The Kerala State Spatial Data Infrastructure (KSDI) is an Internet based Geo-spatial Data Directory for the state that facilitates users of the system to share and explore data related to political and administrative boundaries, natural resources, transportation and infrastructure, demography, agro and socio economy etc., of the state. The KSDI has been established for the purpose of acquiring, processing, storing, distributing and improving utilization of spatial data, in line with the National Spatial Data Structure (NSDI) initiatives.

KSDI is a collection of technologies, policies and institutional arrangements to facilitate availability of and access to spatial data, acquired and held by different government Departments/agencies and organizations to a vast, diverse and ever growing community of users. Its four main components are Institutional Frameworks, Technical Standards, Fundamental Datasets and Clearing House Networks. It helps to provide geo-spatial data sharing at all levels of government, commercial sector, non-profit sector, and academia. KSDI, which is the nodal agency formed in the year 2011 for GIS related activities in the state, also provides a reliable and supporting environment to access geographically related information using a minimum set of standard practices, protocols and specifications.

Following are the objectives of KSDI:

  • Develop and maintain standard digital collection of data
  • Develop web based Geoportal to improve utilization of geospatial data (sharing of data through internet) for planners, decision makers and public
  • Develop common solutions for discovery, access and use of spatial data in response to the needs of diverse user groups in the Geo-portal
  • Provide a gateway for spatial data generated by various agencies in the State
  • Increase awareness & understanding of the vision, concepts and benefits of the KSDI

Key benefits of the KSDI Project are:

  • Facilitates sharing of geospatial data and avoid its duplication to reduce cost of data
  • Build data once and use it many times for different applications
  • Access to quality information improves decision making by government agencies
  • Facilitates e-governance at all levels
  • Decision-makers and analysts can get ready access to the right geo-information for use in analytical and visual models
  • Supports sustainable economic, social, and environmental development

website: http://www.ksdi.kerala.gov.in/ksdi/