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Writer's pictureNivedhitha Ajithkumar

Navigating Climate Challenges with Geospatial Technology in India


Climate challenges in India
Representative image generated using AI GPT-4

Overview of the Indian Geospatial Sector and Climate Concerns


The Indian geospatial sector is poised for transformative growth, driven by an urgent need to address environmental and infrastructure challenges and advancements in technology. Climate risks, such as frequent flooding, soil erosion, land deformation, and wildfires, pose substantial threats to India’s ecosystems, economy, and public safety. With climate change impacts intensifying, the demand for accurate, actionable geospatial data has become more critical than ever.


Artificial intelligence (AI) and geospatial technology are now providing a unique opportunity to tackle these issues head-on. By harnessing the power of geospatial data, Indian organisations are gaining deeper insights into climate dynamics and infrastructure risks, enabling them to create more resilient and proactive systems for handling environmental threats. According to the Department of Science and Technology, the Indian geospatial market is projected to reach an impressive INR 1 lakh crore (over 13 billion USD) by 2030, a growth fuelled by supportive policies, emerging technology, and the increasing need for climate resilience. The expanding market also brings with it a wave of job opportunities, with over 1 lakh (100,000) new roles anticipated in both government and private sectors.



Infrastructure monitoring
Representative image- Infrastructure monitoring, Source ESRI portal

Thazhal Geospatial Analytics


As a result I have co-founded Thazhal Geospatial Analytics, a pioneering deep-tech analytics startup, focused on providing data-driven solutions that address critical infrastructure, environmental, and business challenges in India and globally. Thazhal's mission is clear: to leverage advanced geospatial data and analytics for creating resilient and sustainable systems. With a specialised focus on infrastructure risk, environmental risk, and business intelligence, we aim to equip organisations with precise insights, empowering them to make informed, impactful decisions in the face of escalating climate risks.


As flooding, land deformation, wildfires, and other climate-driven hazards increase in frequency and intensity, businesses, governments, and communities are in urgent need of reliable, real-time environmental data. Thazhal’s suite of solutions transforms complex geospatial information into actionable insights, enabling stakeholders to proactively safeguard their resources, infrastructure, and communities against potential disruptions.



Flood damage in India
Representative image - Flood damage

The Indian Geospatial Sector: Unlocking Opportunities with AI


AI is playing a vital role in driving the Indian geospatial sector forward. By integrating AI with geospatial data, Earth observation, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, we’re enabling new applications for climate and infrastructure management on an unprecedented scale. From real-time environmental monitoring to predictive risk assessment, these technologies are revolutionising how industries manage operations and enhance resilience.


The adoption of geospatial technology across industries is creating exciting opportunities to improve business efficiency, streamline public infrastructure management, and bolster environmental resilience. India’s proactive policies are opening doors for both domestic and international stakeholders, making it possible to extend geospatial services beyond national borders. This growth wave provides a unique chance for innovation in AI-driven geospatial solutions, creating room for new startups and tech companies to expand their influence and impact.


Thazhal is deeply engaged in this mission. By combining AI-driven analytics with rich geospatial datasets, we empower organisations to better leverage Earth Observation data, integrating IoT inputs and environmental data for real-time monitoring, predictive modelling, and strategic resource planning. Our aim is to redefine resilience and efficiency, providing the Indian market with tools that enable smarter, data-informed decisions.



Farm boundary detection
Image showing farm boundary detection - Source Thazhal Geospatial

Shaping the Future of Climate and Infrastructure Resilience in India


As the geospatial sector in India continues to evolve, we remain dedicated to leading the way in innovation, sustainability, and resilience. By embracing AI-driven analytics and advanced geospatial technologies, we’re building tools that empower organisations to make proactive, data-backed decisions. We believe that with the right data and insights, we can build a future where infrastructure is more resilient, resources are managed sustainably, and communities are better prepared for the challenges of climate change.


The journey toward climate resilience in India is both complex and inspiring. With new technologies, expanding policies, and visionary solutions, we are proud to contribute to a sustainable future where data-driven insights shape a resilient India.



About the Author

Nivedhitha Ajithkumar (PhD) is a doctoral researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, Finland. She earned her MSc from a collaborative program between the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), ISRO in Dehradun, India, and ITC, University of Twente in the Netherlands. Nivedhitha also possesses a strong engineering background, holding a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication.


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