[GRASSLIST:3906] Linux-based GIS software

[Gopinath Parayil]

>From Bytesforall mailing list,
Regards ,

GOpi.
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Media Lab Asia launches world's first Linux-based GIS software for 
hand-held computers..

New Delhi, April 29, 2002: 

At the Elitex exhibition organized by the Ministry of Communications 
and Information Technology, Government of India, Media Lab Asia 
launched the world's first Linux based Geographical Information 
System (GIS) software for hand-held computers.

The software, GramChitra, has been developed in collaboration with 
research 
partner, Centre for Spatial Database Management & Solutions (CSDMS). 
GIS software enables creation, storage, editing and accessing of map 
related databases for visually intuitive and effective decision 
making.

GramChitra has been developed on the popular Linux operating system 
to serve  as a cost effective means of enabling community level 
resource management. The software has vast potential applications in 
areas like census data collection, revenue maps, block-and-panchayat 
level planning for water wells, tube wells, epidemiological data 
collection for rural healthcare etc.Typically, the cost of GIS 
software on PCs starts at around Rs. 65,000 and goes up to Rs. 4-5 
lakhs. Media Lab Asia has decided to release GramChitra free of cost 
in order to promote the use of GIS software for developmental 
purposes. The software can be downloaded from 
www.csdms.org/gramchitra.

Speaking at the release of the software, Prof. Alex Pentland, 
Director, 
Media Lab Asia said that GIS software can serve as a fundamental tool 
for 
planning at all levels. "We developed GramChitra on the open-source 
platform to ensure that this technology can be used even by 
villagers. The 
combination of free software and low-cost handheld computers opens up 
a 
world of possibilities. This software can be used at the grassroots 
level 
for collection and analysis of local data all the way up to the 
national level for strategic planning."

Ravi Gupta, Director of CSDMS said that GIS software like GramChitra 
is an 
example of how IT can be used to help the masses. "Maps can be an 
effective way to collect data and simultaneously display results. 
Simple notional maps are a good starting point for identifying and 
planning basic village resources. We have worked with village youth 
and school children to bring about awareness of the utility of maps 
using the GramChitra software. 
Henceforth, GIS software need not be limited to scientists and 
technologists."

Media Lab Asia has also integrated GPS (Global Positioning System) 
with the GramChitra GIS software. Users can automatically incorporate 
on a map, the date, time and location where the data is captured. In 
future, GramChitra's capabilities will be extended to support data 
collection using low cost sensors for water and soil analysis, 
meteorological data, livestock management, environment and ecological 
conservation and planning etc.

About Media Lab Asia: 
================
Media Lab Asia is a network of R&D institutions dedicated to bringing 
the 
benefits of new technologies to everyone, with a special focus on 
meeting 
the challenges in learning, health and economic development. Media 
Lab 
Asia's initiatives revolve around partnerships with three core 
groups -- 
research institutions, industry and NGOs.Media Lab Asia has been set 
up as a not-for-profit company with seed-funding from the Government 
of India. It has been appointed by the United Nations as its academic 
and industrial body for the region in the newly created UN ICT Task 
Force. Media Lab Asia is headquartered in Mumbai and has research 
laboratories created on the campuses of the IITs of Mumbai, Chennai, 
Delhi, Kanpur and Kharakpur. Media Lab Asia is also collaborating 
with various NGOs for conducting research and implementation. 

Visit www.medialabasia.org for  more details.

About Centre for Spatial Database Management & Solutions (CSDMS): 
=================================================
As the leading regional centre committed to the promotion of GIS and 
its 
usage in various development activities, CSDMS assists Asian 
community in 
developing their capabilities and policies to maximize the benefits 
of GIS 
through advocacy, training, information and provision of expert 
advice and 
assistance.

It has pioneered in bringing India's first and only GIS monthly 

GIS at development with over 20,000 readers since its inception 1997. 

CSDMS has a formal MoU with leading academic institutions and 
industry associations. It organizes national and international 
conferences and theme based workshops on GIS, GPS and Remote Sensing. 
Map India is an annual event being organized for last four years 
attracting more than 1000 delegates. CSDMS runs training programs on 
GIS applications in various developmental sectors and software 
specific courses as well through its well-equipped institute GIS 
Institute. In addition, CSDMS takes up research projects with 
government, non-government and international agencies. CSDMS has 
developed extensive network with various government organizations, 
research institutes, universities, industry, NGOs and international 
organizations. 

Visit www.csdms.org for more details 




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