Chapter 1 · Topic 1.3 · Prelims + Mains3 of 3
Fundamentals of Geography: Remote sensing and GIS
Key points
- Remote sensing: collecting data about Earth from satellites or aircraft by recording reflected or emitted energy.
- GIS: stores data in location-linked layers that can be overlaid and analysed.
- India's tools: ISRO Earth-observation satellites, Bhuvan, NavIC; 2021 guidelines and National Geospatial Policy, 2022.
- Uses: PM Gati Shakti (2021), SVAMITVA (2020), crop estimation, disaster mapping.
Prelims box: facts and traps
- Prelims 2019: remote sensing measures chlorophyll, rice-paddy greenhouse gases and land surface temperature: all three (d).
Remote sensing and GIS
Like tracing papers: one sheet shows roads, another rivers, another villages; stack them and you see where a new hospital fits.
- India’s tools: ISRO’s Earth-observation satellites, the Bhuvan geoportal (ISRO’s online map) and NavIC, India’s own navigation system.
- Policy: the 2021 guidelines opened geospatial data to private firms; the National Geospatial Policy, 2022 followed.
- Uses: PM Gati Shakti (a GIS-based master plan for infrastructure, 2021); SVAMITVA (drone mapping of village homes for property cards, 2020); crop estimation; disaster mapping.
Prelims 2019 asked what satellite images or remote sensing data are used to measure: chlorophyll in vegetation, greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies, and land surface temperature. All three (option d).
Mains 2025 asked how artificial intelligence and drones can be used with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning:
- AI reads satellite and drone imagery at scale.
- Drones add detailed, up-to-date local data.
- GIS combines the layers for decisions such as where to place a hospital or how to zone a city.
For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (d) · UPSC official key
How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?
What UPSC asks: Prelims: remote sensing uses (2019). Mains: AI, drones and GIS in planning (2025). Next likely angle: geospatial policy, Gati Shakti, SVAMITVA.
Mains box: analysis and answer points
- Mains 2025: AI reads imagery at scale, drones add fresh local detail, GIS combines layers for siting and zoning.
Practice
Write an answer
In 150 words, explain the significance of Fundamentals of Geography with one recent example.
Flashcards (2)
What is PM Gati Shakti?
A GIS-based national master plan for infrastructure (2021).
Can remote sensing estimate greenhouse
gas emissions from rice paddies? Yes (2019 question).
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