We are glad to announce the launch of IGIS, first GIS/IP package developed by the our associates and colleagues in geoinformatics development in Gujarat [ScanPoint Geomatics Ltd.]
IGIS is an enterprise wide solution for anything Geomatics. It is a seamless Geomatics system with both single user/multiuser platform capabilities and includes Geographical Information System, Image Processing and its integration with the real time information using GPS.
Green Eminent has been associated with the product development during the conceptual and proposal stages. Now we are working towards making the country's own developed GIS and IP Software accessible to all. Those who want to have purchase, training and knowhow of the IGIS can also contact us for details. We would be happy to help.
Lets congratulate the Mr. Ramesh Sojitra (MD) , Mr. Chirag Soni (Director IT) for this long due achievement.
Nature Remembers You...
Imaginations..Questions..Solutions
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Conference Alert - GIS and RS Worskhop 16th-22nd August 2009
Green Eminent is pleased to announce GIS/RS workshop for professionals
Date: 16th - 22nd August 2009
Venue: Green Eminent, Vadodara
Fees: Rs.8000/- (Eight Thousand Only) or Rs. 1800/day (for selected days only)
Students: More than 5 would be accomodated in workshop provided their application should reach us through the institution. Students fees (Rs. 800/- per day for three days only)
The applicants are requested to send following information with application
Name, Occupation, Professional Address, Qualification, Email, Tel.No.
Send in Word Document to: gercbrd@gmail.com
Please Note: We may arrange for accommodation only on payment basis. Those who have applied earlier need not apply.
Date: 16th - 22nd August 2009
Venue: Green Eminent, Vadodara
Fees: Rs.8000/- (Eight Thousand Only) or Rs. 1800/day (for selected days only)
Students: More than 5 would be accomodated in workshop provided their application should reach us through the institution. Students fees (Rs. 800/- per day for three days only)
The applicants are requested to send following information with application
Name, Occupation, Professional Address, Qualification, Email, Tel.No.
Send in Word Document to: gercbrd@gmail.com
Please Note: We may arrange for accommodation only on payment basis. Those who have applied earlier need not apply.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
THE URBAN DIMENSION - SEZ in INDIA
Special Economic Zones (SEZ) is thoughtful impetus for the respectable economic growth aimed by the planning commission and Government of India. What baffles the urban planners the gross neglect of urban or regional planning while thinking about SEZ empire for INDIA.
From their location it is evident that SEZs are very much an urban phenomenon, with the formation of new cities that will be clustered around existing cities. Worse, a number of the SEZs, especially in the IT/ITES sector, 59 are too small to be planned in an integrated manner. For example, of the 27 SEZs in Ranga Reddy district around Hyderabad, 19, all in the IT/ITES sector, are less than 50 hectares. A higher rate of urbanisation is an inevitable consequence and a necessary facilitator of rapid growth but are we prepared for this? What are the arrangements to run the SEZ cities that will emerge if the policy succeeds?
The existing SEZ Act - mentions the word ‘urban’ in two places, once to note that the Ministry of Urban Development may form part of the Board of Approvals, and the other to provide fiscal relief in case a unit moves from an urban area to an SEZ. The word ‘plan’ or ‘planning’ occurs once in the SEZ Act, in the fiscal context mentioned above, but it does occur twice in the rules, to state that the building approval plan will have to be submitted to the Development Commissioner who shall place it before the Approval Committee for consideration and to state that the developer and codeveloper should ‘abide by the local laws, rules, regulations or bye-laws in regard to area planning, sewerage disposal, pollution control,’ etc.
It is apparent that the urban aspects of the SEZs have received little thought and consideration. This is true even in the deliberations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce, which did receive some submissions on the urban planning issue from the Ministry of Urban Development. However, the Committee’s recommendation to reduce the overall size of SEZs and increase the processing area indicates an inappropriate comparison between SEZs and industrial estates, rather than industrial townships.
It appears that the physical planning of the SEZ is at the mercy of the Approval Committee, composed of the Development Commissioner, five Central government officers, two State government officers and the developer as a special invitee. The admonition to abide by local laws
potentially involves the local panchayats that exercises jurisdiction over the SEZ area but it is unfortunately unlikely that they will get a role.
Moreover, the capacity of the panchayat to engage in discussions with the SEZ developer on issues of area planning is questionable and significant capacity building would be needed in this area. Situations where multiple panchayats exercise jurisdiction over one SEZ can occur, land what will happen in this case is unclear.
Indeed, the National Capital Region Planning Board has thus far been ignored in decisions regarding SEZs in the NCR. The rules mention it only once, in the context of the Board of Approvals. So, if the SEZs were to succeed, they could well degenerate into the same kind of urban mess that we see in our cities today, for the same reason – lack of governance. There is almost criminal neglect of urban planning issues in the legislative and administrative framework for SEZs. Indeed, given the kind of location that we have indicated, the urban outgrowth from the existing cities and that from the SEZs can merge to form a large chaotic unplanned morass that will enclose the SEZ.
The existing SEZ Act - mentions the word ‘urban’ in two places, once to note that the Ministry of Urban Development may form part of the Board of Approvals, and the other to provide fiscal relief in case a unit moves from an urban area to an SEZ. The word ‘plan’ or ‘planning’ occurs once in the SEZ Act, in the fiscal context mentioned above, but it does occur twice in the rules, to state that the building approval plan will have to be submitted to the Development Commissioner who shall place it before the Approval Committee for consideration and to state that the developer and codeveloper should ‘abide by the local laws, rules, regulations or bye-laws in regard to area planning, sewerage disposal, pollution control,’ etc.
It is apparent that the urban aspects of the SEZs have received little thought and consideration. This is true even in the deliberations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce, which did receive some submissions on the urban planning issue from the Ministry of Urban Development. However, the Committee’s recommendation to reduce the overall size of SEZs and increase the processing area indicates an inappropriate comparison between SEZs and industrial estates, rather than industrial townships.
It appears that the physical planning of the SEZ is at the mercy of the Approval Committee, composed of the Development Commissioner, five Central government officers, two State government officers and the developer as a special invitee. The admonition to abide by local laws
potentially involves the local panchayats that exercises jurisdiction over the SEZ area but it is unfortunately unlikely that they will get a role.
Moreover, the capacity of the panchayat to engage in discussions with the SEZ developer on issues of area planning is questionable and significant capacity building would be needed in this area. Situations where multiple panchayats exercise jurisdiction over one SEZ can occur, land what will happen in this case is unclear.
Indeed, the National Capital Region Planning Board has thus far been ignored in decisions regarding SEZs in the NCR. The rules mention it only once, in the context of the Board of Approvals. So, if the SEZs were to succeed, they could well degenerate into the same kind of urban mess that we see in our cities today, for the same reason – lack of governance. There is almost criminal neglect of urban planning issues in the legislative and administrative framework for SEZs. Indeed, given the kind of location that we have indicated, the urban outgrowth from the existing cities and that from the SEZs can merge to form a large chaotic unplanned morass that will enclose the SEZ.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Location Based Services - Gain the Edge
Location Based Service or LBS, is the ability to find the geographical location of the mobile device and provide services based on this location information. For an example a person at shopping mall calls for the nearest restaurant with economy budget, he needs only names and addresses of those restaurants which are within his reach, say within one sq.km., out of the database of say 2000 restaurants in the city spread over 1600 sq.km.
The foundation stone of Location Based Services was laid by the Federal Communications Commission of US (www.fcc.gov) ruling which required the network operators to provide emergency services by locating the user of the mobile device within 125 metres. It required wireless network operators to supply public emergency services with the caller’s location and callback phone number. This lastened the emergence of new and dynamic field called LBS, where the service was based on the geographical location of the calling device. Further, the developments in the field of Positioning Systems, Communications and GIS, fueled the imagination of the industry people with regards to the LBS. This ability to provide the user a customised service depending upon his geographical location could be used by telecommunication companies to restaurant owners.
In the days to come, the LBS will be benefiting both the consumers and network operators. While the consumers will have greater personal safety, more personalised features and increased communication convenience, the network operators will address discrete market segments based on the different service portfolios.
The Prospects of LBS
According to a poll by Integrated Data Communications, Inc. (IDC), two-thirds of Americans want wireless location-based services, with safety and security issues (emergency call, roadside assistance, and driving directions) as the primary reasons for wanting location-based services. Respondents to the survey on LBS are said to be even willing to pay a premium to have location capabilities in their handsets or receive advertising on their handsets to reduce or eliminate telematics service charges.
The size of LBS was $3.9 billion by 2004 in the United States now in 2009 its grown upto $15.0 billion in US and 150 billion through out world including the fast growing economies of India and China.
Allied Business Intelligence Inc (ABI) report, “Location Based Services: A Strategic Analysis of Wireless Technologies, Markets and Trends” report indicates that world LBS revenues will grow from approximately $1 billion in 2000 to over $40 billion in 2006. This growth will represent a compound annual average growth rate of 81%.
For the Asia-Pacific market, Strategis Groups says the wireless Internet users will reach 216.3 million by 2007, representing a ten-fold increase from the 20 million users in year 2000.
LBS Technology
With standing the growing market requirements, the LBS technology has moved from the specific systems to portal based services to clients,- specifically in the logistics managements. The companies like google, microsoft and GPS equipments manufacturers across the globe has caught the scope of industry making the LBS accessible to all through innovative mobile technologies and services available with nominal fees.
The foundation stone of Location Based Services was laid by the Federal Communications Commission of US (www.fcc.gov) ruling which required the network operators to provide emergency services by locating the user of the mobile device within 125 metres. It required wireless network operators to supply public emergency services with the caller’s location and callback phone number. This lastened the emergence of new and dynamic field called LBS, where the service was based on the geographical location of the calling device. Further, the developments in the field of Positioning Systems, Communications and GIS, fueled the imagination of the industry people with regards to the LBS. This ability to provide the user a customised service depending upon his geographical location could be used by telecommunication companies to restaurant owners.
In the days to come, the LBS will be benefiting both the consumers and network operators. While the consumers will have greater personal safety, more personalised features and increased communication convenience, the network operators will address discrete market segments based on the different service portfolios.
The Prospects of LBS
According to a poll by Integrated Data Communications, Inc. (IDC), two-thirds of Americans want wireless location-based services, with safety and security issues (emergency call, roadside assistance, and driving directions) as the primary reasons for wanting location-based services. Respondents to the survey on LBS are said to be even willing to pay a premium to have location capabilities in their handsets or receive advertising on their handsets to reduce or eliminate telematics service charges.
The size of LBS was $3.9 billion by 2004 in the United States now in 2009 its grown upto $15.0 billion in US and 150 billion through out world including the fast growing economies of India and China.
Allied Business Intelligence Inc (ABI) report, “Location Based Services: A Strategic Analysis of Wireless Technologies, Markets and Trends” report indicates that world LBS revenues will grow from approximately $1 billion in 2000 to over $40 billion in 2006. This growth will represent a compound annual average growth rate of 81%.
For the Asia-Pacific market, Strategis Groups says the wireless Internet users will reach 216.3 million by 2007, representing a ten-fold increase from the 20 million users in year 2000.
LBS Technology
With standing the growing market requirements, the LBS technology has moved from the specific systems to portal based services to clients,- specifically in the logistics managements. The companies like google, microsoft and GPS equipments manufacturers across the globe has caught the scope of industry making the LBS accessible to all through innovative mobile technologies and services available with nominal fees.
Dates Changed GIS/RS Workshops - 16th-22 August 2009. Apply Now!!
We are going to discuss following topics in the workshops starting from 16th August - 22 August 2009. We have received request for extending the time limit for application from the candidates since most of the them would be available on these days. For those who have not applied should apply before 5th August 2009 for the workshop.Module 1 : Introduction to GIS
Module 2: Data Model
Module 3: Geographical Analysis
Module 4: Spatial Analysis
Module 5: Introduction to Remote sensing
Module 6: Sensors and Data Products
Module 7: Introduction to Image Processing
Module 8: Image Enhancement Techniques and Spatial Filtering
Module 9: Digital Image Classification
Module 10: GIS Application and Project Management
We would confirm the dates only when we receive confirmed applications from candidates. So be there..
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Looking for Voulenteers - Infrastructure Services Assessment
Green Eminent Research Centre, a private research centre in vadodara is looking for the professionals and citizens who can provide their opinion on the infrastructure services available, deficiency and demand in their respective cities or regions. We welcome participants to provide your assessment of the quantity, quality and nature of services issues in your areas. Please register your name and contact details by writing to us on gercbrd@gmail.com or write in comment box. You can also upload your comments please write in to us we would place on our blog..
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Future Cities - Planning for More
As the economic growth of our cities has gained momentum the investments would have started coming into the infrastructure sector. When we call the public or private bodies to invest in the city infrastructure the vision of cities needs to be grand and inclusive to all the components of the growth requirements. Its not just growth matters to only large cities but even the medium and smaller cities needs efficient systems of infrastructure. Even though technologies has become attractive prepositions for the development its the nature of available infrastructure and manpower managing it has become important in giving right outlook to the cities.
Cities needs to think beyond the political lineages for the benefits of the masses, either today or tomorrow the growth pranks of the cities would catch up. Whether we live in metro or not does not matter, we require quality infrastructure support. This would not be without its citizens agreeing to part with the revenues required for such development. Its pity that our Indian planners think that the citizens are not ready to pay for quality infrastructure. Rather the administrators does not want to be responsible enough to provide quality services to citizens.
Socio-Economic nature and characterstics of cities should be taken care by not only the planning agencies but also by its political masters while approving the plans (so called CDPs) for the cities. The vision if lack inclusiveness will harm the socio-cultural and socio-phsycological needs of people. Its enforced character of the planning process which is driving the people nuts on the questions of "who benefits?". They often quip to rejoin its not us. These are for investors, who would be welcomed in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta and Chennai to showcase the fabric, else the truth in under the carpet. Promises of the housing to those who cannot afford are not met. This may be true for all citizens falls below purchasing capacity of housing above Rs. 6-10 Lacs. Where are the houses gone for the masses? Who knows in the vision of the cities they stand nowwhere..at least the BUSP/IHSDP provides housing to poor..may be proxy for the middle income households.
A promise of keep future intact in cities...we leave the majority on its edges.
Cities needs to think beyond the political lineages for the benefits of the masses, either today or tomorrow the growth pranks of the cities would catch up. Whether we live in metro or not does not matter, we require quality infrastructure support. This would not be without its citizens agreeing to part with the revenues required for such development. Its pity that our Indian planners think that the citizens are not ready to pay for quality infrastructure. Rather the administrators does not want to be responsible enough to provide quality services to citizens.
Socio-Economic nature and characterstics of cities should be taken care by not only the planning agencies but also by its political masters while approving the plans (so called CDPs) for the cities. The vision if lack inclusiveness will harm the socio-cultural and socio-phsycological needs of people. Its enforced character of the planning process which is driving the people nuts on the questions of "who benefits?". They often quip to rejoin its not us. These are for investors, who would be welcomed in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta and Chennai to showcase the fabric, else the truth in under the carpet. Promises of the housing to those who cannot afford are not met. This may be true for all citizens falls below purchasing capacity of housing above Rs. 6-10 Lacs. Where are the houses gone for the masses? Who knows in the vision of the cities they stand nowwhere..at least the BUSP/IHSDP provides housing to poor..may be proxy for the middle income households.
A promise of keep future intact in cities...we leave the majority on its edges.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Urban Development: Growth Prospects and Gainers
We are living in the age wherein the development of cities are being taken at the reckless speed no matter what comes we are bound to grow at least to show that our infrastructure in up to the mark. Who benefits? rather we need to take care how to make maximum out of present development policy of the state and central governments. The urban development bodies of state are in hurry to complete the detailed design without waiting for the citizens to have a look that what is being done for the city. The city leaders are made to sign on the dotted line since the states do not have times to look at what they concerned about. The constitution of India however may have empowered the local bodies to take developmental decisions but its central and state governments calling the shots!! This allows only the local body implement the schemes as per the wishes of the state. The local bodies are not been made capable to decide what is right for them inspite of lots of dissatisfactions from the citizens the state is hell bent on projecting cities as their own political mask for development.
The local businesses or the developers or contractors are seldom benefited from this kind of the activities. Since the grand scale of the project does not allow them to goahead in their economic plans. The multi nationals or the large corporate bodies are running the show whether its development of mumbai, delhi or kanpur. Not only that they have guts to now bid for the minscule projects on the medium and smallers cities for the projects scaled upto crores of rupees.
How does this help the local industries to revive or survive in the present economic slowdown? When we have last heard of environmental ministry hearing for these large scale projects. Rather it was never felt that these require any clearances. Like land acquisition policy we have now development policy which have been enforced to the local bodies no matter what concerns they have its state or central bodies who decides what can roll on these urban lands. Its matter of grave concern that urban planners being party to the development efforts which is reckless and devastating for the cities where in the concerns of the citizens are not taken care by the urban development policies.
We are living in the age wherein the development of cities are being taken at the reckless speed no matter what comes we are bound to grow at least to show that our infrastructure in up to the mark. Who benefits? rather we need to take care how to make maximum out of present development policy of the state and central governments. The urban development bodies of state are in hurry to complete the detailed design without waiting for the citizens to have a look that what is being done for the city. The city leaders are made to sign on the dotted line since the states do not have times to look at what they concerned about. The constitution of India however may have empowered the local bodies to take developmental decisions but its central and state governments calling the shots!! This allows only the local body implement the schemes as per the wishes of the state. The local bodies are not been made capable to decide what is right for them inspite of lots of dissatisfactions from the citizens the state is hell bent on projecting cities as their own political mask for development.
The local businesses or the developers or contractors are seldom benefited from this kind of the activities. Since the grand scale of the project does not allow them to goahead in their economic plans. The multi nationals or the large corporate bodies are running the show whether its development of mumbai, delhi or kanpur. Not only that they have guts to now bid for the minscule projects on the medium and smallers cities for the projects scaled upto crores of rupees.
How does this help the local industries to revive or survive in the present economic slowdown? When we have last heard of environmental ministry hearing for these large scale projects. Rather it was never felt that these require any clearances. Like land acquisition policy we have now development policy which have been enforced to the local bodies no matter what concerns they have its state or central bodies who decides what can roll on these urban lands. Its matter of grave concern that urban planners being party to the development efforts which is reckless and devastating for the cities where in the concerns of the citizens are not taken care by the urban development policies.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
What you can do with GIS and Remote Sensing
I am here to share my knowledge about the GIS/RS field in general though there are plenty of information on net I think professionals are required as under
(a) Data Creators-Digitizers – level of diploma/degree holders who can operate software and create digital information.
(b) Supervisor-Digitization- who can organise, georeference and meet the data standards
(c) QC- Spatial Data- required to check the data accuracy, standards and clients requirements.
(d) GIS Analyst- Required to assess, evaluate, propose, program, manage and implements the GIS project.
(e) RS Analyst- Require to procure, interpretate, analyse imageries for the vector data creation, map generation
(f) Subject-Domain Expert- who understands the basics of sector like water resources, forestry, urban planning, infrastructure, disaster, health management, logestics etc has training in GIS or RS in some cases if helpful in project implementation.
(f) Programmers- industry requires programmers with C/C++, Java, C#, .NET or Linux platforms to implements various customized or complex GIS projects. There can be different levels of programmers depending on the tasks and team size required.
(g) Managers- Both at the technical or business development level is required to interface with the clients and service providers – persons with technical as well as managerial skills can come to this field.
(h) Sr. Management -COO, CTO, GMs with technical background, project management skills, implementation and execution experience can handle the tasks at any level.
However these are the placements in the fields whereas there are some companies who have made the recruitments strictly for the ME, Mtech, or other MCA or BCA have not fully understood the technology. The segments requires multi disciplinary team. Any one with proper training can be placed in mentioned positions with appropriate project planning and execution.
I hope students have understood what I mean to say. Guys there are opportunities we need to seek it. Pray you remain in India. we need solutions too !!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Urban Infrastructure: A quick Look
With almost 300 million Indians living in urban areas, the country has the second largest urban population in the world. It comprises about 30 per cent of the total population and contributes to over 60 per cent of the country’s GDP. Essential infrastructure facilities need to be provided to this growing urban population. • The country has over 3,700 towns and cities. The urban population of the country has been growing at a rapid pace of over 31 per cent over the last decade. This is significantly higher than the growth of the rural population (approximately 18 per cent).
• Employment in urban areas registered a growth of around 38 per cent (over the last decade), substantially exceeding the rural employment growth rate of around 16 per cent.
• A large number of Indian cities and towns need adequate infrastructure facilities, specifically in the areas of water management, roads, transportation, housing, sanitation, sewage etc.
• The government has initiated a number of steps to improve the physical and economic infrastructure and improve facilities in urban areas. In addition to the basic infrastructure projects, a number of urban transportation projects have also been taken forward, e.g. metro rails.
Policy Initiatives
• In India, urban infrastructure facilities are typically provided by urban local bodies that depend significantly on central and state government grants and loans for funds. However, now the urban local bodies have also been allowed to borrow and raise funds from the market for urban infrastructure projects. Most of the state governments have set up facilitating agencies to channel funds into urban infrastructure projects.
• The central government and most state governments have begun looking at different models (BOT/ Concessions/Management Contracts) for private participation in developing, operating and maintaining urban infrastructure facilities.
• The government allows 100 per cent FDI in urban infrastructure projects.
• Non Resident Indians, persons of Indian origin and overseas corporate bodies (OCBs) are allowed to invest up to 100 per cent on a repatriable basis in many housing and real estate projects.
• 100 per cent FDI is permitted for the development of integrated townships, including housing, commercial buildings, hotels, resorts, etc. Prior government approval is required for investment in such projects.
• A 10-year tax holiday is available to investors investing in urban infrastructure projects. This is available to developers, and those carrying out operations and maintenance of water supply, sewerage, sanitation, etc.
Opportunities
The India Infrastructure Report in 1996 estimated that an annual investment of US$ 5.71 billion is required for providing water supply and sanitation facilities for the urban population. However, over the last five years, the government has been able to allocate only about US$ 3.6 billion for such projects. This gives an idea about the quantum of investment requirements and hence the opportunities in this sector alone.
• The government has planned major schemes like:
• Integrated development of small and medium towns
• Mega city schemes
• Special development plan for the National Capital Region
• Accelerated urban water supply programme
• Low cost sanitation
• Urban transport
• Investment opportunities exist in water supply, sewerage and waste management systems in many towns and cities.
• Construction opportunities exist in roads, bridges, flyovers etc in cities, both in Government sponsored projects as well as Build Own Operate (BOO) and Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) basis projects.
• A number of cities are planning mass rapid transportation systems and light rail systems. These projects are mostly through private participation.
• Housing is another major investment area with significant potential.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Workshop Sponsors
The workshop on the Urban Infrastructure Assessment Management has been organised on the
24-30th July 2009 and Second workshop on Fundamental Techniques of GIS and Remote Sensing on 7th-13th August 2009. We invite the sponsors to send their participants application in advance for pre-registration. We would have special rates for the sponsors willing to send more than two participants.
For the students who have been requesting to participate. please forward a letter from your institutions so get upto 50% discount on single day attendence. The students would be allowed only for 3 day sessions of their choice on per day basis.
So then hurry up guys...
24-30th July 2009 and Second workshop on Fundamental Techniques of GIS and Remote Sensing on 7th-13th August 2009. We invite the sponsors to send their participants application in advance for pre-registration. We would have special rates for the sponsors willing to send more than two participants.
For the students who have been requesting to participate. please forward a letter from your institutions so get upto 50% discount on single day attendence. The students would be allowed only for 3 day sessions of their choice on per day basis.
So then hurry up guys...
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