Know Our Research Institute - Indian Institute of Remote Sensing | IIRS

Human civilization has almost mastered to harness natural resources. So much so, instead of being part of ecosystem we have occupied centre stage of ecosystem and started modifying the ecosystem as we like. However, we must appreciate natural resources are not infinite. Growing need/greed and pace of utilization has put us in critical situation. India in particular has vast natural resources. Still due to dependency of large population on natural resources, we see scarcity/ mismanagement and conflicts. We need an efficient method which can provide us timely and accurate information on resources utilization pattern in time and space.

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Objectives
1. Technology transfer among the user community,
2. Education at post-graduate level in the application of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics for natural resource management,
3. Promote research in Remote Sensing & Geoinformatics, and
4. Value addition and services

The importance of remote sensing for the socio-economic development of nations has been recognized since the era of aerial photography in the early part of 20th century. The advent of space borne platforms on unmanned satellites has provided unprecedented opportunities to study earth surface features, physical processes, natural resources and environment. Therefore, remote sensing from aerospace media has become the most valuable tool for management and monitoring of natural resources and environment. For a sustained economic growth and balance between the development of natural resources and optimal natural environment, it is necessary that the technology is used to its maximum potential. In a vast country like India, this requires development of adequate human resource for the judicious use of the remote sensing technology in resource mapping and environmental monitoring.

The space programme as visioned by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai has always emphasized its role in application for the national prosperity and social cause. ISRO builds satellites with specific objective and same is true for remote sensing satellite programmes too. A satellite provides information on ground water/ crop/ deforestation / coastal land use management and many others. To do this ISRO has always emphasized on capacity building and training of user community.

Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), formerly known as Indian Photo-Interpretation Institute (IPI), was set up in 1966 under the aegis of the Survey of India to provide comprehensive training with hands on experience of the emerging technology. The success of satellite remote sensing in early 70’s created a need for manpower trained in the utilization of remote sensing technology, and therefore, Institute was merged with National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) in July 1976. Late 70’s and early 80’s saw the emergence of remote sensing as a powerful tool for natural resources survey and management and in the year 1980, NRSA came under the umbrella of Department of Space (Government of India), which is the nodal agency for the development and application of space technology and science for the socio-economic benefit of the nation. IIRS trains people and develop capacity among the users. It also keeps data purchase market active.

This Institute has come a long way. Journey from photo-interpretation to institute for remote sensing and Geographical science and IIRS has come to qualify for international stature. Today we have courses for all levels of users from researchers to policy makers. Its goal is to develop a mechanism from pixel to policy through human capacity building in Natural Resource Management. It is focusing to develop electronic course through Internet/developing network with non remote sensing institutions and nation building programme and increasing its outreach. Besides, IIRS has also contributed towards several R & D projects that has helped in operationalisation of technology in various application areas like landslide hazard zonation, ground water targeting etc.

The Chairman NRSA-GB/Secretary, Dept. of Space reviewed the activities of IIRS on May, 18th 2001. It was felt that IIRS in years to come should become a world class institute of its kind. It was suggested that a workshop (with interactive sessions) involving educational institutions; central and state users; and private entrepreneurs/industry should be organized to assess the specific, as well as overall need of remote sensing training and education in the country.

NRSA CONVERTED INTO A GOVERNMENT ENTITY UNDER DOS/ISRO

NRSA is closely associated with various programmes of the Department of Space (DOS)/lndian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in particular, the Earth Observation Programme, Disaster Management Support and other programmes of national importance. In order to enable NRSA to carry out its responsibilities in a more effective manner, the Government has after careful consideration, decided to convert it into a Government entity, to be called as National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), a Centre under DOS/ISRO, with effect from 1st September, 2008.

More details at : http://www.iirs-nrsc.gov.in/index.php

Indi Proff
source: iirs