In a significant development, the Central government unveiled a nationwide network survey of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) on 12 October, as reported by The Times Of India.

This state-of-the-art network is capable of providing real-time location-based mapping services with an impressive accuracy of +/- 3cm, offering diverse positioning services tailored to the specific requirements of various geospatial and scientific communities.

The introduction of CORS-based precision services is poised to be a game-changer, boosting auto navigation and machine control solutions across various sectors, including agriculture, mining, construction, transport, and civil aviation.

Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, during the network's launch, emphasized that India now possesses a world-class precise location-based service, capable of delivering centimetre-level positioning services in real-time.

This advancement will also benefit sectors such as weather forecasting, plate motion, tectonic studies, seismology, and hydrology.

Singh highlighted the pivotal role played by the Geospatial Guidelines of 2021 and the National Geospatial Policy of 2022 in charting a comprehensive roadmap for transforming India's geospatial sector.

The National Geospatial Policy primarily revolves around two fundamental objectives: establishing a unified national framework and ensuring the easy accessibility of valuable geospatial data generated through public funding to both businesses and the general public.