Survey of India

250 Glorious Years of Mapping the Nation

Introduction

The Survey of India, the country’s principal mapping agency, completes 250 years of dedicated service in 2017. Established in 1767 with Major James Rennell as the first Surveyor General of Bengal, it is not only the oldest scientific department in India but also among the oldest survey institutions in the world. Remarkably, Survey of India printed India’s first postage stamp and the first copy of the Constitution of India.

Pioneers of Exploration and Nation-Building

Survey of India officers have been the first explorers of unmapped terrains—reaching forests, deserts, mountains, and remote uninhabited regions—to create accurate maps essential for development, defence, and administration. Their work has enabled infrastructure planning, national integration, and military strategy. The Department’s topographical maps laid the foundation for major developmental projects of modern India.

Roles and Responsibilities

Survey of India is the Government of India’s principal advisor on surveying, mapping, geodesy and photogrammetry. Its key functions include:

Core Duties

• Geodetic and Geophysical Surveys: Includes horizontal and vertical geodetic control, tide predictions for 40 ports from Suez to Singapore, and allied surveys.
• Topographical Mapping: Conducting topographical control surveys and mapping within India.
• Map Production: Creation of geographical maps and aeronautical charts.
• Development Surveys: Surveys for national development projects.
• Specialised Surveys: Forests, cantonments, cities, riverine and special geographic explorations.
• Geographical Names: Standardisation and spelling of geographical names.
• Boundary Management: Demarcation and depiction of India’s international borders and advisory support on inter-state boundaries.
• Training & Capacity Building: Training departmental personnel, central/state trainees, and foreign-sponsored trainees.
• R&D: Research in cartography, geodesy, photogrammetry, digital mapping and indigenisation.
• Aerial Photography: Coordinating aerial photography coverage across India.

Motto and Legacy

Fondly called “the Department”, Survey of India is rooted in strong traditions and continues to uphold its motto:

“A Setu Himachalamu” – From Setu to the Himalaya

symbolising its responsibility to survey the entire nation.

The organisation has conquered daunting challenges—from the Himalayan ranges to scorching deserts and disease-prone jungles. Embracing modern technology, it has transitioned into the era of digital mapping and GIS.

Organisational Structure

Survey of India today comprises:

• 08 Zones
• 23 Geo-Spatial Data Centres/Regional Directorates
• 06 Specialised Directorates
• 01 Training Directorate

Covering 29 States and 9 Union Territories, its workforce is approximately 5,500 personnel.

Specialised Directorates include:

• Geodetic & Research Branch
• International Boundary Directorate
• GIS & Remote Sensing Directorate
• National Geo-spatial Data Centre
• Digital Mapping Centre
• Map Archival & Dissemination Centre

The Indian Institute of Surveying & Mapping (IISM) serves as the training hub, conducting basic to advanced courses in Photogrammetry, Geodesy, Cartography and GIS.

A Milestone to Celebrate

The 250th anniversary celebrates the Survey of India’s rich heritage, scientific excellence, and significant contribution to the nation’s progress. It is an occasion to honour its historical value and showcase its technical strength and achievements, reflecting its vital role in shaping India’s geographic, developmental and strategic framework.