The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar and the Odisha & Chhattisgarh Geo-Spatial Directorate of the Survey of India (SoI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 25, 2025, to strengthen collaboration in geospatial research and innovation.
The announcement followed in Bhubaneswar on November 26.
Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean (Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy) of IIT Bhubaneswar, and Shri Asish Kausal, IES, Director of Odisha and Chhattisgarh Geo-Spatial Directorate, signed the MoU in the presence of senior officials. Moreover, the ceremony included Dr Raj K. Singh, Head of the School of Earth, Ocean & Climate Sciences (SEOCS), Dr Ashim Sattar, Assistant Professor at SEOCS, Shri Bharat Kumbhar, Superintending Surveyor, and Shri Shakil Alam, Officer Surveyor.
The partnership combines the Survey of India’s technical expertise in geospatial science with IIT Bhubaneswar’s research strength in remote sensing applications, geo-dynamical studies, climate science, and earth sciences. Furthermore, the collaboration facilitates the exchange of scientific and technical information, enhances research capabilities, and drives innovation in emerging geospatial technologies.
As part of the agreement, both institutions will undertake joint research projects, promote knowledge sharing, and host collaborative workshops, lectures, and conferences. Consequently, the initiative is expected to advance capacity-building and scientific understanding in geospatial technologies while contributing to national development goals.
Ultimately, the MoU reflects a shared vision to harness advanced mapping technologies and geoinformatics for addressing challenges in climate science, earth sciences, and sustainable development. In addition, by joining hands, IIT Bhubaneswar and the Survey of India have created a platform to foster innovation and strengthen India’s leadership in geospatial research.
