Geomatics, also known as geospatial technology, is the discipline of gathering, storing, processing, and delivering geographic information or spatially referenced information.

It consists of products, services, and tools involved in the collection, integration, and management of geographic data. The location is the primary factor used to integrate a very wide range of data for spatial analysis and visualization.

Threats faced by India due to geospatial technology development:

• Public interest is compromised. There would be a threat posed by the terrorists.
• Initiatives such as Google Earth use high-quality satellite imagery to display bird’s eye view of various establishments including minute details and are therefore bound to cover defense establishments and sensitive areas, posing a threat to Indian security.
• Mapping practices violate the individual rights of a person under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016 in dealing with the problems:

• It would regulate the acquisition, dissemination, publication, and distribution of geospatial information of India which may likely affect the security, sovereignty, and integrity of India.
• According to the draft, it will be mandatory to take permission from a government authority before acquiring, disseminating, publishing or distributing any geospatial information of India.
• In simple terms, any addition or creation of anything that has to do with any geospatial information – or location – within the territory of India will need the permission of the government or, in this case, a Security Vetting Authority.

Possible implications of geospatial technology or geomatics:

• Illegal acquisition of geospatial information of India – Fine ranging from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 100 crore and/or imprisonment for a period up to seven years.
• Illegal dissemination, publication or distribution of geospatial information of India – Whoever disseminates, publishes or distributes any geospatial information of India in contravention of section 4, shall be punished with a fine ranging from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 100 crore and/or imprisonment for a period of up to seven years.

Use of geospatial information of India outside India – Fine ranging from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 100 crore and/or imprisonment for a period up to seven years.