The evolution of the earth observation system in India

The Indian Earth Observations Programme has been applications- driven and national development has been its prime motivation. From the experimental satellite Bhaskara-I launched in 1979 to the recent Cartosat-2B launched in July 2010, India’s Earth Observations capability has increased manifold. The Enhancement in observation capabilities are not only in spatial, spectral, temporal and radiometric resolutions, but also in their coverage and value-added products. The sensors built over this period provide observations over land, atmosphere and oceans in visible, infrared, thermal and microwave regions of the electro magnetic spectrum. Earth Observation data has been extensively used in inventories, monitoring and conservation plans of various natural resources of the country for societal benefits. An institutional mechanism for the absorption of technology at different levels of governance in the country has been built through the concept of the National Natural Resources Management System. The Establishment of various centres/institutions in different states, central agencies as well as academic and research institutions has helped capacity building in the area of remote sensing technology and applications programmes. The paper reviews the evolution of the Earth Observation System in the country in the last three decades and briefly discusses future directions.