IIT Bhubaneswar Partners with Survey of India to Advance Geo-Spatial Technology
Bhubaneswar, November 27, 2025 — In a significant move to boost the development and application of geo-spatial technologies in India, the Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (IIT BBS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Survey of India (SoI). The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, bringing together the expertise of both institutions to foster innovation in fields such as geodesy, geo-informatics, mapping technologies, and geospatial research.
Enhancing Geospatial Capabilities
Geo-spatial technologies play a critical role in various sectors including urban planning, mining, environmental management, digitization of land records, and navigation systems. The partnership aims to harness information and data from satellites to create advanced mapping technologies that can track and analyze changes in the Earth’s surface, maintain accurate land records, and address complex geographical and earth science challenges.
According to Prof. Raj K Singh, Head of the School of Earth, Ocean, and Climate Sciences at IIT Bhubaneswar, “By using satellite data, we can develop mapping solutions to monitor trends in Earth’s topography, which is crucial for effective resource management and scientific exploration.”
Leveraging Complementary Expertise
The collaboration will capitalize on the Survey of India’s vast technical know-how in geospatial science and IIT Bhubaneswar’s strong research background in remote sensing, geo-dynamical studies, climate science, and earth sciences. This synergy is expected to elevate research capabilities, promote knowledge exchange, and stimulate innovation in emerging geospatial technologies.
Under the MoU, both parties will undertake joint research projects, share scientific and technical information, and organize workshops, lectures, and conferences aimed at capacity building and advancing scientific understanding in this domain.
Dinakar Pasla, Professor and Dean of Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy at IIT Bhubaneswar, highlighted the vision behind the partnership: “This collaboration is poised to create a dynamic platform for innovation and research, fostering a deeper integration of geospatial technologies in various scientific and practical applications.”
The memorandum was also signed by Asish Kausal, Director of the Odisha and Chhattisgarh Geo-Spatial Directorate at the Survey of India, marking the formal commitment of both institutions to this joint initiative.
Implications for Research and Development
This alliance is anticipated not only to strengthen the academic and research landscape in India but also to contribute significantly to the development of cutting-edge geospatial solutions that can benefit multiple industries and government functions.
An official statement from IIT Bhubaneswar emphasized that the partnership underscores the dedication of both organizations to advancing scientific research and technological development in India, particularly in the fast-evolving field of geospatial science.
As India continues to expand its capabilities in satellite technology and earth observation, initiatives such as this strategic partnership between IIT Bhubaneswar and the Survey of India are vital steps toward harnessing data-driven insights for sustainable development and scientific progress.
Reported by Hrusikesh Mohanty from Bhubaneswar, covering developments in science, environment, and technology.
