Which Organization Creates the Topographical Maps of India?

The Survey of India (SOI) is the national organization responsible for creating topographical maps of India. It works under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Founded in 1767 during British rule, it is one of the oldest engineering departments of the Indian government. The SOI is headed by the Surveyor General of India, who is currently Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana.

Historical Background of Survey of India

The Survey of India was officially set up in 1767 by the British East India Company. The first modern scientific survey was carried out by John Mather between 1793 and 1796, under the orders of Col. Alexander Read. This survey covered the Baramahal region, which is now part of Tamil Nadu.

In 1802, CoI. William Lambton stated the Great Trigonometrical Survey, which aimed to map the entire subcontinent. This project continued for 50 years and was completed in 1852 under Lt. George Everest. During this survey, Radhanath Sikdar, a mathematician, measured Mount Everest at 29,002 feet, which was later covered to 29,037 feet. This survey marked the beginning of systematic topographical.

Organization and Structure of Survey of India

The Survey of India is headquartered in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It has:

• 18 geospatial divisions, handling different survey-related activities like aerial surveys and tide  predictions.
• 23 Geo-spatial Data Centers across India, which manage the mapping and surveying tasks for their regions.

Main Responsibilities of Survey of India

The Survey of India handles various responsibilities, such as:

Advising the Government

Acts as an advisor to the Government of India on cartography-related matters, including mapping, geodesy and photogrammetry.

Naming and Spelling

Responsible for standardizing the names and spellings of geographical features in India.

Map Certification and Publishing

• It scrutinizes and certifies external boundaries and coastlines of India shown on maps published by other agencies.
• It publishes tide tables and maps of India.

Surveying and Mapping

Conducts surveys related to:

• Geodetic control
• Topographical surveys
• Geophysical surveys
• Cadastral surveys
• Aeronautical charts
• Geological maps

Border and Boundary Destination

The SOI responsible for marking national and inter-state boundaries.

Oceanic Tidal Prediction

It predicts tides at 44 ports, including 14 international ports.

Research and Development

The organization conducts research in areas like geodesy, cartography and photogrammetry.

Training

It offers training to central and state government departments and even to foreign agencies.

Maps and Accessibility

The Survey of India publishes different types of maps:

• Unrestricted maps: These can be easily purchased by Indian citizens from Geo-spatial Data Centers.
• Restricted maps: These require special government approval.

Earlier, only Indian citizens could buy topographical maps, and they were not allowed to be exported. However, on 15 February 2021, the Indian government announced a new mapping policy, easing many restrictions related to mapping.