems follow this route. [3,4] and new technologies emerge. Thus a While the GIRM addresses the technical standing mechanism to periodically review issues there are policy and managerial the standards and bring in changes when issues that need to be addressed as well needed is an important part of the but there are no models to fall back upon. standardisation process. The Return on Investment study [2] lists the possible risks to effective implementation of 3. Interoperability Specification interoperability. These are stakeholder resistance, industry resistance and Data standardisation brings about semantic government policy. interoperability. All terms and specifications are well understood. However, differences Stakeholders may fear the openness in the manner of encoding the geographical resulting from an interoperable system. data, storage, retrieval and modelling may When Google Earth put high-resolution vary from platform to platform and from images of critical installations on open application to application. Interoperability access there were fears that such detailed specification seeks to make such processes data could be misused. Interoperability independent of platform, operating system entails high costs upfront. It is only the and software considerations. The sustained usage that will amortise this cost International Standards Organisation over a large number of applications. Technical Committee, ISO TC-211 has Agencies that operate in a standalone mode developed several standards for are unable to appreciate this fact. At times ISG Newsletter 8 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 agencies may adopt a deliberate standalone 3. Data access should be regulated by use stance to defend their turf. Where the and user standards development process is not 4. Data quality must be maintained inclusive, agencies outside the process may through adherence to standards and ignore the efforts. Standards are also proper metadata maintenance rejected with the excuse that the work schedule will suffer or may be subverted by 5. Integrate only those data sets that can adopting an ad hoc project based standard. be integrated. Data providers should On the industry front the resistance comes include appropriate caveats in the from a fear of losing markets, metadata compromising its intellectual property and 6. Establish and follow a system-security losing money in supporting standards. policy. Web access does have its share These problems are compounded by the of horror stories. Revert to standard fact that geospatial industry tends to be processes if doubt exists local to a country, unlike global industries that are mandated to follow standards. For 7. Protect data privacy through privacy- example the telecommunications industry impact assessment. has to follow international standards or 8. Be clear as to why interoperability is perish but a geospatial software vendor can being implemented in the context of remain proprietary and still serve a your organisational objectives. dedicated local community. At the government level failure can occur if Interoperability as it appears today is web standards are dictated or where key players based. Initially it seemed that the web like industry and other stakeholders are would be used for browsing and data shut out of the process. The government procurement. However, with the has to protect the interest of all proliferation of web services the picture is stakeholders to contribute to the success of changing. As Google Maps, Wikimapia and interoperability. One of the dilemmas facing other initiatives have shown, ownership of the government is the issue of software data is not mandatory. Access through the patents. It is globally perceived that this is web and access to services is more stifling innovation by disabling open, important. This requires data providers to collaborative methods and procedures for change their model for data distribution and software development and use. data users to learn new ways of obtaining their required information through web Interoperability is a developing technology services. Such an approach might actually and its early practitioners are a part of the be financially beneficial on the long run. learning process. More and more Data providers will not have to manage stakeholders need to come on board to distribution of huge data volumes on accelerate the process of development. physical media. Data users will need to only However, certain care must be taken to store their final results and not ensure that the imperfections that still exist intermediate process outputs. Data security are understood and anticipated. Some of will be easier as it will concentrate on one the steps [6] recommended are as follows: major area - web security. Software vendors and value adders will need to 1. Recognise that data services can go provide web services and their ROI shall down. In cases of emergency use local depend on per use basis rather than box or pre-cached data sales. As geospatial applications proliferate the costs and management issues will drive 2. Data providers should not provide the industry, users and government in this access to raw data. Use data direction. aggregation and web services. Educate

the user on the overheads of raw data 4. References caching and the dangers of multiple versions of the same data. [1] NNRMS Standards ISRO: NNRMS: TR: 112: 2005 ISG Newsletter 9 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 [2] Geospatial Interoperability Return on Sensing Symposium, 2003. IGARSS '03. Investment Study, Booz, Allen, Proceedings. 2003 IEEE International Hamilton, National Aeronautics and Volume 1, 21-25 July 2003 Page(s): Space Administration, Geospatial 648 – 650. Interoperability Office, April 2005 [5] Geospatial Interoperability Reference [3] NASA's earth-sun system gateway: an Model, Version 1.1, December 2003, open standards-based portal to FGDC GAI Working Group, edited by geospatial data and services, Evans, John Evans, http://gai.fgdc.gov/girm/ J.D.; Bambacus, M.J.; Geoscience and [6] Eight Simple Rules for Geospatial Remote Sensing Symposium, 2005. Interoperability, Raphael Sussman, Geo IGARSS '05. Proceedings. 2005 IEEE World, July 2006. International Volume 6, 25-29 July 2005 Page(s): 4228 - 4231 [4] Enabling decision support with geospatial standards Bambacus, M.; Percivaall, G.; Geoscience and Remote OGIS Consensus Process Vendors Industry Integrators

GIS/RS Open Geodata Interoperability Specification • Open Geodata Model Applications • OGIS Service Model RDBMS Programs • Information Communities Model Products

Client-Server Technology DSS Distributed Computing Platforms CORBA OLE/COM DCE JAVA

Interface Telecommunications Technology

Figure 3: The OGC Interoperability Specification Model

Visit ISG Website http://www.isgindia.org/ for latest information.

ISG Newsletter 10 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Ocean Data and Information Management – Open Standards and Interoperability

Shailesh Nayak and E. Pattabhi Rama Rao Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services Hyderabad, India E-mail: [email protected]

1. Introduction and protocols for data management, again which are compatible with The mission of the Indian National Centre Intergovernmental Oceanographic for Ocean Information (INCOIS) is to Commission (IOC), World Meteorological provide Ocean data, information and Organisation (WMO), Global Coastal advisory services to society, industry, Observing System (GCOS) and Global Earth government and scientific community Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) through sustained ocean observations and data principles. INCOIS, being the member constant improvements through systematic of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Data and focussed research in ocean data, Exchange Programme (IODE) of IOC information management and ocean implements the standards and protocols as modeling. We have made significant per the guidelines of international progress in ocean observing systems, with standards for data exchange, while meeting a mix of in-situ platforms and satellite its national policy. systems and concomitant capability in retrieval of data, use of models, generation INCOIS, being the central repository for of ocean information and advisories, web- marine data in the country, receives based services and value-added services in voluminous oceanographic data in real specific areas. Availability of such time, from a variety of in-situ and remote information, in near-real-time is essential sensing observing systems. The objectives for spatial analysis, decision support of the data centre at national and regional systems and for forcing models that lead to levels are acquisition, processing, quality climate predictability, both short-term and control, inventory, archival and long-term. dissemination of data and data products in accordance with national responsibilities The Ocean Observing System in the Indian and also responsible for international data Ocean is being implemented by INCOIS by exchange. To meet these objectives and establishing a network of in-situ platforms data demands from wide spectrum of users, particularly the cutting edge technology it is necessary to harmonise the data in such as Argo floats and other observational standard formats, applying quality control platforms. Further, INCOIS is playing a lead procedures, generation of meta data and role in the Indian Ocean by establishing the data bases for providing data services and Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing value added data products, while adopting System (IOGOOS), where 25 members international standards for seamless from 19 countries are members and also exchange of data by exploiting the latest coordinating the implementation of advances in the information and International Argo Programme in the Indian communication technology. Further, the Ocean. data from observing system both in-situ Apart from being the observer of the Indian and satellites need to be communicated for Ocean, INCOIS serves as the National developing robust ocean and coastal Oceanographic Data Centre, National Argo forecasting system. Data Centre, Regional Argo Data Centre, 2. Ocean Data and Information System and also the regional data centre and clearing house for the Indian Ocean region We are developing the Ocean Data and for the IOGOOS Programme. Each of these Information System (ODIS), a one stop programmes has a definite set of standards shop for providing information on physical, ISG Newsletter 11 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 chemical, biological and geological System (GTS), Project/Experiments funded parameters of ocean and coasts on spatial by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, data from and temporal domains that is vital for both the other sources (web) and the historical research and operational oceanography. data exclusively retrieved for the Indian The ODIS is supported by the data received Ocean from historical data sets viz., World from both the in-situ platforms and Ocean Data Base 2005 (WODB), World satellites, Global Telecommunication Ocean Circulation Experiment, etc.

INCOIS has strong organisational Regional Argo data centre is providing the arrangements with all the agencies involved argo float data from the Indian Ocean in in ocean observational programmes, so that real time. Individual float-wise data there is real-time/near real-time flow of products and monthly girded data products data to ODIS. Further, INCOIS plans to are also made available through Web-GIS strengthen the ODIS with the data application. generated from the chain of Marine Data

Centres, MoES Institutions, Academia, etc., and networking of these centres and 3. Open Standards and Interoperability enabling them on the INCOIS web-site with The main challenge of the data centre is appropriate access privileges. The managing highly heterogeneous and estimated data flow to the ODIS is about 5 voluminous data, developing open TB per year. standards and addressing the We have developed web interfaces for interoperability issues for seamless display of real time data from Moored exchange of data. Open standards and Buoys, Tide Gauges and Remote Sensing interoperability are being widely used for Data (AVHRR-NOAA and MODIS-Terra & the land based GIS applications and now Aqua). An application for display of gaining wider acceptance in marine COMAPS Data was also developed. community. The recent international Metadata base was developed using the projects in ocean sciences deals with Marine Environmental Data Inventory compliance with open standards and (MEDI) Software developed by the Joint interoperability for exchange of the data. Oceanographic Data Centre (JODC), Some of the issues pertaining to open Australia as per the ISO 9115 Standards. standards and interoperability in ocean data This data can be published on the Global information management have already Change Master Directory (GCMD/NASA) for been addressed in the Argo Programme, global visibility. INCOIS as the National and where INCOIS is playing a lead role in the ISG Newsletter 12 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Indian Ocean region. Argo is a pioneering, establish a global array of 3,000 free- internationally coordinated effort to drifting profiling floats that measures the

Argo Float Data on Web Live Access Server

Real-time display of in-situ observations Real-time display of remote sensing observations

temperature and salinity of the upper 2000 INCOIS has been providing a wide variety m of the ocean. This allows, for the first of ocean information and advisory services time, continuous monitoring of the especially in the areas of Potential Fishing temperature, salinity, and velocity of the Zone, Ocean State Forecast, Indian Argo upper ocean, with all data being relayed Project, IOGOOS besides facilitating users and made publicly available within hours with information Bank, various projects and after collection globally. The Argo Data programmes. INCOIS Website Management System, finalised by the (www.incois.gov.in) matured as a prime International Argo Science Team (IAST) vehicle for delivery of ocean data, and its Data Management Group is information and advisory services and it configured around three levels of Data has been widely used website among wide Centres viz. national, regional and global. spectrum of users. The web-based multi- These data management practices, lingual on-line information delivery system indirectly address open standards and data with Web-GIS capability enables the users exchange among the participating to query, analyse, visualise and download members. ocean data, information and advisories for their regions of interest. Location based services are need of the hour. ISG Newsletter 13 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 INCOIS has developed the Live Access INCOIS joined the Ocean Science Server (LAS), a highly configurable Web Interoperability (Ocean IE) Project evolved server designed to provide flexible access by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), to geo-referenced scientific data. The LAS in its early stages to play a major role in allows the user to download and visualise developing open standards and addressing data using a simple graphical user the interoperability issues. These interface. LAS enable the Web user to developments certainly facilitate enormous visualise data with on-the-fly graphics, potential for sharing oceanographic and request custom subsets of variables in a meteorological data with common choice of file formats, access background standards for providing web-based and reference material about the data location based services. Our data and (metadata) and compare variables from information management would focus on distributed locations. LAS enable the data the standards, protocols for data, provider to unify access to multiple types of metadata, data discovery, transport, on- data in a single interface, create thematic line browse and archival policies. It should data servers from distributed data sources facilitate the use and exploitation of open offer derived products on the fly and offer standards and interoperability addressed by unique products (e.g. visualization styles international community, promote specialised for the data). LAS is emerging coordination and cooperation with other as a promising web application for data programs, participate in and providing the oceanographic data with open proactively coordinate with relevant standards and addresses interoperability national, regional and international data issues. management activities.

Journal of Geomatics Vol 1 No.2 October 2007 Journal of Geomatics (A publication of the Indian Society of Geomatics)

Vol. 1, No. 2 October 2007

Contents

1. Updation and metrology of cadastre using high-resolution satellite data ………………………………. 71 P. Jayaprasad, A. Nadeem, R. Ghosh, S.K. Pathan, Ajai, S. Kaliappan, R. Vidhya & M. Shanmugam

2. Framework of semantic interoperability using geospatial ontologies ………………………………….. 77 Sumit Sen, Dolphy Fernandes, G. Arunachalam, Sri Ram Gupta & N.L. Sarda

3. Morphometric and structural analysis in Zagros Mountains, Southwest Iran: an application of geo- information technology …………………………………………………………………………………. 87 Saied Pirasteh, Syed Ahmad Ali & Saiedeh Hussaini

4. Flood disaster studies and damage mitigation - an application of remote sensing and spatial information systems …………………………………………………………………………………….. 93 K.H.V. Durga Rao, Parama Bhattacharya, & Madhubanti Bhattacharya

5. WebGIS – an application of agriculture information system at district level ………………………….. 101 B.Veeranna, I.V. Muralikrishna & E.G. Rajan

6. Prioritization of timber species richness hotspots for optimal harvesting and conservation planning –

a spatial statistics approach …………………………………………………………………………….. 107

Bijoy Krishna Handique & Gitasree Das

ISG Newsletter 14 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007

Progress on „Geo-spatial Interoperability‟ under DST‟s „Natural Resources Data Management System‟ (NRDMS) Programme

P.S. Acharya and D. Dutta NRDMS, DST, New Delhi http://www.nrdms.gov.in

1. Introduction Departments and their data sets - requires geo-spatially interoperable data/ Geo-spatial Interoperability is the ability of information systems for smooth on-line systems to access, display and analyze data data sharing. from a number of distributed but inter- connected sources/ databases residing in Realising the above need, a Working Group different organizations/ agencies/ user has been constituted on ‘Geo-spatial communities. It is a pre-requisite to Interoperability’ with the task of conducting effective on-line sharing of geo-spatial data test bed experiments on Indian data sets between the databases in a Spatial Data and working out strategies for ensuring Infrastructure (SDI) environment. Several interoperability. Considering the utility of international standards or interface this emerging concept in setting up of SDIs specifications like Geography Mark-up for Decentralised Planning, three OGC/ ISO Language (GML), Web Map Service (WMS), specifications like GML, WFS, and WMS Web Feature Service (WFS) and Catalogue have been chosen for testing. Service on Web (CSW) etc., are available from the Open Geo-spatial Consortium (OGC)/ International Standardization Organization (ISO) for ensuring Geo-spatial Interoperability. Under the Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) Programme of Department of Science & Technology, pilot studies have been undertaken to test the utility of these standard specifications and deploying those in our data management practice.

Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) is a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional R & D Programme to help operationalise the concept of Decentralised Planning. Conceived and launched by the Department in 1982, the Programme seeks Figure 1: Zoomed display of the to develop and demonstrate requisite tools/ Geography Mark up Language (GML) technologies/ methodologies in support of Prototype of a sample 1:50,000 this need. With the recent changes at the topographic sheet in Scalable Vector policy level (e.g. National Map Policy, Graphics (SVG) format on MS Internet Constitution of National Spatial Data Explorer Infrastructure, Right to Information Act etc.) and advancements in various fields of GML defines a technique of encoding Information & Communication Technolo- geographic data and its attributes in gies, activities of NRDMS are being re- Extensible Mark up Language (XML) for oriented to better address user’s geo- their transport and storage using web spatial data/ information needs. The task of technologies. It is extensible, supporting a Decentralised Planning – being a multi level wide variety of geo-spatial tasks, from effort involving several Institutions or Line portrayal to analysis. It separates content from presentation (styling), and permits ISG Newsletter 15 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 easy integration in a GIS environment. The schema development, is an essential pre- Interoperability Working Group has requisite. A Schema Generator Framework developed a GML prototype (Figures 1 and has been developed for preparing GIS 2) out of a test topographic sheet provided database schema in an RDBMS, populating by Survey of India (SOI) and the prototype the schema from GML data, and then has been used in demonstrating providing web-based feature/ map service. interoperability. A GML Relay was organised Consisting of a set of automated tools, the for this purpose with the participation of Framework has been tested and leading vendors like ESRI, ROLTA, and demonstrated on the GML prototype of the Oracle-India in January 2006 [Lead sample topographic data mentioned above Research Agency: National Spatial Data in creating a relational database to facilitate Infrastructure, Survey of India, New Delhi]. sharing. The resulting database has been integrated with DEEGREE Web Feature The Web Map Service (WMS) specification Server package for demonstrating provision helps provide access by users to maps of feature service (Figure 4) [Lead Research rendered by map servers on the Internet. It Agency: Indian Institute of Technology, enables dynamic construction of a map as a Bombay]. picture or as a ‘packaged’ set of geographic feature data. It answers basic queries about Spatial data sets are produced by different the content of the map and informs other organisations using different data models programs about the maps it can produce and standards. Experiences indicate that and which of those can be further queried. different organisations, in their data A prototype on Indian test data models, at times, use different feature implementing WMS specifications of OGC names with the same meaning or the same has been developed and tested using the feature name with different meanings or sample GML data of the topographic sheet. different classification hierarchies. As a part of this experiment to serve maps/ Automated integration of spatial data sets data to the Line Departments at districts/ from different organisations is thus a blocks/ panchayats from the district NRDMS challenging task. Such differences in the Enterprise GIS server, DEEGREE – a freely meaning of the spatial data – called downloadable OGC-compliant software semantic heterogeneities – are resolved by package in the R & D domain - has been creating ontologies (ontology is ‘an explicit used to demonstrate provision of block specification of a shared conceptualisation’) level maps of Bankura and Purulia districts from the available meta-data and (West Bengal) (Figure 3) [Lead Research establishing a knowledge-based mapping Agency: Indian Institute of Technology, between them. A framework for resolving Kharagpur]. semantic heterogeneities in spatial data has been developed and demonstrated to In contrast to the WMS specification that facilitate integration of spatial data from helps deliver a picture, a WFS different data sources/ agencies. Semantic implementation in a web client supports interoperability in spatial data sets will lead dynamic access and use of feature (vector) towards establishing an intelligent geo- data and associated attributes by the user semantic web capable of supporting quicker community. The Working Group has data/ information access and discovery developed and tested a prototype of WFS [Research Agency: Indian Institute of specifications capable of sharing GML data Technology, Bombay]. with a WMS server for rendering of the map and serving to a user agency. Based on the outcomes and observations of the above tests and experiments, the Be it national level Survey Organisations or Working Group has recommended NRDMS data centres at Districts, well- implementation of organisational organised databases are necessary for information systems using the above proper maintenance of data sets, querying specifications so that SDIs at different and on-line sharing. Formal description of a levels or in domains become a reality. database based on the user’s need, called NRDMS Project Teams and Groups are ISG Newsletter 16 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 currently working towards defining domain- build well-organised SDI data nodes while oriented conceptual data models in sectors ensuring syntactic & semantic inter- like biodiversity, ground water, and operability. infrastructure facilities (roads) so as to

Figure 2: An extract of the GML prototype (text mode) created out of 1:50,000 topographic sheet

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ISG Newsletter 17 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007

Figure 3: Mouza and road data layers of Kasipur and Chhatna blocks of the adjacent Purulia and Bankura districts of West Bengal on display on MS Internet Explorer retrieved over the web using the OGC-compliant DEEGREE Web Map Server

Figure 4: An extract of the GML prototype downloaded from the Relational Database using DEEGREE Web Feature Server ISG Newsletter 18 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Implementing a Geospatial Web Server Kiran Ahuja, Sneha Mehta and Bansari Magia Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics, Gandhinagar

1. Introduction data for storage and transport across heterogeneous systems. Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG) Any document has three components, its has developed geospatial applications for structure, its content and its style of different departments. These are deployed representation. Consider this article. It has as web based applications which can be a structure in terms of paragraphs and accessed using a standard browser. headings. It has content in terms of words, However, these web servers require the use and it has a style in terms of fonts, font of proprietary GIS software in the back end sizes, margins, etc. Usually, all three server. Currently, several commercial components are mingled into one desktop GIS software systems are used in document. However, in XML these three BISAG. Some of them are ESRI ArcInfo and components are represented by three files. ArcView, GeoMedia and Autodesk Map The structure is stored in a schema file, the depending on specific project requirements. content in a data file and the representation Each software has its own proprietary data style in a stylesheet file. The advantages of model and database storage structure. this representation is that we need to Thus, geographical databases based on define the schema once only; for example these softwares cannot communicate with we can define a schema for land use data each other without data conversion. In and refer all land use data files to this order to exchange information and share schema. Complex data structures seen in geo-database resources among different geographical data is very well represented users, conversion tools have to be by XML Schemas. Given a schema and data developed to transfer data from one format file we can have different stylesheets to into another. Furthermore, these diverse meet the requirements of different users. desktop GIS database structures make All the three files are written in XML. As remote data exchange and sharing more XML is text based a simple text editor is difficult because of limited accessibility and sufficient to edit these files. In practice, required data conversion. This paper however, it is better to use tools as these describes a geospatial web server files can be very large and therefore developed at BISAG using Geography difficult to manage in simple text editors. Markup Language (GML) and OGC The power of XML lies in the fact that it is compliant Web Map Servers. GML provides machine readable hence systems can an encoding scheme that enables communicate with each other without representation and manipulation of human intervention. Secondly, XML has geographic information on the web. The many features like XQuery, XPath, XPointer objective of the project was to develop a which can be used to manipulate and query geospatial web server that could be used the XML files. Simple GIS functions can be with any GIS software. realised using these calls. Therefore many times XML is considered to be a database 2. Geography Markup Language (GML) language or a programming language. This is not correct. XML is not a database or The GML is an extension of the Extensible programming language but it can be used Markup Language (XML) developed by the in a database and it can be accessed using World Wide Web Consortium. As the name Java or C++. XML is an encoding language implies it is an extension which is specific to which provides very versatile capabilities. geographical data. GML has been developed by the Open Geospatial Consortium(OGC) GML defines various geographical data as an encoding language for geographical types. For our implementation we have used the OGC Simple Feature Model which ISG Newsletter 19 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 is meant for vector data in a 2D framework. 3. Using GML GML provides three schemas; feature, In actual practice we had databases created geometry and links. These are known as in ArcInfo in the form of shape files. We base type schemas. Using these we define used tools to convert these datasets to application schemas for our specific GML. Although GML is in version 3.1.1 but application like land use. we decided to use the Simple Feature Model which is the same as GML 2.0.

Figure 1: The Application schema file gujdistrict.xsd showing description of the data structure

As an example we will describe the design are using XML syntax. The GML file refers of an application schema for district to the relevant schema file, gujdistrict.xsd boundaries of Gujarat. Figure 1 shows the at the beginning. The xsd file has an schema file gujdistrict.xsd. The first line element ‘geometryProperty’ which is of the indicates that the schema names are from GML ‘GeometryPropertyType’ class. In the Maptools. The second line shows that the XML file the ‘geometryProperty’ is further schema is an OGC GML and is based on the expanded as type ‘MultiPolygon’ containing OGC feature.xsd generic schema file. The several ‘polygonMembers’ and a typical feature type is complex as it contains many member is a ‘LinearRing’ whose coordinates elements. Each element is described. As an are then specified. example the description of the element Creating these file manually is a daunting Sum_Area is shown. It is specified as a task but there are excellent tools available. floating number with 19 digit integer and The tools we used are a converter and four digit mantissa. In general each editors. The converter we used is an Open application schema should begin from the Source tool, ogr2ogr from MapTools [2]. top level and work down to each simple There are many editors like XML Writer, element component. Stylus Studio, Exchanger XML Editor and Figure 2 shows a small portion of the GML Oxygen Editor. These are priced products. file gujdistrict.gml. Note that both the files

ISG Newsletter 20 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Figure 2: A snippet of the GML data file gujdistrict.gml

4. Web Map Services used for machine to machine interface. For human access the WFS talks to a WMS. To get a web based application with geospatial data we have used two web 4.1 WMS: A Web Map Service (WMS) services, Web Feature services (WFS) [3] produces maps of georeferenced data. We and Web Map Services (WMS) [2] which define a "map" as a visual representation of provide facilities to discover, access, query geodata; a map is not the data itself. The and manipulate data in the form of maps. OGC Web Map Service allows a client to The development of such a standardised overlay map images for display served from web application to access geospatial data multiple Web Map Services on the Internet. will ultimately reduce the dependence on The OGC WMS Standard specifies the costly proprietary client side software to behaviour of a service that produces access such data. Thus this application georeferenced maps. This standard would ultimately scale down the cost factor specifies operations to retrieve a description associated with access to such data and of the maps offered by a service, to retrieve hence make it available even for the a map, and to query a server about common person. The simplest server is the features displayed on a map. This Standard WMS, which allow data discovery, access, is applicable to pictorial renderings of maps display and query and thus provides the in a graphical format. This standard is not human interface. The WFS also allows data applicable to retrieval of actual feature data editing and is therefore more complex and or coverage data values. These maps are generally rendered in a pictorial format ISG Newsletter 21 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 such as PNG, GIF or JPEG, or as vector- type(s) of information to be shown, based graphical elements in Scalable Vector the desired output format, and Graphics (SVG) or Web Computer Graphics perhaps the output size, rendering Metafile (WebCGM) formats. This style, or other parameters. specification standardizes the way in which 3. GetFeatureInfo (optional): Ask for maps are requested by clients and the way information about particular features that servers describe their data holdings. shown on a map.Answer basic This document defines three operations, the queries about the content of the first two of which are required of every map, the URL parameters indicate WMS. what map is being queried and 1. GetCapabilities (required): Obtain which location on the map is of service-level metadata, which is a interest. machine-readable (and human- 4.1.1 Get Capabilities: A WMS client (e.g. readable) description of the WMS's a standard Web browser) can ask a WMS information content and acceptable server to do these things just by submitting request parameters. In other words, requests in the form URLs. The content of tell other programs about its such URLs depends on which of the three holdings, what maps it can produce tasks is requested. All URLs include the and which of those can be queried WMS Specification version number and a further. request type parameter. 2. GetMap (required): Obtain a map image whose geospatial and First, a WMS client needs to find out what it dimensional parameters are well- can request from a particular WMS server. defined. Produce a map (as a These are known as the WMS server's picture, as a series of graphical service capabilities. A WMS client makes a elements, or as a packaged set of "Capabilities Request" in order to find out geographic feature data). To the map layers, associated styles, produce a map, the query projections and available output formats a parameters indicate which area of WMS server supports. A typical the Earth is to be mapped, the GetCapabilities request looks like this: coordinate system to be used, the

http://www.opengeospatial.org/wms/process.cgi?REQUEST=GetCapabilities&VERSION=1.1.0&SERVICE=WMS This request can be broken up into URL components, as shown below:

URL Component Description http://www.opengeospatial.org/wms/process.cgi? URL Prefix of server

VERSION=1.1.1& Request Version REQUEST=GetCapabilities& Request Name

The Get Capabilities request returns an XML dimensional parameters are well defined. document describing the WMS service's The map operation of the GetMap request is general information and specific information invoked by a client to get an image. The about the available maps and acceptable image contains a picture of a map covering request parameters in terms of layers, a geographic area or a set of graphic styles and formats. This is also known as elements that lie in a geographic area. The the WMS server's service-level metadata. picture could be a bit map or vector graphics. The Get Map request allows the 4.1.2 GetMap: The Get Map request WMS client to specify distinct layers, the returns a map image whose geospatial and spatial reference system (SRS), the ISG Newsletter 22 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 geographic area, and other parameters authentication procedure. Based on the describing the returned map format. Upon operation descriptions above; three classes receiving the GetMap request, a WMS of web feature services can be defined: server will either satisfy the request or 4.2.4 Basic WFS: Basic WFS would return an exception in accordance with the implement the GetCapabilities, exception instructions contained in the DescribeFeatureType and GetFeature GetMap request. operations. This would be considered a READ-ONLY web feature service. 4.1.3 GetFeatureInfo The GetFeatureInfo 4.2.5 XLink WFS: An XLink WFS would request returns information about particular support all the operations of a basic web features shown on a map. If a WMS server feature service and in addition it would supports this operation, its maps are said to implement the GetGmlObject operation for be "queryable," and a WMS client can local and/or remote XLinks, and offer the request information about features on a option for the GetGmlObject operation to be map by adding to the map URL additional performed during GetFeature operations. parameters specifying a location (as an X, Y 4.2.6 Transaction WFS: A transaction offset from the upper left corner) and the web feature service would support all the number of nearby features about which to operations of a basic web feature service return information. and in addition it would implement the Transaction operation. Optionally, a 4.2 WFS: The OGC Web Feature Service transaction WFS could implement the allows a client to retrieve and update GetGmlObject and/or LockFeature geospatial data encoded in Geography operations. Markup Language (GML) from multiple Web Feature Services. A WFS can only talk to 5. Realising Web Servers another machine. If a human has to access a WFS it does so through a WMS or a The BISAG web servers run on Internet proprietary interface supplied by OGC Information Services. The WMS and WFS compliant proprietary software. Apart from features are realised using Microsoft DotNet the WMS capabilities a WFS also has the with Carbon Tools extensions. The home following features: screen opens on invoking the URL of the web server. The system allows access to 4.2.1 GetGmlObject: A web feature the map server and restricted access to the service may be able to service a request to feature server. The map can be queried for retrieve element instances from a larger different attributes using a Query Builder. GML file. It should be noted that a WFS Figure 3 shows a district map queried to returns actual GML encoded data show all districts larger than a specified corresponding to the request. area. The system also allows multiple 4.2.2 Transaction: A web feature service features to be shown superimposed on a may be able to service transaction common geographic reference frame. requests. A transaction request is composed of operations that modify 6. Conclusions features; that is create, update, and delete operations on geographic features. It is important to note that a simple web 4.2.3 LockFeature: A web feature service browser is being used to work with a GIS may be able to process a lock request on database on a remote server. This system one or more instances of a feature type for thus frees the end user from having to the duration of a transaction. This ensures invest in a costly GIS package. Such that serialisable transactions are supported. systems can be used to deploy spatial WFS always returns actual data and not information services and also be used for styles maps as in the case of a WMS. WFS remote database maintenance. data is therefore only machine-readable. WFS access has to be regulated through an

ISG Newsletter 23 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007

Figure 3: A query for districts larger than a specific area

Acknowledgements: The authors would [3] OpenGIS® project document: OGC 04- like to thank Shri T.P. Singh, Director, 094, Web Feature Service BISAG for encouraging us to take up this Implementation Specification, Version: study, Prof. A.R. Dasgupta for providing the 1.1.0, Editor: Panagiotis A. Vretanos, guidance and our colleagues for useful Date: 3 May 2005 discussions and help. [4] Ron Lake, Introduction to GML References Geography Markup Language, http:/www.w3.org/Mobile/posdep/GMLI [1] OpenGIS Project Document Number 02- ntroduction.html 069, OpenGIS® Geography Markup Language (GML) Implementation Websites Specification, version 2.1.2, 17 September 2002 1. http://www.maptools.org 2. http://www.thecarbonproject.com/dev.p [2] OGC Document Number: 03-050r1, hp OpenGIS® Web Map Server Cookbook 3. http://www.dmoz.org/Computers/Data_ Version: 1.0.2, Editor: Kris Kolodziej, Formats/Markup_Languages/XML/Tools/ November 4, 2004 Editors 4. http://www.xml.com/pub/pt/3 5. http://www.opengeospatial.org

ISG Newsletter 24 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Village-wise Micro Watershed-wise Land and Water Resource Development Plans on Satellite Images

Shuchita Mehta, Ajay Patel, Khalid Mahmood and Vijay Singh Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Abstract

The paper portrays the effort of the Gujarat Government to take the applications of space technology to the grass-root level. The initiative was the preparation of a software with user interactive display system providing land and water resource action plans along with other information of desired area of interest with just one click. The paper describes the basic objectives, methodology, the salient features of the software and how the sustainability of the project was ensured. It also briefly describes the various functions of the software. The software is a modest attempt to take IT to the rural man of Gujarat.

1. Motivation Gujarat, a task force was set up to fulfil the objectives of the demand. We are a developing nation and along with the advent of new technologies and 2. Objectives solutions, it becomes extremely important that we extend its advantages to the grass Considering the background of the work, root level. There should be a fair chance the main objectives were defined as shown provided for all for apportioning access to below: development. Villagers and local level To Propose and suggest measures officials (i.e. Public at grass root level) with for water and land conservation their treasure of indigenous knowledge are which are implement able at village able to conceptualise solutions for their level. problems. The need therefore is to expose To provide information on micro- them to the possibilities of development watershed boundaries at village level through the use of advanced science and to the local level officials. technology techniques. This was aptly To prepare an interactive system for considered by the Government of Gujarat, the use by general public in an easy and reflected in their efforts. to use and understandable format. To provide necessary support Water and Land Planning and Management through interactive training and have always been areas of concern, since capacity building to the officials water shortage, more than its management concerned with Rural Development. has been an issue for a very long time. To accomplish the work in such a Every year, to overcome the unemployment way so as it also addresses the occurring out of water scarcity, ‘Rojgar issues of District Rural Development Yojna’ programmes are organised involving Authorities concerning the ‘Rojgar construction of various structures. Yojna’. Identifying sufficient number of appropriate sites is the main area of concern for such 3. Project Components projects. It is a task which involves various Identification and Geo-referencing of conventional surveys. The usage of geo- satellite datasets. informatics has immense potential for such Preparation of Base-maps at works as it greatly reduces the overall cost 1:50,000 scales for each of the and time of the project. With due directives 18,500 villages of Gujarat State from Honourable C.M. and Secretary – comprising information on Science and Technology, Government of ISG Newsletter 25 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 settlement, road, rivers, water Information Technology etc were involved bodies, etc. in preparation of land conservation Feature marking on the satellite measures, water Resource Action Plans and image (of various elements like software. road, settlement, fields, railway, wasteland, etc), for 18,500 villages For the purpose of efficient co-ordination of Gujarat State. and working, the work force was divided Identification of existing water into three main teams. Three teams of harvesting structures for all the supporting staff of 25 strength worked villages of Gujarat State using multi- under the Guidance of the Project scientists temporal satellite imagery. to accomplish the work of feature marking, Proposing water resource registration, digitization, CD writing, conservation actions. dispatching, etc. Proposing land resource conservation measures. Team identification and methodology 5. Methodology for quality checks and standardization of information. 5.1 Identification and Geo-referencing Conceptualisation and designing of a of Satellite datasets: map layout so that a common man can also interpret it. Multi temporal satellite imagery was used Village wise Automatic Map layout for the exercise. To map the existing preparation Software checkdams, post monsoon LISS-III satellite Exporting all the maps in JPEG data of October 2005 was identified. For format. proposing water resource action plan, land Designing and preparing of software resource action plan, base map were which combines all the information prepared and features were marked on in different formats and displays it LISS-IV data (5 meter resolution) of with a demonstrative display menu January 2004. A team of scientists and in local language, as well as allows supporting staff worked for geo-referencing retrieval of information at both the required datasets. taluka and village level. Preparation of support systems for 5.2 Preparation of Base-maps: the software with due consideration to its operability independently after Preparation of base-maps at 1:50,000 its deployment at various places. scales for each of the 18,500 villages of Accomplishing a task of huge Gujarat State comprising information on magnitude i.e. of writing and location of settlement, roads, rivers, water inspecting each CD for various bodies was undertaken. Attributes like Talukas of Gujarat State. names of the rivers, settlements, and types Replication of the taluka wise CDs of roads were also incorporated in the for all panchayats of Gujarat State. datasets. Using the geo-referenced image Dispatching of panchayat wise CDs. the base layer was prepared using visual Capacity building / training the interpretation. Details like major roads, rail, officials. major rivers and large water bodies, important settlements, were mapped from satellite imagery. The settlement names, 4. Human Resources specification of roads, name of the rivers are taken from collateral data. Collateral A team of 15-20 Project Scientists from data in the form of maps, charts, census multidisciplinary backgrounds like Urban records, reports and topographical maps on and regional planning, Agriculture, Geology, 1: 50,000 scale was used. Environmental Planning, Water resources, Civil engineering, Computer Technology,

ISG Newsletter 26 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007

Land and Water Software Resource Action Plans

Requirement and Approach need assessment

Conceptualization Team Team identification identification

May layout and Designing of the format design software

Deciding upon Preparing logic parameters for programming

Registration of Programming to satellite images prepare a system as per desired requirements Preparing map Implementation layouts for base map

Preparation of action plans and suggesting measures

Feature marking

Export of map layouts into JPEG format

U Demo Preparation P Quality checking Monitoring D A and evaluation T I Quality Checking Evaluation O N

Figure 1: A system for data display, retrieval and print for land and water conservation measures at village and taluka level

ISG Newsletter 27 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 5.3 Feature marking on the satellite In places where the flow rate of runoff image: Realizing the fact that just giving a is low. key to image would not solve the issue of easy interpretation of the satellite image by Nala plug: Nala (a natural water course) a layman, it was decided to actually mark plugs are structures constructed across prominent features like roads, gamtal drains for checking velocity of runoff, areas, wasteland areas, railways, water increasing water percolation and bodies, agriculture fields, etc. This was improving soil moisture in rock regime done for 18,500 villages of Gujarat in constructed from the rock available Gujarati language. locally. Specific Site Conditions: 5.4 Water Resource and Land Resource Upstream of check dam/reservoir. Action Plans: The aim of preparing these Across Nalas on 1st and 2 nd order of plans are to identify the various tasks which stream and on slope up to 5 %. can be carried out under the Gramin Rojgar Area needs for soil and water Yojana and other rural development moistures conservation measures. program implemented by the State and Availability of construction material in Central Government for the development of nearby areas. rural areas in Gujarat state. GIS and remote sensing technology was used to Check Dams: A check dam is essentially prepare these plans. Information a masonry or Earthen overflow type technology was used to distribute these at barrier constructed across a stream village level and satellite communications having a good base flow after rainstorms. technology was used for providing the Specific Site Conditions: training for Taluka level official and Down steam of catchments where common man at village level. sufficient water is available Good embankment height is available Possible land and water conservation and supports the dam foundation. measures were suggested for each village. To minimise the construction cost, a Possible actions are suggested taking into narrow stream width is preferred. consideration the local status of natural resources and technical guidelines for Plantation with water conservation different structures. Checkdams, nalaplugs, measures bori bandhs and construction of ponds are Specific Site Conditions: the actions suggested under the water Waste land which are not under any conservation measures and land resource particular use, but can be brought management areas are identified which under the use by small effort. require plantation with water conservation Where sufficient land is available. measures, land conservation and drip irrigation. Land conservation measures and Drip irrigation method The following criteria were adopted for suggesting specific measures: These measures are suggested for area under agriculture. Land conservation is Bori bandh: Bori bandh is a type of suggested in single crop area where embankment constructed from ‘bori’ using possibility of land erosion is identified available local material for blocking the using the satellite images. Drip irrigation active and erosion prone first order drains. is suggested where areas are under Specific Site Conditions excess irrigation and chances of water Upstream of check dam/reservoir. logging are present. Satellite images of Across 1st and 2nd order of stream Rabi season is used for the identification and on slope up to 2 %. of irrigated areas. Where foundation conditions are weak for masonry or loose rock structures. ISG Newsletter 28 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 5.5 Standardization of Datasets and Quality Checks: The database contents, 7. Village wise Automatic Map layout formats were standardized for all the layers preparation Software being created. The system design involved deciding about database contents, the Once the map layout was standardized the sources of datasets, the scale at which the need was to generate 18,000 maps based information was needed, entities-what on the standardized formats. The available objects exist, relationships-how their software had the facility to prepare maps geometry and attributes interrelate, one by one, which was not sufficient to descriptions of term, terminology used, prepare 18,000 maps in a time period of output format/ deliverables. This allowed one month. Therefore, an inhouse software easy compatibility, accessibility and was developed called the ‘Automatic map interoperability of the datasets. Generator.’ This software was used for the map preparation and this reduced the time The quality check was done regularly. A and proved to be more cost effective. multi disciplinary quality assurance team was identified. Each scientist on the quality 7.1 The salient feature of the assurance team was responsible for one of software:- the major tasks being carried out. Automatic Integration and displaying of As part of the control checks, the QAS team various datasets regularly checked the datasets being For the base map prepared in terms of the contents, the o Settlement – Location and codification and the accuracy levels. The name (in Gujarati) corrections suggested were incorporated immediately. The databases created were o Rivers and Water bodies – finally checked when the various datasets Extent and name (in like water resource action plan, land Gujarati) resource action plan, feature marking, o Roads – Categories of roads settlements, rivers and water bodies were all integrated together in the system. For Satellite Map o Satellite image 6. Conceptualisation and designing of the map layout o Land Resource Action Plan o Water Resource Action Plan In this phase the idea was to conceptualise and design the layout so that the o Settlement – Locations and information is depicted in a manner that a names common man can also understand and o Existing features like interpret it. This was achieved by using wastelands, water bodies, interactive symbols that a village person built-up areas, etc on the can understand. image. This involved research and revisions before the output could be finalised. The depictions For Taluka level micro watershed made were pictorial and their description map was given in Gujarati language so that they o Satellite image could be interpreted by a villager. o Micro watershed boundaries Aspects of a quality cartographic o Existing check dams location presentation and visual appeal were taken of the satellite data care of. This included a proper title, map legend, scale bar or representative scale, o Automatic Loading standard and north arrow, as well as the proper, legends standardized use of symbols, patterns, and colours. ISG Newsletter 29 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 o Automatic village wise falling in that particular District. The preparation of map layouts selection box of the Village will show all the villages of the selected o Exporting the prepared map Taluka. The user will choose a layouts particular village from the selection box. 8. Software for showing water After the selection of the village is resource action plan at Village level done, two options are provided to

see the village base map and the The issue which concerned us was that of satellite image of the village being communicating the action plans at local selected. level. A system was required which can display and communicate the information in On clicking the option, a base map a simple straight forward way and that too of the selected village opens up in a local language so that it is also showing the settlement, village understood by a common man. A flexible boundary, Rivers, Railway and Road and easy to use system was required which for the selected Village. The can run on a computer without any explanation and the legend are also complicated requirements of the system. provided on the right side of the screen. The software was developed at BISAG The second option provides the land which combined all the information on one and water related actions on the platform and displayed it in the ‘Gujarat’ satellite image at village level. On language so that the local people could clicking the option, the user gets to understand it. The software can be used to see the probable locations of ‘Bori view, display, retrieve and print the bunds”, ‘Nala plugs’, Checkdams, resource management plans at village level. ‘places where ponds should be It displays the information at both Taluka constructed, places for tree and Village level. No special expertise is plantation, water conservation and required to operate the software. With just land conservation. The existing one click a Base map of the desired village water harvesting structures are also is displayed providing information on roads, shown on the image. The legend on settlement, rail, canal, river, agriculture the right of the screen explains the area, etc. an attractive window is designed whole symbology. for people who do not possess any prior image interpretation skills, so as to Tools like Zoom in, Zoom out and familiarise them with satellite images. Zoom to original are also provided.

On the bottom left of the screen a 8.1 Operation of the Software picture of an Indian remote sensing

satellite and earth is shown. On the The software is prepared to show clicking the button below, a flash the water and land resource movie appears showing how a management actions at village level. satellite takes pictures of the earth Once the software is opened, the below as it follows a certain path. screen shows three buttons on the On the bottom, few photos are left. The first one is of District shown with legends like Field, selection. A selection box is provided Water, Plantation, Settlement, River along with it to choose from the and Wasteland. On clicking each of options. After selecting District, the them, a Satellite Image will be user has to select the Taluka from opened in the screen at the centre of the selection box of the ‘Taluka’. the displayed window, showing each The selection box will show Talukas feature as it appears in the image.

ISG Newsletter 30 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007

Figure 2: The system displaying the base map of the selected village

Figure 3: Water conservation and land conversation measures at Village level being displayed along with necessary legend for explanation

ISG Newsletter 31 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 8.2 Interactive mode of the software This software CDS is then distributed for acquainting the villagers about the at Taluka level officer to make it Indian Remote Sensing Satellite Data: available for villagers by District On clicking on any of the buttons, the Collectors / Development officers enlarged image is displayed. This shall help the villager to understand how various Along with the Software a Document was features like waterbody, built-up area, also sent, which explains user manual on plantation, agriculture area, river look on a how to install and operate the CD. This satellite image. help document also comprises information regarding the available features in 8.3 Technical Aspects of the Software: Software and how to run and use it. Hardware Requirements 9. Characteristics / Special Aspects of o A minimum processor speed the Project of 300 Megahertz. o A minimum of 64 MB of 9.1 Capacity Building / Training Random Access Memory through GUJSAT: A training Programme (RAM). was organised in the GUJSAT studio of BISAG at May 10, 2006, which facilitates o A monitor with at least 16-bit one way live Video and Two way Audio color depth. 24-bit color is Telecommunications. The programme was recommended. telecasted at various places, where several Software Requirements Taluka District Officers, representatives from leading NGOs, Sarpanchs, Talatis, o Operating system: Win9x, Village level watershed Self help groups and WinNT, Win2000, WinXp. other villagers were able to witness it. It Technology provided training and directions on the use and installation of the software CD. The o The System is developed in programme also featured expert advice on VB.Net Technology various aspects and was conducted by a team of experts from BISAG and Rural 8.4 Distribution of CDs: Development Department. A demo CD of software for Rajkot District was submitted to the Rural The queries from the receiving end were Development Department for answered immediately and their respective evaluation and their suggestions were suggestions for further improvement in the requested. deliverable were noted and the needful is The software CDs for the six backward being done. districts where Gramin Rojgar Yojana is in operation was submitted to Rural 9.2 Significance to the Common People Development Department. of the State: The work has achieved and The software CDs for all the districts of opened new areas in terms of reaching the Gujarat State (3 sets for each district) information at local level. With the opening was submitted to Rural Development of the realms of the e-Governance, we are Department. providing opportunities for the common Copies of CDs as per the number of citizen of the state to provide their inputs in talukas for further duplication, the development process. distribution has been given to the Rural Development Department. The distribution of the CDs at local level will A copy of respective software CDs was give an opportunity to the people at grass- collected by all District Collectors / root level to have a say and give opinions, development officers from BISAG in the process of their development. The office. approach is very similar to the idea of e-

ISG Newsletter 32 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Governance. A concept in which the Thus an in-house software application was government is not only electronically thought of which not only substituted the controlled through the use of computers process of printing more that 1,80,000 and newer technologies but it emphasises maps but also solved the purpose of the fact that people at grass-root level are distribution. Also, for capacity building and more aware and conscious of the facts and to educate people a video teleconferencing issues concerning their development. programme was organised through GUJSAT (Gujarat Satellite Communication Network) 9.3 An Asset for the Decision Makers of which supports two way audio and one way Rural Development: The software is an video. important asset concerning the decision making activities for the officials working 9.6 User Convenience: for rural development. The application The front end of the system is displayed prepared provides information on the in Gujarati for the convenience of the existing checkdams and that too on a rural populace. Also, the user manual is spatial basis; it thus forms an important provided in Gujarati. tool for spatial comparisons. The image is The programme telecast through also provided along with the information, GUJSAT was specially prepared for this way the decision makers can get providing the necessary capacity building evaluate the existing condition and water of the rural populace, to familiarise them status of the area. Further, the application with the use of software and provide also provides several sites for the them with expert advice on the topic of construction of water harvesting structures water conservation and related subjects. as suggested by the experts and decided on While designing and preparing of the the basis of pre-decided criteria and software utmost care was taken to see parameters. This would help the concerned that it can operate on systems with a officials to decide upon the site for simple configuration and do not require construction, which immensely reduces the any sophisticated supporting devices or time and cost requirement. programmes for its functioning.

9.4 Extension Education for Trainers 9.7 Citizen Centric: Each year ‘Rojgar and Trainees: The application prepared Yojana’ Programmes are organised to cope can also be used as a teaching medium for with unemployment and poverty due to imparting knowledge regarding the water drought and scarcity of rainfall. resource and its conservation measures. It Construction works are taken up to provide is an excellent example of information employment to the rural poor. In this technology used for the grass root level. project, various sites are identified and located spatially in each village and access 9.5 Efficiency: The endeavour envisages is given to the local population to saving large amount of resources that are participate in the final decision on the spent on the construction of water selection of the suggested sites where the harvesting structures each year, which work can be carried out. involves complicated surveys and ground truth sessions. After the marking of the 9.8 Reduction of Touch Points: The CDs features and structures on satellite image were distributed during the ‘Krishi the issue that arose was that of Mahotsav’ at each village. Further they dissemination of such knowledge and were also sent to each Gram Panchayat information. It would have been practically through Rural Development Department. impossible to visit each place and explain The dissemination of such information at the map layouts; further printing of such such a vast scale simultaneously to each large scale information would also have village was possible only through been costly. approaching the work in such a way so as to optimally utilise the resources and also cover major areas.

ISG Newsletter 33 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 10. Sustainability of the project the CDs from top level functionaries to the village level functionaries on such a For the sustainability of the project, the large scale. institutionalisation of the application was . The demand has been raised by the required from top level to grass root field level functionaries to extend the functionaries. This also required the application from village level to field application to be simplified and made easily level. Efforts for the same have been customisable to encourage the user to taken into consideration. conceptualise, formulate and implement the . Updating of the information shall be applications independently as per their done every year. requirement. BISAG has ensured the . It is also envisaged that the information internal and external sustainability of the which now is made available through application through the following efforts: CDs to the village functionaries shall be made available through the internet to 10.1 Creating environment for the villages through GSWAN utilization of the project: An Connectivity. environment was created where in the . The methodology is such that it can be initiative was demonstrated and its replicated anywhere. relevance was discussed at the highest level in government. Repeated 11. Cost effectiveness demonstrations and discussions were held with the Honourable Chief Minister as well The major project component involving high as higher level government officials. costs are short-listed below to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of the application. 10.2 Involving Stakeholders: The application was developed as per 11.1 Satellite data: BISAG is a state stakeholders’ specifications and nodal agency to utilise space technology requirements through partnerships and and geo-informatics for various collaborations. Capacity building training developmental activities in Gujarat State. programmes were held for the Taluka For carrying out various developmental District Officers, representatives from applications, BISAG regularly procures leading NGOs, Sarpanchs, Talatis, Village satellite data for the whole State of Gujarat. level watershed Self help groups and other The satellite data is being used for various villagers. The programme enabled the sectors like rural development, land relevant departments to use the available resources, water resources, agriculture, spatial information for decision-making. disaster management, urban, coastal This created a sense of ownership in environment. The cost of the satellite data stakeholders through partnerships with the is recovered over time through multiple various functionaries involved in watershed usages for various developmental activities. and rural development. 11.2 Creation of Comprehensive 10.3 Technology transfer mechanism: standardized spatial data of water . A mechanism has been developed for harvesting structure and land resource transferring the technology. The action plan: The Institute conceptualised application has been linked with other and organised a multi-purpose common government programmes. It is being digital database for sectoral/ integrated used extensively by the Rural decision support systems. This has provided Development Department in the Hariyali impetus to developmental planning at grass Project for watershed management and root level and monitoring and management rural development. activities in various disciplines. The . The software developed for common usage of inter-sectoral data demonstrating the application is removes data gaps in various sectors and it platform independent, low cost and user prevents duplication of efforts during friendly. This allowed sharing of execution and planning by different information through the distribution of ISG Newsletter 34 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 departments/agencies and this ensures cost application will provide necessary insight recovery. and support to those involved in providing accessibility through road connectivity. 11.3 Development of Indigenous Similarly by updating the datasets at software solution: Indigenous software cadastral level we can also add and was developed to make the technology provided land conservation measures at widely available, customisable in local farm level, site for inland fisheries, etc. language and also low cost. This reduced the cost effectively, as the software The world is getting closer through the use developed was plate form independent and of Internet and it is known to be a great could run on any PC. source of communication. In future such an application can be developed to formulate it 12. Future Applications as a web based application. This would greatly reduce the overall costs involved as In future more we can improve and expand map printings and hard copies of such the scope of the existing system through applications at a large scale are too costly addition of the information like that of road and tedious. infrastructure, its type, width etc. Such an

Journal of Geomatics Vol 1 No.2 October 2007 Journal of Geomatics (A publication of the Indian Society of Geomatics)

Vol. 1, No. 2 October 2007

Contents

1. Updation and metrology of cadastre using high-resolution satellite data ………………………………. 71 P. Jayaprasad, A. Nadeem, R. Ghosh, S.K. Pathan, Ajai, S. Kaliappan, R. Vidhya & M. Shanmugam

2. Framework of semantic interoperability using geospatial ontologies ………………………………….. 77 Sumit Sen, Dolphy Fernandes, G. Arunachalam, Sri Ram Gupta & N.L. Sarda

3. Morphometric and structural analysis in Zagros Mountains, Southwest Iran: an application of geo-

information technology …………………………………………………………………………………. 87 Saied Pirasteh, Syed Ahmad Ali & Saiedeh Hussaini

4. Flood disaster studies and damage mitigation - an application of remote sensing and spatial information systems …………………………………………………………………………………….. 93 K.H.V. Durga Rao, Parama Bhattacharya, & Madhubanti Bhattacharya

5. WebGIS – an application of agriculture information system at district level ………………………….. 101 B.Veeranna, I.V. Muralikrishna & E.G. Rajan

6. Prioritization of timber species richness hotspots for optimal harvesting and conservation planning – a spatial statistics approach …………………………………………………………………………….. 107 Bijoy Krishna Handique & Gitasree Das

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http://www.isgindia.org/ for latest information.

ISG Newsletter 35 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Importance of Coral Reefs and Mangroves

R.S. Rao Remote Sensing Applications Area, Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad-380 015

Coral reefs and mangroves are important sometimes referred to as rainforests of the and fragile ecosystems. They are both sea as they harbour so much biodiversity. found along the coast. They are both very (a) Coral reefs have been known to be specific in their requirements. Mangroves hundreds of meters in height with many require saline and muddy environment for different animals providing shells to the their growth, which is why they thrive along reef mass. The irregular surface the coast, along the banks of the estuaries provides habitat for many different and inter-tidal areas. For a coral reef to animals and the most diverse ocean develop certain conditions have to be met: communities. Coral reefs grow because a hard substratum on which the corals can reef building organisms produce more settle, a water temperature above 20°C, calcium carbonate than is removed good light penetration and uniform salinity. through erosion. For this reason coral reefs are found only in (b) Coral reefs are home to more than 4000 tropical seas and along the coastlines. different types of fish and thousands of species of plants and animals (more Nowadays people have come to know about than 25% of all marine life). Coral reefs these two ecosystems. Yet, few appreciate can supply upto 10% of all the food fish the importance, the ecological functions caught in the world and the present day and the great number of uses of these trade in ornamental reef fish in tens of fragile ecosystems. The purpose of this millions of dollars. article is to describe the important and (c) Corals are used in ornamental jewellery. special characteristics of coral reefs and (d) Coral reefs prevent shoreline erosion. mangroves and to highlight their important (e) Coral reefs offer from the human uses and ecological functions. perspective thousands of unique chemicals for a wide variety of medical Coral Reefs: A coral is a coelenterate uses (anticoagulants and anti cancer animal (also called a polyp), which is no agents). more than a few mm in size. Two traits (f) Corals are an important source of make a coral different from other animals. seafood and protein and provide habitat Firstly they secrete calcium carbonate and nursery for 10 to 20% of the skeleton outside their body, somewhat like world’s fisheries. a cup within which the coral lives. (g) The potential yield of calcium carbonate Secondly, most of them carry algal cells from the coral reefs is 600 million tons within their own cells. If we put together a per year. number of coral cups of a single species we Therefore the destruction of coral reef get a coral colony and if we put together a means the loss of significant employment number coral colonies (of assorted species) through tourism marine recreation and then we get a reef. fishing.

Some of the major Indian coral reefs are in Mangroves: Mangroves are tropical forest Palk Bay (fringing reefs), Gulf of Mannar plants. While ‘mangal’ is the name for the (fringing reefs), Gulf of Kachch (fringing whole community ‘mangrove’ represents reefs), Lakshadweep islands (atoll) and the constituents of the community. The Andaman and Nicobar islands (fringing mangrove plants are found from below the reefs). mean low tide water level mark to beyond the mean high tide water level mark; along Now we will cite some of the important the estuaries, backwaters or protected sea uses of coral reefs. Coral reefs are shores with muddy substratum. These plants are inundated almost daily once or

ISG Newsletter 36 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 twice and the water salinity that the plants (a) Mangrove forests and estuaries are the tolerate ranges from slightly saline (near to primary nursery area for a number of fresh water) to more than sea water. commercially important shrimp, crab and fish species. They are also There are herbaceous plants as well as important nursery areas for other woody trees in this community. All these species which are themselves not used plants face a dual stress. Salt stress due to commercially but which form part of the excess of dissolved salts, mainly sodium food chain for commercial species and chloride and soil aeration or water offshore. logging stress. These plants face (b) Mangroves prevent erosion physiological drought conditions though (c) Mangrove vegetation stabilizes they are flooded with water. The flooding shorelines and the banks of rivers and water is loaded with salt and the problem of estuaries providing them with some fresh water availability is posed for the protection from tidal bores ocean mangroves. currents and storm surges. (d) Mangroves are used commercially for To overcome both the problems stated the production of timber for building, above these plants undergo morphological firewood and charcoal modifications, which are referred to as (e) Many timber products are obtained from ecological adaptations. Mangroves are mangrove forests. adapted to reduce the water loss and (f) Mangroves help in the recycling of achieve water economy. This is done by the nutrients. xeric nature of the leaves. They try to keep Because of the above multifarious and the water loss to minimum by wide opening important uses of corals and mangroves of the stomata only in the early hours of they need to be managed and protected the day. The water loss is also checked by from natural and anthropogenic degrading the presence of trichomes on lower circumstances. epidermis of species of Avicennia. Thick cuticle is still another means. The other metabolites in mangroves which appear to References be the modifications under saline conditions are amino acids carbohydrates and [1] Coral Reefs-R.S.Rao (Signatures Vol12, polyphenols. Very high levels of No. 1&2 March 2000) carbohydrates are reported in the leaves of mangroves. The uncommon sugars like [2] Physiology of mangroves- L.G. Bhosale xylose, arabinose and rhammose have and N.G.Mulik Shivaji University, been found in the leaves of mangroves. It Tropical Ecosystems:Ecology & is felt that carbohydrates possibly take part Management, pp 315-320 in osmoregulatory process of mangroves to overcome the potential harmful effects of [3] Application of remote sensing data to salts in the substratum. Also it is being monitor mangroves and other coastal realized in recent years that polyphenols vegetation of India- Shailesh Nayak & play some role in salt tolerance of Anjali Bahuguna, Indian Journal of mangroves. Marine Sciences, Vol. 30(4) Dec 2001, pp195-213. Now we can list some of the important uses of mangroves.

To cater to the map needs of the countries worldwide, MapXL Inc. launched various country specific sites. These sites, storehouse of the maps of the particular countries, provide solution to all the map requirements. Whether it is Political map, Outline map, Road map or Railway network map, you just name it and the site has it. These sites include: www.indiamapxl.com, www.germanymapxl.com, www.israelmapxl.com, etc.

ISG Newsletter 37 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Future Events

Date Place Event Email/URL Jan. 7-8, Hong Kong, Virtual Geographic http://www.iseis.cuhk.edu.hk/vge/ 2008 China Environments 2008 on "Virtual Visualisation" Jan. 14-16, Bangkok, Second International http://www.e-geoinfo.net/hgis.html 2008 Thailand Conference on [email protected] HealthGIS Jan. 17-18, Tokyo, ESRI Asia Pacific User http://www.esri.com/events/apuc/index.h 2008 Japan Conference tml

Jan. 25-28, Borovets, Second International http://www.datamap- 2008 Bulgaria Conference on bg.com/conference2008/ Cartography Feb. 6-8, New Delhi, Map India 2008 http://www.mapindia.org/ 2008 India

Feb. 6-8, Nagpur, International http://www.cbip.org 2008 India Conference on Water Quality Management Feb. 10-14, Muscat, Mountains of the Contact: Ms. Rahma Al-Siyabi, Sultan 2008 Sultanate of World – Ecology, Qaboos University, P.O. Box 17, PC 123. Oman Conservation and Sultanate of Oman, Tel: +(968) 2414 Sustainable 1442, Fax: +(968) 2441 4012, Development [email protected] Feb. 18-20, Bhopal, Geomatics-2008 2008 India

Feb. 21-22, Denver, International LIDAR http://www.lidarmap.org/ 2008 Colarado, Mapping Forum 2008 USA Feb. 25-29, St. GSDI 10: tenth http://www.opengeospatial.org/node/782 2008 Augustine International Trinidad Conference for Spatial Data Infrastructure on "Small Island Perspectives on Global Challenges" Mar. 12-14, Burswood, WALIS International http://www.walis.wa.gov.au/forum 2008 Australia Forum 2008 on "Management of Geographic Information" Mar. 15-19, Riyadh, International http://www.emwis.net/thematicdirs/event 2008 Saudi Conference on the use s/sev914991 Arabia of Space Technology for Water Management ISG Newsletter 38 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Apr. 16-18, Moscow, Remote Sensing – The http://www.sovzondconference.ru/eng/ 2008 Russia Synergy of High Technologies

May 28-30, Hainan, 2008 International http://210.37.44.250/ 2008 China Congress on Image and Signal Processing CISP2008 Jun. 4-7, Istanbul, EARSEL & GISDECO http://www.earsel-dc.uni-hannover.de/ 2008 Turkey Joint Workshop on Integrating GIS & RS in a Dynamic World Jun. 5-7, Tokyo, Global Mapping Forum http://www.iscgm.org/ 2008 Japan 2008 Jul. 1-5, 2008 Beijing, Spatial Accuracy 2008 [email protected] China Jul. 3-11, Beijing, XXI ISPRS Congress Chen Jun, congressdirector@isprs2008- 2008 China beijing.org http://www.isprs2008-beijing.org/ Jul. 3-11, Beijing, 4th International Sisi Zlatanova, 2008 China Symposium on [email protected]. Geospatial Information for Disaster Management (Gi4DM 2008) Sep. 29 - Oct. Darwin, 14th Australasian 3, Australia Remote 2008 Sensing & Photogrammetry Conference (ARSPC)

GEOMATICS – 2008

National Conference on “Geomatics for Planet Earth” & Annual Convention of Indian Society of Geomatics

18-20 February, 2008 at Bhopal

hosted by M.P. Council of Science and Technology, & ISG-Bhopal Chapter

Pre-Conference Tutorials planned on Feb. 16-17, 2008 on RS, GIS & GPS

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE: Prof. PRAMOD K. VERMA, Organising Secretary–GEOMATICS 2008 Director, Remote Sensing Applications Centre, M P Council of Science & Technology, Vigyan Bhawan, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal – 462 003. MP, India. Phone : 0755 - 2671602 Fax: 0755 - 2671602 Email: [email protected] Web: www.geomatics2008.org E-mail: [email protected]

ISG Newsletter 39 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 From ISG Secretariat i) National Geomatics Awards b) Chapter Audit Statements

The details of these awards were All the ISG Chapters are requested announced in ISG Newsletter, March to get their accounts audited at the 2007 as well as June-September 2007 earliest and send them to ISG HQ to issue. These details are also available in include in the audited report of the ISG website. The members are Society. requested to send their applications for awards for the year 2006-07 if they c) Chapter Elections for the Term have any outstanding contributions in 2008-2011 the field of Geomatics. The date for receiving the applications has been As per the constitution of the ISG, extended to 31-Jan-2008. the term of Executive Committees (EC) of the Chapters should coincide ii) Chapter activities and related issues with the Executive Council of ISG (HQ). The term of present ISG EC a) Active Chapter of the Year Award for the term 2005 -2008, expires on (2006-07) 31-March-2008. Therefore, ISG (HQ) has already announced Each chapter Chairman/Secretary is elections of office bearers and requested to send the application for members of executive council for the this award in the prescribed format to term 2008-2011. Therefore, all the the President/Secretary, ISG. The Chapters (except recently formed prescribed format for this award is chapters) are requested to announce available on ISG website. The date for elections for their respective Chapter receiving the applications has been executive committees. extended to 31-Jan-2008.

Chapter Activities

I. News from Ahmedabad Chapter carrying out various kinds of applications and decision making processes. Prof. C. N. Indian Society of Geomatics – Ahmedabad Ray, honoured the occasion as chief guest. Chapter organised a one day workshop on ‘GIS--A Tool for Sustainable Development’ Prof. A.R. Dasgupta, BISAG, Dr. R.N. Vakil, rd on 23 November 2007 as part of the GIS CEPT, and Dr. S.D. Naik, delivered lectures Week celebrations, jointly with School of to the workshop audience. The day included Planning, CEPT. On behalf of Dr. S.K. a students’ paper presentation cum Pathan, Chairman, ISG-AC, Prof. Anjana competition. Eleven presentations were Vyas, Vice-Chairman, ISG-AC welcomed the made on topics ranging from GIS delegates to the workshop and emphasised Applications in Oceanography, GIS in the significance of GIS technology for Sustainable Development Management, and

ISG Newsletter 40 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Sustainability in Urban Systems. Ms. in GIS and the role played by his institution Shrutika Parihar whose topic was Geo- in capacity building. Dr. S.K. Srivastava, referencing was awarded first place and Ms. Secretary, ISG-Pune Chapter proposed a Sangeetha Raghuram’s presentation was vote of thanks. The function ended with ranked as second. The judges based their High-Tea. decision on students maintaining the allotted time limit, organisation of their Highlight of the function was the presentations and their delivery. The presentations by the Students on the essay workshop concluded with a student quiz written by them on the earlier circulated competition on GIS wherein four teams topic Role of Geoinformatics in Disaster participated. Management. Students’ coverage of the topic was excellent. Three selected best essays were awarded with cash prizes along with certificates by ISG, Pune Chapter by the chief guest. Another highlight of the function was the Spot Quiz Competition conducted by Dr. Gautam, Treasurer, ISG Pune Chapter, to which all participants gave an excellent response. All successful participants of the quiz competition were awarded with prizes by the chief guest.

The function was attended by over 100 eminent participants, including ISG & ISRS members, invitees and a large number of students from various colleges in Pune. Prof. C.N. Ray inaugurates the GIS Day Workshop at CEPT, Ahmedabad Just before starting the function the organised by ISG-AC jointly with CEPT, gathering was informed about the sad marking the beginning of GIS Week demise of two eminent GIS personalities, celebrations at CEPT. Smt V. Deosthali and Prof. Madhav Kulkarni. As a mark of respect to the departed souls, two minutes silence was II. News from Pune Chapter observed.

GIS Day-2007 was celebrated by ISG, III. News from Vadodara Chapter Pune Chapter along with Indian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS), Pune Chapter on Technology Day: On the occasion of December 19, 2007 at Symbiosis Institute Technology Day on May 11, 2007, a of Geoinformatics, Pune. Dr. S.D. Naik, celebration was jointly arranged by Indian former Scientist from Space Applications Society of Geomatics (Vadodara Chapter) Centre, Ahmedabad, was the chief guest, and Regional Community Science Centre, who addressed the gathering on the topic Vadodara at the premises of the Regional Smile with GIS with his collection of Community Science Centre, Vadodara. cartoons on GIS. Shri R K Suryawanshi, Every year, Technology Day is celebrated to Chairman, ISG, Pune Chapter welcomed the commemorate the event of Nuclear Test by guests and briefed about the ISG activities Government of India on this day in 1998 at as well as the future role of Geoinformatics Pokhran. in various sectors, particularly stressing the industry-academia interaction. Smt As part of the celebrations, Dr. D.I. Bhatt, Sampada Joshi, Secretary, ISRS, Pune Director, Regional Community Science Chapter briefed about the ISRS activities in Centre, Vadodara explained the activities Pune. Brig. Khanzode, Director of the and future plans of the Centre. The chief Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics, Pune guest Dr. Karahdkar, Reader, Department also spoke on the various avenues available of Mechanical Engineering, M. S. Univ. of ISG Newsletter 41 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Baroda delivered a lecture on Baroda, by their gracious presence. Overall Conservation of Energy in an interesting the whole programme was a great success. way. Children enjoyed the lecture very much as he explained in a very simple language, the scientific basis of the routine World GIS Day: A half day seminar was day to day activities in our life. President of organised on November 21, 2007 by ISG, ISG, Vadodara Chapter, Dr. (Mrs.) G. Vadodara Chapter along with Computer Sandhya Kiran, delivered a lecture on Society of India, Vadodara Chapter and Geomatics made easy and also gave an Vadodara Internet Promotion Council to idea of the colours of different features in a celebrate World GIS Day. satellite image. She explained it in a very Chairman ISG, Vadodara Chapter, Dr. simple way so as to make the school going (Mrs.) G. Sandhya Kiran welcomed the children understand it, with the help of a gathering. The following four lectures were Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, using arranged on this occasion. both English and Gujarati. 1. Emerging technology - Dr. Buch At the end of this lecture, the students 2. Telemedicine - Shri Ravi Saxena were given a questionnaire to answer, 3. Basics of GIS - Shri Yogesh Manohar which had about 30 objective questions 4. Location based Services-Shri IC Matieda based on the two lectures delivered till then. All the students very enthusiastically The seminar was attended by a 140 odd participated in it. Three prizes were won by gathering of students, professors and local the school children. After this competition people, which reflected that such another activity on map colouring was celebrations will definitely aid in bringing arranged for the students by Dr. D.G. Shah. awareness about this technology. Moreover it was also notable that students doing Lastly, a vote of thanks was proposed by Masters degree and research from RS-GIS Dr. (Mrs.) Pracheeti Paradkar, an active lab had actively participated in making this member of ISG Vadodara Chapter. The function a success. This was acknowledged programme was well supported by all the by Shri R.D. Khamboj, the secretary of the members of the Chapter and M. Sc. Society in his vote of thanks. The seminar students of Botany Dept., M. S. Univ. of was concluded with the University song.

A Glimpse of the GIS Day celebration at ISG Pune Chapter

ISG Newsletter 42 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007

A few Glimpses of Technology Day Celebrations at ISG, Vadodara Chapter

World GIS Day Seminar at ISG Vadodara Chapter

ISG FELLOWS

1) ISG-F-1: Shri Pramod P. Kale, Pune 2) ISG-F-2: Dr. George Joseph, Ahmedabad 3) ISG-F-3: Dr. A.K.S. Gopalan, Secunderabad

ISG Newsletter 43 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007

ISG - PATRON MEMBERS

No Mailing Address P-1 Director, Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Jodhpur Tekra, AHMEDABAD 380 015 P-2 Settlement Commissioner, Gujarat, Multi-story Building, Lal Darwaja, AHMEDABAD 380 001 P-3 Commissioner, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Bandra- Kurla Complex, Bandra East, MUMBAI 400 051 P-4 Commissioner, land Records & Settlements Office, MP, GWALIOR 474 007 P-5 Director General, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), 12, Thube Park, Shivajinagar, PUNE 411 005 P-6 Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Antariksha Bhavan, New BEL Road, BANGALORE 560 094 P-7 Director General, Forest Survey of India, Kaulagarh Road, P.O. I.P.E., DEHRA DUN 248 195 P-8 Commissioner, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, VADODARA 390 001 P-9 Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT), Navarangpura, AHMEDABAD 380 009 P-10 ESRI INDIA, NIIT GIS Ltd., 8, Balaji Estate, Sudarshan Munjal Marg, Kalkaji, NEW DELHI 110 009 P-11 Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board (GWSSB), Jalseva Bhavan, Sector – 10A, GANDHINAGAR 382 010 P-12 Director, National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO), Salt Lake, KOLKATA 700 064 P-13 Director of Operations, GIS Services, Genesys International Corporation Ltd., 73 A, SDF-III, SEEPZ, MUMBAI 400 096 P-14 Managing Director, Speck Systems Limited, B-49, Electronics Complex, Kushiaguda, HYDERABAD 500 062 P-15 Director, Institute of Remote Sensing (IRS), Anna University, Sardar Patel Road, CHENNAI 600 025 P-16 Managing Director, Tri-Geo Image Systems Ltd., 813 Nagarjuna Hill, PunjaGutta, HYDERABAD 500 082 P-17 Managing Director, Scanpoint Graphics Ltd., B/h Town Hall, Ashram Road, AHMEDABAD 380 006 P-18 Institute for Sustainable Development Research Studies (ISDRS), 7, Manav Ashram Colony, Goplapura Mod, Tonk Road, JAIPUR 302 018 P-19 Defence institute for GeoSpatial Information & Training (DIGIT), C/O CAMS, Rao Tula Ram Marg, Cantt. NEW DELHI 110 010 P-20 Rolta India Ltd., Rolta Bhavan, 22nd Street, MIDC-Marol, Andheri East, MUMBAI 400 093 P-21 National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Deptt. Of Space, Govt. of India, Balanagar, HYDERABAD 500 037 P-22 ERDAS India Ltd., Plot No. 7, Type-I, IE Kukatpalli, HYDERABAD 500 072 P-23 Senior Manager, Library and Documentation, Larsen & Toubro Limited, P.B. No. 979, Mount Poonamallee Road, Manapakkam, CHENNAI – 600 089. Email: [email protected] P-24 Director, North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC), Department of Space, UMIAM, Meghalaya 793 103. Email: [email protected]

ISG Newsletter 44 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 New ISG Members added during September – December-2007

Sci./Engr, North Eastern Space Applications Centre L-931 Mr. Bijoy Krishna (NE-SAC), Deptt. of Space, Govt. of India, Umiam, Handique Meghalaya – 793 103. email: [email protected] Ms. Jonali Goswami Sci./Engr, North Eastern Space Applications Centre L-932 (NE-SAC), Deptt. of Space, Govt. of India, Umiam, Meghalaya – 793 103. email: [email protected] Mr. N. Mariappan Scientist, No.11, Lodi Khan Street, Palayamkottai, L-933 Thirunevelli , Tamil Nadu – 627 002. Email: [email protected] Mr. M. Vijay 9 – 4 /56, Mangala Vinayagar Street, Sriramnagar, L-934 Kottaiyur, Sivagangai District Tamil Nadu – 623 106 Email: [email protected] Dr. Mohammed Senior Manager, RMSI. D-2030, Gaur Green City, L-935 Irfan Ullah Indirapuram, Ghaziabad (U.P.) – 201 010. Email: [email protected] Dr. Senthil Technical Specialist, RMSI. No.45, Amaravathi Nagar L-936 Rajendran Main Road, Arumbakkam, Chennai – 600 106. Email: [email protected] Ms. Sara Naaz Asstt. Prof. House No. 28, MIGH, New Santosh Nagar L-937 Colony, Hyderabad 600 059. Email: [email protected] Mr. Sampath Kumar Scientist, Geoinformatics Division, RS & GIS L-938 Pabbisetty Applications Area, National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Balanagar, Hyderabad – 500 037. Mr. Harish Chandra Scientist, Geoinformatics Division, RS & GIS L-939 Karnatak Applications Area, National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Balanagar, Hyderabad – 500 037. Email: [email protected] Mr. G. Hanumantha Flat No. 2, Aakruti Mansion, Navodaya Colony, L-940 Rao Yellareddyguda, Hyderabad 500 073. Email: [email protected] Shaista Rasool Rajbagh Silk Factory Link Road, Near Khair Anam L-941 Masjid, Srinagar. Jammu & Kasmir Email: [email protected] Monisa Nisar 11-A, Sector-B, Green Avenue Peer Bagh, New Airport L-942 Road, Srinagar. Jammu & Kasmir email: [email protected] Mr. Harpinder Singh 187-F, Sh. Bhagat Singh Nagar, Pakhowal Road, L-943 Ludhina (Pinjab) – 141 002. Email: [email protected] Mr. Ajit Kumar Qr. No. D/78, Block – 13, Jayadev Vihar, L-944 Samal Bhubaneswar, Orissa – 751 013. email: [email protected] Ms. Mithun C/o K.K. Krmakar, Plot No. N5/305, IRC Village, L-945 Karmakar Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, Orissa – 751 015. email: [email protected] Mr. Krishna Qr. No. C/15, Utkal University Camous, Vanivihar, L-946 Chandra Rath Bhubaneswar, Orissa – 751 004. email:

ISG Newsletter 45 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Mr. Nihar Ranjan C/o N.C. Pattnaik, Plot No. 556, Saheed Nagar, L-947 Das Bhubaneswar, Orissa – 751 007. email: [email protected] Mr. Manas Ranjan C/o N.C. Pattnaik, Plot No. 556, Saheed Nagar, L-948 Das Bhubaneswar, Orissa – 751 007. email: Mr. Bidyut Kumar Plot No. 28/G, Gajapati Nagar, Nandan Kanan Road, L-949 Patra Bhubaneswar, Orissa - Mr. Subash Chandra D – 13/4, Rental colony, Baramunda, Bhubaneswar, L-950 Mahala Orissa – 751 015. Email: [email protected] Dr. Ram Niwas Prof. of Geology, University Deptt. of Geography, T.M. L-951 Pandey Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur – 812 007 (Bihar) Mr. Arbinda Sharma Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), L-952 Kharagpur – 721 302 (West Bengal) Email: [email protected] Mr. S K Hiremath Defence Lecturer, Fly View Residency, Flat No. 08, L-953 Warje Flyover Bridge, Above Bank of Maharashtra, Warje, PUNE – 411 058 Email: [email protected] Dr. Arun Arya Dept. of Botany, Faculty of Science, M.S. Univ. of L-954 Baroda, Vadodara 390002 [email protected] Dr. Aruna Joshi Dr. Joshi's house, Dandia Bazar, Vadodara 390001 L-955 [email protected] Dr. Darshika N. 77, Giriraj", Gulabvatika Society, Behind Rajvee L-956 Shah Towers, Old Padra Road, Vadodara 390020 [email protected] Dr. K.C.Tiwari Dept. of Geology, Faculty of Science, M.S. Univ. L-957 Vadodara 390002. [email protected] Dr. Pracheeti 14, Pancharatna Society, Opp. Panchavati, Refinery L-958 Prashant Paradkar Road, Gorwa, Vadodara 390016 [email protected] Dr. Pragna Hitesh Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Science, M.S. Univ., L-959 Parikh Vadodara 390001. [email protected] Mr. Aniruddha R. A/9, Anu Co-op Housing Society, Danteshwar, L-960 Gore Pratapnagar, Vadodara 390004

Mr. Girish Joshi Dr. Joshi's house, Dandia Bazar, Vadodara 390001 L-961

Mr. Kiran B. Garge 202, Anand Plaza Apts., R.V. Desai Road, Vadodara L-962 390001 [email protected] Mr. Kunal 43, Jyoti Park Society, Karelibaug, Vadodara 390018 L-963 Vatsyayan [email protected]

Dr. Padamnabhi S. Dept. of Botany, Faculty of Science, M.S. Univ. of L-964 Nagar Baroda, Vadodara 390002. [email protected] Mr. R.D.Kambhoj 12, Forest Society, Behind Yash Complex, Gotri Road, L-965 Baroda email: [email protected] Mr. Satish V. Joshi Dr. Joshi's house, Dandia Bazar, Vadodara 390001 L-966 [email protected] Mr. Tulsibhai C-9, Maruti Township, Behind Asopalav Society, L-967 Lavjibhai Patel Nizampura, Vadodara ISG Newsletter 46 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Ms. Alpana "Madhura", Opp. Kalabhavan, Nazerpaga Lane, Dandia L-968 Revdandekar Bazar, Vadodara [email protected] Ms. Ashwini Madhav Baug Dhela, Near Amar Jyot Society, L-969 Mudaliar Makarpura Road, Vadodara 390004. [email protected] Dr. Dolly Kumar Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Science, MSU of Baroda L-970 390002. [email protected] Dr. Geeta Padate Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Science, MSU of Baroda L-971 [email protected] Ms. Kinnari 59, Rajpath Society, Near Tube Company, Old Padra L-972 Ashokbhai Shah Road, Vadodara 390020 [email protected] Ms. Preeti Baria H.No. 85/II, Manibhai Park Society, Ajwa Road, Near L-973 Sayajipura, Vadodara 390019 [email protected] Ms. Ramandeep Raijee Heerabhai Patel Bldg., 3rd floor, Chhani, L-974 Kaur Malhi Vadodara 391740 [email protected] Ms. Smita M. Faculty of Management Studies, M.S. Univ. of Baroda, L-975 Trivedi Fatehgunj, Vadodara 390002 [email protected] Ms. Usha Joshi 770/C, Shitalkunj Sector, Fertiliser Nagar, Vadodara L-976 391750 Dr. Saeid Pirasteh Remote Sensing and GIS, Faculty of Engineering, L-977 Islamic Azad University, Dezful, IRAN Email: [email protected] Dr. A.P. Krishna Prof. Remote Sensing Department, Birla Institute of L-978 Technology (BIT) Mesra, Ranchi – 835 215 ( Jharkhand) Email: [email protected] Mr. Rajendra N. C-10/15,DOS Colony – Vikramnagar, Behind ISKON L-979 Gaikwad Temple, Ahmedabad 380 015. email: [email protected] Dr. Kali Charan Janana Hospital Road, Near Sports Corner, L-980 Sahu Behrampura, Ganjam, Orissa – 760 001. Email: [email protected] Mr. Mehjoor Ahmad Iqbal Abad, Near Fire Service Station, Kangan, L-981 Lone Ganderbal, Kashmir, J & K – 191 202. Email: [email protected] Mr. Sachin Lecturer, Institute of Geoinformatics, 656, Sctor – 37, L-982 Bhardwaj Pace City-II, Gurgaon – 122 001 (Haryana) Dr. Nagraj S. Patil Asst. Prof. House No. 10 – 41, Behind Court, Mahant L-983 Nagar, Gulbarga, Karnataka – 585 102. Email: [email protected] Dr. Rahul Dev Garg Asstt. Prof. Geomatics Engineering, Civil Engineering L-984 Department, IIT – Roorkee, Roorkee (Uttarakhand) – 247667. email: [email protected] Prof Rohit Goyal Prof & Head, 3 – TA – 41, Jawahar Nagar, JAIPUR – L-985 302 004. email: [email protected] Dr. J. Programme Co-ordinator, NRR, EOS, ISRO HQ, L-986 Krishnamurthy Department of Space, Antariksha Bhavan, Bangalore – 560 094. Email: [email protected]

ISG Newsletter 47 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Dr. M.D. Joshi 1-A, Shree Vihar, Lambhvel – Bakrol Road, Anand, L-987 Gujarat – 388 315. Email: [email protected] Mr. Ritesh Kumar Scientist, EEL, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel L-988 Research (CIMFR), Barwa Road, Dhanbad, Jharkhand – 826 001. Email: [email protected] Dr (Ms) Dipanwita Scientist, 4301, ATD/GTDG/RESA, Space Applications L-989 Haldar Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad 380 015. Email: [email protected] Dr. P. Rajakumar Asstt. Engr. 6/34, Yadaval Street, Kottur, Chennai – L-990 600 085. Email: prkgt Mr. Suddhasheel WLE-115, Geoinformatics Lab, Deptt. of Civil L-991 Ghosh Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), KANPUR – 208 016. Email: [email protected] Dr. V.E. Nethaji No. 15, 4th Sector, 19th Street, KK Nagar, Chennai- L-992 Mariappan 600078 Email: [email protected] Mr. Ranjit Das Scientist, North Eastern Space Aplications Centre L-993 (NESAC), Deptt. Of Space, Govt of India, Umiam, Meghalaya – 793 103. Email: [email protected] ANNUAL MEMBERS

Mr. Gowhar Meraj C/O Lofeline Electronics, Nawpora, Khanyar, Srinagar A-32 (J&K) – 190 003. Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Lachipora, The. URI, Dist: Baramulla, Jammu & A-33 Hajam Kashmir – 193 122. Mr. Bilal Ahmad S/O Mohd Jabar Malik, Khull Asdpora, Kulgam, Jammu A-34 Malik & Kashmir . Mr. Ikhlak Ahmad S/o Mohd Sardar Mir, R/o Konan Bandipora, Jammu & A-35 Mir Kashmir – 193 502. Mr. Qaisar Meraj S/o Mr. Meraj-U-Din Pandit, House No. 503, Lane A-36 No.5, Umar Colony ‘B’, Lal Bazar, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Email: [email protected] Mr. Khurshid S/o GH Mohd Malik, Malik Gund, Dist: Shopian, A-37 Ahamd Malik Jammu & Kashmir. Mr. Mansha Nisar 62 – Gogji Bagh, Opp. Govt. Polytechnic, Srinagar, A-38 Jammu & Kashmir – 190 008. Mr. Muzamil Amin Dabla Manzil, Pandan Nowhatta, Srinagar, Jammu & A-39 Kashmir. Mr. Taabish Nazir S/o Nazir Ahmad Bisati, 71 – A, Hilal Abad, Sector -1 A-40 Qamarwari, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir – 190 010. Rais Ahmad Shah Green Lane – II, Kanitar, Sudrabal, Srinagar, Jammu A-41 & Kashmir – 190 006 Manzoor Ahmad S/o Ab. Gaffar Najar, Arampora, Sopora, Dist: A-42 Najar Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir. Email: [email protected] Zahid Majeed Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, University of A-43 Kashmir, Hazaratbal, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir – 190 006. Email: [email protected] Syed Mehraj – Ud- Lower Munda Verinag Doru, Anantnag, Jammu & A-44 Din Kashmir Arshad Amin 19-MMA, Mohsinul Mulk Hall, AMU, Aligarh – 202002 A-45 email: [email protected]

ISG Newsletter 48 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Fouzia Fatima Drabu House, Karan Nagar, Sringar, Jammu & A-46 Kashmir Ms. SwetaNisha C/O Mahendra Prasad, At: Sunderpur, PO: A-47 Bahachowki, Dist: Mungair (Bihar) Ms. Pushpalata D/O Shree Sitaram Paswan, At: Sunderpur, A-48 Kumari PO: Bahachowki, Dist: Mungair (Bihar)

Mr. Shahnawaz C/O Mohd. Sohail Ahmed, At: Roushan Bagh A-49 Ahmed Asanbani, Dist: Godda – 814 133 (Jharkhand) Ms. Meenakshi C/O Arun Kumar Singh, AT: Chandwa, PO: Rupaspur, A-50 Singh Via Purnia (HO) Dist: Katihar – 854 301 (Bihar) Email: [email protected] Mr. Rajendra Kumar S/O Shri Jarmani Mandal, Vill: Daspur, PO: Dariapur, A-51 Dist: Bhagalpur – 812 006 (Bihar) Mr. Shashi Ranjan S/O Samir Chandra Dutta, At: Bijainagar, Dist: Banka A-52 Dutta (Bihar) – 818 102 Ms. Nivedita Kumari C/o Shree S.N. Chaudhary (PSI), At & PO: A-53 Mirachaibari officer Colony, Dist: Katihar (Bihar) - Mr. Chintan Saujanya, A-1, Parisnagar, Near Lious Hall, Utkarsh A-54 Chaitanya Buch Vidyalaya Road, Vadodara 390 007. email: [email protected] Dr. Chaitanya S. Pooja Clinic, F-10, Aries Complex, Above Jay Siyaram A-55 Buch Peda, Productivity Road, Sampatrao Colony, Baroda – 390 007. email: [email protected] Mr. Dipak Shantilal 36/B, Suryanagar, Behind Citizen Society, Atma Jyoti A-56 Tadvi Ashram Road, Ellora Park, Vadodara 390007

Mr. Harsh B.Mehta 46, Sundaramnagar, Vasna Road, Opp. Vasna Jakat A-57 Naka, Vadodara 390015

Mr. Kamlesh Dept. of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, MSU of A-58 Rajendra Trivedi Baroda

Mr. Krunal C-18, Maninagar Society No.1, Gorwa-Panchawati A-59 Milankumar Purohit Road, Vadodara 390016 [email protected] Mr. Nilesh C. Gurav 206, Ramji Mandir, Wadi Rangmahal, Vadodara A-60 390017 [email protected] Mr. Shabbir Opp. Vohra Cottage, Godhra 389001. A-61 Khuzemabhai Dalal [email protected] Ms. Amee Natvarlal 204, Shivashish Flats, 1-2, Chanakyapark Society, A-62 Padhiar Akota, Baroda. [email protected] Ms. Anusha 10, Radheshyam Apts., Plot No. 6, GIDC Vapi 396195 A-63 Kadarkarai Andy Ms. Archana B. Roy C/o B. Roy, SMQ, W-10, Air Force Station, Malhar A-64 Camp, Makarpura, Vadodara 390014. Ms. Dhara 22, Hariom Nagar, Atma Jyoti Ashram Road, Ellora A-65 Janakkumar Gandhi Park, Vadodara 390023. [email protected] Ms. Harshada 94, Ashutosh Nagar, Karelibaug, Vadodara 390018 A-66 Hemant Sant [email protected] Ms. Hetvi G/5, Saikrupa Apts., Desai Street, Mograwadi, Valsad A-67 Chetankumar Desai 396001 [email protected] ISG Newsletter 49 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 Ms. Komal V. Ghanchi Mahollo, Behind Tower, Vadivadi, Raopura, A-68 Chauhan Vadodara 390001. [email protected] Ms. Koojan C/o Kapilbhai Shah, Vinoba Ashram, Gotri, Vadodara A-69 Chaitanyabhai Bhatt 390002

Ms. Krishna 13/A, Panchal Nagar, Behind Krishna Park, Ajwa Road, A-70 Ranjankumar Vadodara 390019. [email protected] Panchal Ms. Kruti A. Shah 5, Chandrodaya Society, Opp. Panigate Petrol Pump, A-71 Aurvedic, Vadodara 390019 Ms. Payal C/24, Shreepadnagar Society, Near Wagheshwari A-72 Ashwinbhai Shah Society, Karelibaug, Vadodara 390018 Ms. Pearl Shah Bombay House, Arad Road, 2nd Floor, 2nd Room, A-73 Halol 389350 Ms. Pooja R. Yadav GF, Shivalaya Flat, Near Samrajya Flat, Rameshwar A-74 Mandir Road, Subhanpura, Vadodara 390023 Ms. Poonam S. Raghuvansh Apts., Ranjan Society, C-6, Chickoowadi, A-75 Mangalorekar Vadodara. [email protected]

Ms. Praseeja O. 290, G.L. Yard, Rly Colony, Godhra 389001 A-76 Shah Ms. Sheetal C. 18/A, Shrikrishna Sarvodaya Society, Arunachal Road, A-77 Solanki Subhanpura, Vadodara 390023

Ms. Shivangi J. 25, Shivsagar Society, Near Kamala Nehru Park, A-78 Darji Nizampura, Vadodara 390002. [email protected] Ms. Sneha S. Burse A/14, Shreedarshan Society, Behind Pancham Park, A-79 Opp. Voltamp, Maneja, Vadodara 390013. [email protected] Ms. Sneha G-9, Heera Laxmi Park, Chanakyapuri Char Rasta, A-80 Chandrprakash New Sama Road, Vadodara. Singh [email protected] Ms. Suranjana Das A/71, Palash Tower, Prathamesh Complex, Andheri A-81 (W), Mumbai 400053. [email protected] Ms. Vibhuti Jansari 503, Pawanveer Apts., Pratapgunj, Vadodara 390002. A-82 [email protected] Dr. Shahid E. Ratnipora Pulwama Via Pampore 192 121 A-83 Murtaza Mr. Naseer Ahmed Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, University of A-84 Lone Kashmir, Hazaratbal, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir – 190 006, email: [email protected] Mr. Waseem Raja C/o Cattle Research Station, Manasbal, Safapora, A-85 Ganderbal, Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) Mr. Shahnaz Ahmad Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, University of A-86 Najar Kashmir, Hazaratbal, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir – 190 006, email: [email protected]

ISG Newsletter 50 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007 INDIAN SOCIETY OF GEOMATICS (ISG) (www.isgindia.org)

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM

To: The Secretary, Indian Society of Geomatics Building No. 40, Room No. 36, Space Applications Centre (SAC) Campus Jodhpur Tekra, Ambawadi PO, AHMEDABAD – 380 015

Sir, I want to become a Life Member/ Sustaining Member/ Patron Member/Annual Member of the Indian Society of Geomatics, Ahmedabad from ------Month of ------year.

Membership fee of Rs./US$ _____ /- is being sent to you by Cash/ DD/ Cheque (In case of DD/ Cheque: No.______, drawn on Bank ______payable at Ahmedabad. For outstation cheques add clearing charges Rs 65.00/US$ 10.00). I agree to abide by the constitution of the Society. Date: Place: Signature 1. Name: (Dr / Mr / Mrs/ Ms) ______2. Address: ______PIN: ______Phone: ______Fax: ______Email: ______3. Date of Birth: ______4. Sex (Male/Female): ______5. Qualification: ______6. Specialisation: ______7. Designation: ______8. Membership in other Societies: ______9. Mailing Address: ______PIN: ______Proposed by: (Member’s Name and No) Signature of Proposer

For Office Use ISG Membership No: ISG- - Receipt No.: Date:

ISG Newsletter 51 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007

MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION Sr. Membership Admission Fee Annual No. Category ------Subscription Rs. (Indian) US $ (Foreign) Rs. (Indian) 1. Annual Member 10.00 200.00 2. Life Member a) Admitted before 45 years of age 1000.00 250.00 b) Admitted after 45 years of age 750.00 200.00

3. Sustaining Member ------2000.00 4. Patron Member 15000.00 2500.00 ---- 5. Student Member 10.00 --- 50.00

MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES

1. Subscription for Life Membership is also accepted in two equal installments payable within duration of three months, if so desired by the applicant. In such a case, please specify that payment will be in installments and also the probable date for the second installment (within three months of the first installment).

2. A Member of the Society should countersign application of membership.

3. Subscription in DD or Cheque should be made out in the name of ‘INDIAN SOCIETY OF GEOMATICS‟ and payable at Ahmedabad.

4. Outstation cheques must include bank-clearing charges of Rs. 65.00/US$ 10.00.

5. For further details, contact Secretary, Indian Society of Geomatics at the address given above.

6. Financial year of the society is from April 1 to March 31.

7. ISG has chapters already established at the following places: Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Mangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Tiruchirappalli and Vadodara. Applicants for membership have the option to contact Secretary/Chairman of the local chapter for enrolment. Details can be found at the website of the society: www.isgindia.org

8. Journal of the society will be sent only to Patron Members, Sustaining Members and Life Members.

ISG Newsletter 52 Volume 13, No. 4, December 2007