Natmo plans open-access digital library of India maps

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is currently considering a proposal by the National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (Natmo) to develop a digital library where anybody can check an e-version of Indian maps, as they will be put up on an open-access domain.

"Natmo is developing a digital library and the proposal is under consideration by the DST. It will be implemented soon," Ashutosh Sharma, secretary in the department of science and technology said during the 60th anniversary celebrations of Natmo in Kolkata.

If approved, this move will let all Indian maps go digital in several regional languages.

The maps will be thematic and represent different views on fronts such as environment, physical, socio-economics, culture, demography, etc. This National Atlas should be of great help for scientists, researchers and students.

If things go as planned, the thematic maps of India will be available in the digital world within a year. A committee of scientific experts will oversee the development of these maps so that they are formed by keeping in mind the scientific vision.

Moreover, several web applications based on location-based services of the maps will also be developed at Natco.

In accordance with the government of India's 'Digital India' initiative, DST is contributing in a very big way, according to an official statement. The organisation is in the process of designing several training programmes for working with the Survey of India for digital mapping.

The team also feels the need for a scientific interface which can guide them about the technology upgrades and in which direction they should move. For this purpose, they need the involvement of digital communication experts and web technology developers.