Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics: Driving India’s Geospatial Future

Published on June 5, 2025

The Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N) is a premier institution driving innovation in geospatial technology and satellite communication. As an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), BISAG-N transforms governance, planning, and socio-economic development through advanced GIS solutions. In this blog, we’ll explore BISAG-N’s mission, key contributions, and its impact on India’s Digital India initiative. Moreover, we’ll highlight how its work in geo-informatics and disaster management is shaping a smarter, more resilient future.

What is BISAG-N?

Originally established in 1997 as the Remote Sensing and Communication Centre (RESECO) in Gujarat, BISAG-N was renamed in 2003 to honor the 12th-century Indian mathematician Bhaskaracharya. Today, it operates as a cornerstone for geospatial technology, providing end-to-end solutions in satellite communication, geo-informatics, and geospatial applications. Consequently, BISAG-N supports critical national programs like Digital India and PM-GatiShakti by leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and big data analytics.

Core Domains of BISAG-N

BISAG-N focuses on three primary domains:

• Satellite Communication: BISAG-N promotes satellite-based broadcasting for interactive training, education, and capacity building, ensuring seamless communication across India’s diverse regions.
• Geo-informatics: By creating multi-purpose digital databases, BISAG-N enables sector-specific applications for governance, urban planning, and resource management.
• Geospatial Technology: From photogrammetry to terrain modeling, BISAG-N delivers cutting-edge GIS solutions for agriculture, disaster management, and infrastructure development.

These domains collectively empower BISAG-N to address real-world challenges. For instance, its GIS-based systems help governments make data-driven decisions, thereby enhancing efficiency and transparency.

Key Contributions to Governance and Development

BISAG-N’s work has far-reaching implications for India’s development. Specifically, it provides map-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to streamline urban planning, agriculture, and water resource management. Additionally, BISAG-N’s disaster management solutions offer geospatial data to assess and mitigate damage during natural calamities. For example, its collaboration with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) integrates remote sensing and GIS into auditing processes, ensuring greater accountability.

Furthermore, BISAG-N has partnered with the Indian Army to develop GIS and IT-based tools, boosting operational capabilities through innovative technology. This collaboration underscores BISAG-N’s role in fostering national security and resilience.

Supporting Digital India and PM-GatiShakti

One of BISAG-N’s standout contributions is its alignment with the Digital India initiative. By integrating AI, machine learning, and geospatial data, BISAG-N creates robust decision-support systems for government agencies. Similarly, its work with PM-GatiShakti enhances infrastructure planning by providing geospatial insights for seamless project execution. As a result, BISAG-N is a key enabler of India’s digital transformation, making governance more accessible and efficient.

Innovations in Education and Research

Beyond governance, BISAG-N promotes education and research through its Academy for Geo-informatics. This initiative provides training and capacity-building programs to empower professionals and students in geospatial technology. Moreover, BISAG-N’s research efforts focus on areas like photogrammetry, remote sensing, and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), driving innovation across sectors.

Why BISAG-N Matters

In a rapidly digitizing world, BISAG-N’s contributions are invaluable. Its ability to integrate satellite communication, geo-informatics, and geospatial technology ensures sustainable development and informed decision-making. Whether it’s supporting disaster management or enabling smart cities, BISAG-N is paving the way for a technology-driven future. Therefore, its role as a national agency under MeitY is critical to India’s growth story.

Conclusion

The Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics is more than just a technical agency; it’s a catalyst for change. By harnessing geospatial technology, satellite communication, and GIS solutions, BISAG-N is transforming how India plans, governs, and grows. As we move toward a digitally empowered nation, BISAG-N’s innovations will continue to shape a brighter, more connected future