While emphasizing the importance of maps for developmental purposes, Mr. Sibal said that it is unfortunate that maps in India are not so easily accessible.

Geoinformatics Industry Meet, being jointly organized by the Centre for Spatial Database Management and Solutions (CSDMS) and GIS Development, was the first of its kind to promote mapping and GIS to the highest policy level.

Senior officials of almost all the important companies operating in the field were present, and high level officials from Survey of India and Department of Science and Technology, accompanied the Hon'ble Minister from the government side.

Dr. Ravi Gupta, Editor-in-Chief of GIS Development and Information for Development (i4d) magazines, made a presentation on behalf of the industry outlining the potential and prospects of GIS and mapping, for national development and urging the vital need to bring in reforms in existing map policy and provide more conducive framework for public-private partnership.

He explained how the development in general has been hampered due to a seemingly non-supportive policy framework, despite the country having the best of spatial data, manpower and technical abilities.

He put great emphasis on investment in producing large scale and accurate mapping of the country. This, in his opinion could help resolve lot of issues of national development, thereby contributing effectively towards increasing the country's GDP.

Responding to the presentation, Mr. Kapil Sibal highlighted the potential of maps and advocated their usage in almost all walks of life.

While elaborating on the usage of maps for overall development of the country, he agreed that roadblocks blocking more liberal mapping policy need to be addressed and re-examined.

He told the gathering that his ministry is resolving the issues in consultation with the Ministry of Defense. While addressing key representatives of the geoinformatics industry, Mr. Sibal highlighted the need for both the government and industry to join hands to develop the maps of needed scales.

A joint enterprise, on an equal partnership basis, providing a win-win situation for both, was hinted at. He proposed that in such a venture, the government would be responsible for providing large-scale maps and the private sector could contribute added value on many aspects, providing solutions and services to a large potential market.

While doing so, the commercial interest of Survey of India, and all relevant government departments, shall be taken into account and adequately paid for its wealth of knowledge.

He specifically called upon industry to come forward and become a partner in realizing this large market potential.

He also said that government is open to developing Special Purpose Vehicles to attract technological and financial investment, and invited a win-win model for joint enterprise from industry to be formulated. All the leading geoinformatics companies present in the country attended the Meet.

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