Marine Geospatial Intelligence Award

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has been awarded the National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 for its exceptional contribution to Marine Geospatial Intelligence. This award, presented during the Open Source GIS Day (Edition 02) at IIT Bombay, marks a significant milestone in India’s use of open-source geospatial data for ocean and coastal management.

This development is crucial for SSC aspirants, especially for topics under Science & Technology, Environmental Studies, and Current Affairs.

About INCOIS

• INCOIS stands for Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services

• Headquarters: Hyderabad

• Ministry: Under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)

• Mandate: Provides real-time ocean information services to fishermen, coastal agencies, disaster management authorities, and researchers

• Key Focus: Strengthening India’s Ocean Observation and Forecasting System with Marine Geospatial Intelligence capabilities

Why the Award Matters

The National Geospatial Practitioner Award is a national honor given to institutions that lead in using innovative geospatial technologies. INCOIS earned this award by:

• Promoting cost-effective marine geospatial solutions through open-source GIS tools

• Enhancing real-time ocean mapping and data dissemination

• Contributing to marine geospatial intelligence for coastal zone management

The award was presented to INCOIS Director T.M. Balakrishnan Nair by former ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar, recognizing INCOIS as a national leader in Marine Geospatial Intelligence.

What is Marine Geospatial Intelligence?

Marine Geospatial Intelligence is the collection, integration, and analysis of geospatial data related to oceans, coasts, and underwater terrains. It involves:

• GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

• Remote sensing and satellite data

• Hydrography and oceanographic modeling

• Marine spatial analysis

• Underwater surveillance mapping

This form of intelligence supports naval surveillance, maritime security, coastal resource management, and disaster risk reduction.

Applications of Marine Geospatial Intelligence in India

INCOIS’s use of Marine Geospatial Intelligence showcases how this technology supports multiple sectors:

1. Defense and National Security

• Enables underwater surveillance mapping and naval GIS solutions

• Supports maritime intelligence systems

• Critical for applications of Marine Geospatial Intelligence in defense

2. Disaster Preparedness and Warning Systems

• Real-time alerts for tsunamis, storm surges, and oil spills

• Utilizes satellite remote sensing for ocean monitoring

3. Marine Economy and Fisheries

• Public access to Potential Fishing Zones (PFZs)

• Real-time marine navigation data to aid traditional and modern fishermen

4. Environmental Monitoring and Research

• Tracks marine ecosystems, ocean temperature, and pollution

• Assists in marine resource management and biodiversity tracking

5. Coastal and Ocean Governance

• Power tools for coastal mapping technologies

• Enhances Marine Geospatial Intelligence for coastal zone management

Key Technologies Used by INCOIS

INCOIS employs advanced tools to enhance Marine Geospatial Intelligence, including:

• Open-source GIS platforms such as QGIS and GeoServer

• Remote sensing satellites and oceanographic geospatial tools

• AI and machine learning for pattern detection in oceanographic data

• IoT-enabled buoys and sensors for real-time marine data

• Integration of hydrographic data in naval intelligence systems

Strategic Importance of Marine Geospatial Intelligence for India

• Boosts maritime security and defense preparedness

• Supports the Blue Economy through optimized marine operations

• Provides reliable data for marine navigation, forecasting, and planning

• Promotes transparent governance and open-access marine data

• Strengthens the role of GIS in marine resource management

The importance of geospatial analytics in marine navigation continues to grow, and India is now at the forefront thanks to INCOIS.

Why This Topic Matters for SSC Aspirants

For SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS, and other exams, this topic is important under:

• Current Affairs (Science & Tech)

• Geography and Environment

• Disaster Management

Quick Recap:

• Award Name: National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025

• Awarded To: INCOIS (Hyderabad)

• Focus: Leadership in Marine Geospatial Intelligence

• Presented At: Open Source GIS Day (Edition 02), IIT Bombay

• Presented By: Former ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar

• Key Technologies: GIS, Remote Sensing, Hydrography, Satellite Data, AI

Final Thoughts

The recognition of INCOIS with the National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 highlights India’s growing capabilities in Marine Geospatial Intelligence. This achievement reflects the successful use of open-source GIS, remote sensing, and hydrographic data for improving maritime security, disaster management, and coastal governance.

The increasing role of Marine Geospatial Intelligence in defense, ocean monitoring, and resource management positions India as a leader in ocean sciences.

For SSC aspirants, understanding this topic strengthens their grasp on current affairs, technology, and environmental awareness. Keep a close watch on such advancements as they often appear in exams under the General Awareness and Science & Tech sections.