Survey of India

Home
/
Current Affairs
/
Survey of India

Context: Objections to the Survey of India (SoI) report concerning the construction of a mega car park project by
Kerala in the Mullaperiyar catchment area were raised by the Tamil Nadu State government.

About Survey of India:

Organization Name	Survey of India (SoI)
Parent Department	Department of Science and Technology
Establishment	Set up in 1767 during British rule in India
Role	Nation\'s principal mapping agency; responsible for exploration and mapping to provide base maps for development
Evolution	Evolved rich traditions over the years; started with 5 Directorates in 1950, now expanded to 18 Directorates across the country
Focus Areas	Mapping needs of Defense Forces; land and resource management; scientific research in geo-sciences, remote sensing, and digital data transfers
Advisory Role	Provides expert advice to various ministries on survey matters; assists in settlement of international borders and state boundaries
Contribution to Scientific Programmes	Assists in geo-physics, remote sensing, and digital data transfer related scientific programmes
Core Responsibilities	Geodetic control and surveys <br> - Topographical surveys and mapping <br> - Production of geographical maps and aeronautical charts
Additional Functions	Surveys for developmental projects; mapping of forests, cantonments, city surveys, cadastral surveys, etc.; demarcation of India\'s external boundaries
Research and Development	Conducts R&D in cartography, printing, geodesy, photogrammetry, and topographical surveys
Navigational Support	Predicts tides at 44 ports including foreign ports; publishes Tide Tables one year in advance to support navigational activities
Scrutiny and Certification	Certifies external boundaries and coastline on maps published by other agencies, including private publishers

Duties and responsibilities of the Survey of India (SoI):

• Conducting Geodetic Control, Geodetic Surveys, and Geophysical Surveys.
• Undertaking Topographical Control, Surveys, and Mapping across India.
• Mapping and Producing Geographical Maps and Aeronautical Charts.
• Conducting Surveys for various developmental projects.
• Surveying forests, cantonments, large-scale city areas, creating guide maps, and performing cadastral surveys.
• Surveying and Mapping special maps as required.
• Ensuring correct spellings of geographical names on maps.
• Demarcating External Boundaries of India, depicting them on maps published within the country, and providing advice on inter-state boundary demarcation.