Survey of India

Survey of India: 250 Glorious Years of Mapping the Nation

The Survey of India, the principal mapping agency of the country, celebrated its 250th Anniversary in 2017. The origins of this prestigious institution date back to 1767, when Major James Rennell was appointed as the Surveyor General of Bengal. Today, the Survey of India stands as the oldest scientific department in India and one of the oldest survey establishments in the world.

The Department also holds two remarkable distinctions:

• Printing the first Postage Stamp of India
• Printing the first copy of the Constitution of India

Pioneers of Exploration and Mapping

Officers and staff of the Survey of India have historically ventured into uncharted territories, paving the way for development and administration. Their work has taken them through dense forests, scorching deserts, remote tribal regions, and the snow-clad Himalayas—often being the first to set foot in unexplored areas.

Their dedicated efforts resulted in the creation of accurate maps, which have served as vital tools for nation building, defence planning, and infrastructure development. Over time, their work has fostered a deep connection with the land, people, and culture of India.

Topographical maps produced by the Department have played a pivotal role in modern India’s development journey.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Survey of India

As the national advisor to the Government of India on all matters related to surveying and mapping—including geodesy, photogrammetry, and map reproduction—the Survey of India shoulders several key responsibilities:

Core Duties

(a) Conducting geodetic control (horizontal & vertical), geodetic surveys, tide predictions across the Indian Ocean region, and allied geophysical surveys
(b) Undertaking topographical surveys and mapping across India
(c) Production of geographical maps and aeronautical charts
(d) Surveys for national development projects
(e) Mapping of forests, cantonments, cities, guide maps, etc.
(f) Special surveys and mapping of riverine areas and geographical explorations authorised by the Government
(g) Standardising spelling of geographical names
(h) Demarcation of India’s external boundaries, depiction on maps, and advising on inter-state boundaries
(i) Training for departmental officers, Central/State Government personnel, and foreign trainees
(j) Research and development in cartography, printing, geodesy, photogrammetry, and survey technologies
(k) Coordination and control of aerial photography coverage across the country

A Legacy of Excellence

Fondly called “the Department”, the Survey of India stands upon strong traditions and deep-rooted values. Guided by its motto “A Setu Himachalam” meaning “From Setu (Rameswaram) to the Himalaya”—symbolising coverage of the entire nation—the Department continuously works to keep India among the best-surveyed countries in the world.

It has successfully met the challenges of surveying:

• the mighty Himalaya
• the Thar Desert
• dense jungles inhabited by wild animals and disease-ridden areas

The organisation has evolved with time, entering the digital era with advancements in Digital Mapping, GIS, and modern geospatial technologies.

Organisation and Infrastructure

The Survey of India is currently structured into:

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

Together, they cater to the mapping needs of 29 States and 09 Union Territories, supported by a skilled workforce of 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 training wing, Indian Institute of Surveying and Mapping (IISM), offers basic to advanced training in Photogrammetry, Geodesy, Cartography, and GIS.

Commemorating 250 Years of Excellence

The 250-year milestone offered an opportunity to highlight the remarkable contributions, heritage and evolution of the Survey of India. India Post proudly celebrates this historic occasion by issuing a commemorative postage stamp, honouring the Department’s dedication, service, and technological advancement over two and a half centuries.