GEOSPATIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Geospatial Science and Technology Division at IRTC is a leading center for geospatial research and application. With over a decade of experience, this well-equipped division provides a robust platform for students, researchers, and government agencies. The division supports local governments by assisting in soil and water conservation, agricultural, disaster management, GHG assessment, and climate change. The division’s state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced software and hardware, support geospatial studies. Additionally, it actively promotes research through internships, dissertations, and consultancies.

Geospatial Science and Technology Division Key research question

  1. How can geospatial tools address local-level planning and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals?
  2. How does the geospatial ecosystem enhance the management and monitoring of climate change in LSGDS and watershed-based context?
  3. How can geospatial literacy be enhanced among students, researchers, public servants, and practitioners to develop policy-making effectively?

4, What strategies can be implemented to improve the National Geospatial Policy 2022?

Anand Sebastian

Anand Sebastian is a Senior Scientist and Head in the Geospatial Science and Technology division. He has extensive research experience in environmental science, climate change, Carbon assessment disaster management, and local-level spatial planning. He coordinates the division’s Research projects and training activities in earth observation data and geospatial tools. He published several research articles, book chapters, and conference papers. He is part of National Geospatial Policy, 2022. Anand participated in the 2nd United National World Geospatial Information Congress (UNWGIC) held in Hyderabad, India, from 10 – 14 October 2022. He obtained his master’s from Mangalore University. He is also Pursuing PhD in Geoinformatics from Delhi Technological University.

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +91 9605147047

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Rajan M

Rajan M is a scientist at the Geospatial Science and Technology division. He has research    experience in various fields, such as watershed development, natural resource management, coastal and environmental studies, climate change, disaster management, and local-level spatial planning. He obtained his master’s from Kannur University. He has been actively involved in many projects and training activities of the division in the area of earth observation data and geospatial tools.

Email ID: [email protected]

Mobile no:9496568829

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Vivek Asokan

Vivek is a proficient GIS & Remote Sensing Analyst at the Geospatial Science and Technology Division of IRTC since June 2018. Holding a post-graduate degree in Applied Geology and Geoinformatics from the Central University of Karnataka, Vivek has a strong foundation in spatial data analysis. He actively engages in training programs, workshops, and student projects, encouraging continuous learning and skill development. With experience in research fields such as disaster management, environmental studies, watershed management planning, coastal studies, local-level planning, and groundwater modelling, Vivek brings a diverse skill set to his role, driving impactful solutions for infrastructure management and environmental sustainability.

Email Id: [email protected]

Mobile no:8129091831

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RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

 

  1. Mapping of Spatial Distribution of Quarries in Thrissur, Palakkad, and Kozhikode Districts in Kerala
    • Funding Agency: Directorate of Environment and Climate Change (DoECC), Government of Kerala.
  2. Master Plan for Developing Silent Valley Farm Platform of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Based on Micro Watershed Approach
    • Funding Agency: Live Stock Research Station (LRS Farm, Thiruvazhamkunnu).
  3. Geo-Innovation Challenge Meet – “Applications of Geospatial Science and Technology in Rural Development”
    • Held from March 23 to March 25, 2022.
    • Funding Agency: National Geospatial Program, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi.
    • Total Participants: 25.
  4. Ongoing: Carbon Neutral Survey Project – Sreenarayanapuram Gram Panchayat, Thrissur District

Project collaboration with other divisions (Joint work)

a. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Collaboration involves utilizing geospatial tools to enhance water use efficiency in agriculture, focusing on irrigation infrastructure development and water resource management.

b. Integrated Watershed Management

Joint efforts aim to implement sustainable watershed management practices, utilizing geospatial analysis for watershed delineation, soil erosion control, and water conservation.

c. One Local Body One Idea (OLOI)

Involvement includes leveraging geospatial technologies to support local governance and development initiatives, enhancing infrastructure and community welfare projects.

d. Irrigation Project Survey Post Facto Evaluation for CWRDM-Nabard Project

The division contributes to surveying and evaluating irrigation projects post-implementation, using geospatial analysis to assess project effectiveness and impacts on water resources.

 CONSULTANCY ACTIVITIES:

Field and Mapping Works for Meenvallom and Palakkuzhy Hydel Projects

  • Partnering with Palakkad Small Hydel Company Ltd., the division provides geospatial expertise for mapping and fieldwork related to the Meenvallom and Palakkuzhy hydel projects. This includes detailed mapping of terrain, hydrological features, and environmental assessments to support project planning and execution.

Remote sensing and GIS lab facilities

Total Station Instrument

A total station or total station theodolite is an advanced electronic/optical instrument widely used in surveying and building construction. This instrument combines an electronic transit theodolite with electronic distance measurement (EDM) capabilities, allowing for the precise measurement of both vertical and horizontal angles, as well as the slope distance from the instrument to a specific point. Additionally, the total station includes an onboard computer, which is used to collect data and perform triangulation calculations, thus enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of survey tasks.

Hand-held Global Position System (GPS)

The Global Positioning System (GPS), initially developed under the name Navstar GPS, is a satellite-based radio navigation system. As one of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), GPS provides geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth’s surface, provided there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. This technology is essential for a wide range of applications, including navigation, mapping, and geospatial data collection.

High-end Desktops

High-end desktops are integral to the GIS and RS lab, providing the necessary computing power for processing large datasets and running sophisticated geospatial software. These desktops are equipped with advanced processors, ample RAM, and high-performance graphics cards, enabling researchers and students to perform complex spatial analyses, 3D modeling, and visualization tasks efficiently.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Software

The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art GIS software, including industry-standard programs such as ArcGIS and QGIS. These software tools enable users to create, analyze, and visualize spatial data, supporting various applications from environmental monitoring to urban planning.

IRTC is the Centre of Excellence and accredited Centre for Waste Management, Government of Kerala.