National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 awarded to INCOIS for pioneering the use of open-source GIS tools like QGIS and GeoServer in ocean services, disaster alerts, and the Blue Economy strategy.
📢 INCOIS Receives National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025
Introduction: INCOIS’s Recognition for GIS Innovation
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences in Hyderabad, has clinched the prestigious National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025. This accolade was conferred at the Open Source GIS Day (Edition 02) event hosted by IIT Bombay, underscoring INCOIS’s breakthrough in harnessing open-source geospatial technologies for ocean information services
Award Ceremony and Key Personalities
The award was presented by A.S. Kiran Kumar, former Chairman of ISRO, to T. M. Balakrishnan Nair, Director of INCOIS. Their roles exemplify the synergy between institutional vision and leadership in geospatial R&D
Open‑Source GIS: A Strategic Shift
INCOIS has made decisive strides in adopting tools like QGIS and GeoServer—eliminating reliance on costly proprietary software. This transformation enables smoother integration of ocean data into real-time mapping platforms, accessible to researchers, disaster managers, and fishermen alike
Real‑Time Ocean Data for Multiple Stakeholders
INCOIS’s GIS-powered services support diverse use-cases:
- Tsunami and storm surge warnings for coastal safety
- Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories for fishermen
- Marine ecosystem monitoring and coastal vulnerability assessments
- Satellite and buoy-based data integration for accurate ocean modelling
National Impact & Cost-Efficiency
By favoring open-source GIS, INCOIS offers cost-effective, transparent, and scalable solutions—advancing Marine Geospatial Intelligence. Such innovation is more than just technical; it positions India as a leader in Blue Economy and coastal disaster preparedness
Why This News Is Important 🧭
Enhances Exam-Relevant Knowledge
For aspirants of UPSC, SSC CGL/MTS, RRB, Banking, and CAPF, this news is highly relevant in sections such as Science & Technology, Environment, Disaster Management, and Governance.
Highlights Governmental Technical Initiatives
It reflects the government’s emphasis on open-source technologies through institutions like INCOIS—showcasing a shift towards cost-effective, globally-relevant, and indigenous tech solutions.
Showcases Inter-Ministry Collaboration
The synergy between MoES, ISRO (via A.S. Kiran Kumar), and IIT Bombay reflects India’s multi-institutional approach to tackling coastal and disaster challenges through geospatial capabilities.
Strengthens Blue Economy & Coastal Governance
INCOIS’s innovation enhances maritime planning, fisheries regulation, and disaster response systems, which are integral to India’s coastal economic and strategic growth under programs like Sagarmala.
Aligns with UPSC & PSC Focus Areas
This event is a prime example of evolving trends in GIS, remote sensing, and big-data analytics—areas that feature prominently in the current affairs segment of government exams.
Historical Context: Geospatial in Indian Ocean Governance
Establishment & Evolution of INCOIS
Founded in 1999 as a Centre of Excellence in Operational Oceanography, INCOIS has been at the forefront of ocean observation and forecasting. It was created to consolidate India’s marine data systems under one umbrella
Rise of Open‑Source GIS in India
Open-source platforms such as QGIS and GeoServer have gained prominence over the past decade for their affordability and adaptability, especially when compared to paid GIS tools.
National Recognition through Awards
The National Geospatial Practitioner Award was established to encourage the adoption of indigenous spatial technologies within both government and private spheres. INCOIS’s win highlights this ongoing paradigm shift
Coastal Risks & GIS Intervention
India’s lengthy coastline is vulnerable to tsunamis, cyclones, and sea-level rise. GIS-based systems have become essential for early warning systems, coastal planning, and disaster mitigation.
Key Takeaways from “INCOIS Award 2025”
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | INCOIS received the National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 for marine geospatial intelligence |
| 2 | Awarded at Open Source GIS Day (Edition 02) at IIT Bombay, by ex‑ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar |
| 3 | The use of QGIS and GeoServer reflects a national move toward open-source GIS |
| 4 | GIS applications include tsunami alerts, PFZ advisories, coastal mapping, and environmental monitoring |
| 5 | Supports India’s Blue Economy, disaster management, and coastal governance through cost-effective, data-driven solutions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the full form of INCOIS?
Answer: INCOIS stands for Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services.
2. Why was INCOIS awarded the National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025?
Answer: INCOIS received the award for its outstanding contributions in using open-source GIS technologies for real-time ocean data services, disaster preparedness, and marine ecosystem monitoring.
3. Who presented the award to INCOIS?
Answer: The award was presented by A.S. Kiran Kumar, former Chairman of ISRO, during the Open Source GIS Day 2025 at IIT Bombay.
4. What are some open-source tools used by INCOIS?
Answer: INCOIS uses tools like QGIS and GeoServer for geospatial mapping and ocean data visualization.
5. What is the relevance of this award for UPSC and other competitive exams?
Answer: This topic is important for exams as it covers Science & Tech (GIS), Government Initiatives, Environmental Management, Disaster Risk Reduction, and India’s Blue Economy policy.
6. How does INCOIS contribute to coastal safety?
Answer: INCOIS provides real-time tsunami alerts, storm surge forecasts, Potential Fishing Zone advisories, and marine data which help in coastal planning and disaster management.
7. What ministries and institutions are linked to this initiative?
Answer: INCOIS works under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. This event also involved ISRO and IIT Bombay.
8. What is the significance of open-source GIS in India?
Answer: Open-source GIS tools reduce dependence on expensive proprietary software and enable greater accessibility, transparency, and scalability in government and scientific projects.
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