…..providing high-quality remote sensing data, indigenous capacity and application services to facilitate enhanced utilisation of Remote Sensing in resource management and disaster mitigation.….. Thirty-second Annual Report National Remote Sensing Agency Department of Space, Government of India The Society of NRSA 2005-2006 Composition Members President Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Shri Prithviraj Chavan Minister of State (MoS), Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Vice-President Secretary to Government of India (GOI), Department of Space (DOS) Shri G. Madhavan Nair Members Secretary to GOI, Dept. of Science and Technology (DST) Dr. T. Ramasami Secretary to GOI, Ministry of Defence (MoD) Shri Shekhar Dutt Three Eminent Scientists Prof. Y.V. Venkatesh Retd. Dean, Engineering Facility Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc), Prof. Damodar Acharya Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi Shri K. Kiran Karnik President, National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), New Delhi Additional Secretary and Internal Financial Advisor, DOS Member (Finance), Space Commission and Ex-officio Secretary to GOI, DOS Ms. Veena Sreeram Rao Shri S.K. Das Director, Earth Observation System (EOS), DOS Dr. V. Jayaraman Director, National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) Dr. K.Radhakrishnan The Governing Body of NRSA 2005-2006 Composition Members Chairman Secretary to Govt. of India (GOI), Dept. of Space (DOS) Shri G. Madhavan Nair Members Secretary to GOI, Dept. of Science and Technology (DST) Dr. T. Ramasami Secretary to GOI, Ministry of Defence (MoD) Shri Shekhar Dutt Three Eminent Scientists Prof. Y.V. Venkatesh Retd. Dean, Engineering Facility Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc), Prof. Damodar Acharya Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi Shri K. Kiran Karnik President, National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), New Delhi Additional Secretary and Internal Financial Advisor, DOS Ms. Veena Sreeram Rao Joint Secretary (Finance), DOS Shri P. Mukherjee Director, Earth Observations System (EOS), DOS Dr. V. Jayaraman Dr. K.Radhakrishnan Director, NRSA Highlights 2005-2006 Technology and Operations Reception of data from Cartosat-1; data products announced to users 4.8 m antenna, satellite reception terminal at Balanagar and Shadnagar for disaster support Over 19,000 data products disseminated Data Capturing System at Svalbard; OBSSR data processing facility at NRSA Aerial services - mapping of towns; aeromagnetic survey over Indo – Gangetic plains; garland canal mapping in Karnataka; 3D digital topographic databases; electrical utility network mapping; customized municipal GIS solution Mapping of Maldives completed successfully; primary GPS network in WGS-84 datum established; remote sensing centre established at Male Acquisition of ALTM-DC data for disaster management, river linking Wasteland Atlas of India released Resource Assessment and Monitoring Natural Resources Repository (NRR) - Land use/land cover mapping using AWiFS Wasteland Atlas of India released Web-based Wasteland Information System (WALIS) developed Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission - Phase-II completed Biodiversity Characterization at Landscape Level – Phase II completed Crop Acreage and Production Estimation (CAPE) for Rice and Cotton Aeromagnetic Studies; exploring shallow gas zones Power transmission route alignment Identification of hazardous waste dump sites Snowmelt runoff forecast provided Assessment of Irrigation Potential ISRO Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP), RISAT-JEP, etc. Disaster Support Decision Support Centre for Disaster Management inaugurated at NRSA NRSA is nodal agency for National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) Earthquake damage assessment Flood monitoring and inundated area assessment Flood hazard zonation mapping for Assam Hazard perception from water bodies - Snowmelt in Kashmir and Pareechu lake Detailed tsunami damage assessment for Tamil Nadu Andaman & Nicobar islands - one year after tsunami Drought monitoring Forest fire watch - INFFRAS Monitoring fire at oil platform and Barren island volcanic activity Cartosat-1 Team Decision Support Centre at NRSA Chandrayaan Workshop at NRSA Training & Capacity Building 439 officers/scientists trained in RS, GIS and allied areas CSSTEAP - decade completed; faculty/infrastructure support by IIRS International Ground Stations - New station being set up at Algeria Technology development and R&D studies on various data reception, processing and application themes Quiz Programme for School Children Contents 1. Executive Summary 01 2. Governing Body and Society Meeting 04 3. Satellite Data Services 04 4. Remote Sensing Applications 09 5. Aerial Services & Digital Mapping 18 6. Training 20 7. Technology Development/R&D 22 8. Outreach Programme 22 10. Academic Sensitization 23 12. International Collaboration 23 13. Library 23 14. Finance 23 15. General 24 Appendix: Audit Report and Annual Accounts List of Acronyms annual report National Remote Sensing Agency in 2005-2006 1. Executive Summary There were several new developments in the data reception chain, with a focus on achieving the goal of multi-mission capability and total automation of antenna systems. Establishment of Terminal-II controls at Control Room has enabled ease of operations. X-S band feed systems were realized and are operational at Shadnagar. Automatic Weather Stations were installed at Balanagar and Shadnagar campus to measure crucial weather parameters. The National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) under the Department of Space is India’s premier organization that addresses the need for satellite and aerial remote sensing, mapping and monitoring of natural resources, decision support during disasters and environment study, all under a single umbrella (Fig.1). To support this diverse range of activities, NRSA has a dedicated earth station with multimission satellite data reception capability, aircrafts and related electronics, valuable data archives, processing and analysis facility. Technology outreach and capacity building is being achieved through training and education in remote sensing and related areas. Towards Disaster Management Support Programme, a 4.8 m antenna and reception terminal was installed at Balanagar and Shadnagar. Bandwidth of the Spacenet network was enhanced. Direct-to-Home (DTH) units were installed at Balanagar and Shadnagar campus to facilitate direct reception in Ku band. There were several high points this year. The major highlight was reception, processing and operationalisation of data from Cartosat-1 satellite, which was launched on May 5th, 2005. For the first time, a real time stereo image covering India was received. In order to achieve efficient use of the OnBoard Solid State Recorder (OBSSR) capability of the IRS satellites, a total facility was established by NRSA (along with ISRO Centres) at Svalbard in Norway. This facility has increased the scope of catering to the data needs of international users by improved global coverage through Indian satellites. Starting with a single antenna that received Landsat data, NRSA’s earth station at Shadnagar has seen several major milestones. Today, the earth station is a multi-mission system with 3 antennae that cater for as many as 9 satellites, both Indian and foreign. NRSA has also set-up a network of ground stations across the globe that cater for data from Indian Remote Sensing satellites. The Data Processing Facility supports archival, processing, product generation and dissemination of data from IRS-1C, IRS-1D, IRS-P3, Oceansat-1 (IRS-P4), Cartosat-1 (IRS-P5), Resourcesat-1 (IRS-P6), ERS, NOAA and Terra/Aqua. e-IIMS, based on web Fig.1 Role of National Remote Sensing Satellite Data Services Remote Sensing Applications • Developed know-how and demonstrated • Operational data remote sensing reception, processing data utility; and dissemination operationalised the same for monitoring facility for state-of-art environment, its processes and satellite systems in India resources in the country • Capability in setting up • Vital contributions to develop a national IRS data reception and framework (policy, institutional, utility, processing facilities industry) for earth observation around the world • Decision making support for disaster mitigation 1 Aerial Services Training & Education • A national civilian • World class training and education facility facility for aerial for remote sensing in surveys India and developing • Developed a the critical mass of national capability human resource in the for high resolution country digital mapping • Regional leadership in • Strong capacity building in international remote sensing presence technology, is operational for all the satellites. As per the Data Archival and Acquisition Policy, historic data of all satellites in NRSA’s archives is available on digital media while browse data is available for users on Internet for viewing and data selection. A range of utility software was developed to cater for customized needs. was done for 13 states and these inputs helped in reaching rescue, relief and rehabilitation to the affected. A post-disaster assessment study was done to bring out the damage caused by the October 2005 earthquake that stuck Northern India. Satellite data helped in quantifying the damaged buildings and also in assessing the changes in the terrain. Hazard perception in downstream areas resulting from snowmelt and landslides was studied. Detailed damage assessment for Tamil Nadu and vegetation recovery studies in Andaman & Nicobar islands were done one year after the tsunami. Over 19,000 data products, of which IRS holds the lions share, were disseminated to Indian and foreign users/organizations. The demand for high resolution and microwave data has increased, and so has the usage of remote sensing data in the academic sector. The first phase Cartosat-1 data products – mono and stereo data - are available for the users. Under the National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System (NADAMS), near real-time information on agricultural conditions at district/sub-district level is being provided for 14 states in the country. A comprehensive ‘Indian Forest Fire Response and Assessment System (INFFRAS)’ was operationalised in order to meet the requirements of the forest department at pre-fire, during fire and post-fire levels. The fire at ONGC’s oil platform and the Barren Island volcanic activity were monitored. Over the years, NRSA has helped in enabling a global network of International Ground Stations (IGS) to receive and process data from IRS series of satellites. While the existing stations are being upgraded to cater for the latest missions, a new ground station is being set up at Algeria. The reception and processing chain are being upgraded for future missions like Cartosat-2, RISAT and Oceansat-2. A Geoinformatics Division was created with the mandate of organizing, developing and managing geospatial data at NRSA. Spatial modeling and data analysis and development of decision support systems is also among the areas of focus. Data quality evaluation and quality control activities have been quite significant by means of providing timely and necessary feedback to mission and software teams to fix all issues related to data products, and mainly for releasing Cartosat-1 products to user community. Quality evaluation of more than 27,000 data products was completed during the year. As part of the Natural Resources Repository (NRR) activity of the National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS), rapid assessment of national level land use/land cover has been taken up on 1:250,000 scale using multi-temporal AWiFS datasets, with an emphasis on net sown area for different cropping seasons. This is the first effort of its kind at national level. The digital database generated under this project will become a part of Natural Resource Database (NRDB). NRSA is one of the key members in the national disaster management support mechanism as well a participant of the International Charter for Space and Major Disasters. The Decision Support Centre for Disaster Management, which was inaugurated in 2005 with NRSA as the node, is designed to consolidate the efforts towards providing data that will aid in timely action for disaster relief as well as build up a strong base for operational disaster management activities involving other organizations. NRSA is also the nodal agency for establishment of the National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM), which envisages generating and organizing multilevel, multi-scale geospatial data to facilitate emergency management for the entire country. The Wasteland Atlas of India was updated in terms of the spatial information, identification and delineation of new areas under wastelands, and identification of areas where reclamation programme was implemented. The Wastelands Atlas of India 2005 was released. The huge amounts of geospatial data and output generated during this project was organized in the web-based Wasteland Information System (WALIS), that proposes to make available this key information to the planners, decision makers and other user All the major flood events in the country during 2005 were mapped. Near-real-time flood monitoring and inundated area assessment 2 groups by organizing the geospatial data in a centralized database server, and develop a customized user-friendly Information System. building for maximum utilization of RISAT SAR data from its launch. The unique aerial remote sensing facility at NRSA has been offering a range of valueadded services to users for over two decades, including aerial photography and digital mapping, infrastructure planning, scanner surveys, aeromagnetic surveys, large scale base map and topographic and cadastral mapping, etc. Among the aerial survey tasks carried out this year were mapping of towns, aeromagnetic survey over Indo – Gangetic plains and garland canal mapping in Karnataka. 3D digital topographic databases were generated for 187 sq.km and 112 sq.km of Kolkata and Visakhapatnam municipal corporation areas respectively. Phase-II of the Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission was successfully completed for 10 states, demonstrating the application of space technology for providing potable water to the masses in the country. Phase-III covering the remaining states is being taken up. Second phase of the Biodiversity Characterization Project is nearing completion for the Eastern Ghats and Central India. A Biodiversity Information System, which aims at providing a single-window source of information on bioresources of the country, is being developed. Crop acreage and estimation was done for Kharif and Rabi rice and cotton. Soil resource appraisal for Sadasivapet mandal on 1:12,500 scale helped in land use planning, resource allocation and monitoring activities. Mineral exploration studies including those for shallow gas and oil were taken up to explore potential zones. Satellite data was used in other diverse applications like power transmission route alignment and identification of hazardous waste dump sites. One of the challenging tasks completed this year was the mapping of Maldives. Aerial photography for entire Maldives was done on 1:40,000 scale and of 16 selected islands on 1:6000 scale. A primary GPS network in WGS84 datum extending over the entire country was established for the first time in the country’s history. A remote sensing centre was established at Male and the manpower was trained on remote sensing and photogrammetry activities. The annual snowmelt runoff forecast into Sutlej basin at Bhakra reservoir was provided to the Bhakra Beas Management Board. A satellitebased assessment of snow-fed and rainfed catchment areas of Siang basin was done. Ocean related studies on chlorophyll, sediment dynamics and algal blooms were done. The scope of high resolution satellite data was explored for monitoring the progress of irrigation/multi-purpose water resources projects. An assessment of irrigation potential created and/or percentage progress of works with critical gap areas was made and a presentation was made to the Planning Commission on the study, which was well appreciated. Diversified applications of aerial remote sensing were demonstrated for projects such as electrical utility network mapping in West Bengal and a customized municipal GIS solution for Bangalore Mahanagar Palike. The Airborne Laser Terrain Mapping – Digital Camera (ALTM-DC) system made significant contribution to important national projects in the areas of disaster management and river linking. Creating trained manpower for optimum utilization of remote sensing technology as well as building awareness about allied areas is one of the key areas of focus. The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), which has the mandate of transfer of technology in the field of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, has completed 40 years of service to the nation. Long and short-term training in various application disciplines and Geoinformatics are being imparted. Besides these, several studies were taken up as part of the on ISRO Geosphere Biosphere Programme. Under the RISAT Joint Experiment Programme (JEP), nine studies covering the themes of agriculture, soil moisture, geosciences, forestry, land use and land cover, oceanography, snow cover, floods and software development are being addressed with the participation of collaborators from non-DOS organizations. The main objective of these studies is to develop operational methodologies addressing the needs in respective themes and capacity This year, a total of 439 Indian and foreign participants were trained at Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (349) and at NRSA Headquarters (90) at Hyderabad. As part of HRD activities, 130 employees at various levels were trained for both technical as well 3 Cartosat-1 was tracked at the Earth Station. Sband telemetry data was received. Once the payload was switched on, the Earth Station received data from both the fore and aft PAN cameras. The first scene acquired was that of Maldives. Payload calibration was done for PAN fore camera. The first digital and photo products were developed. For the first time, a real time stereo image covering India was received. as soft skills such as management and personality development. The Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and Pacific (CSSTEAP), which is being supported by IIRS/NRSA and other Centres of the Department of Space, has completed a decade of its establishment this year. So far, a total of about 170 students from over 25 countries have been trained under the 9-month PG Course on Remote Sensing and GIS at IIRS. 3.1.2 Data Reception NRSA’s earth station is a multi-mission system with 3 antennae that cater for as many as 9 satellites. The ground station operations were carried out with an efficiency of better than 98% to receive data from Indian Remote Sensing Satellites IRS-1C, IRS-1D, IRS-P3, IRS-P4 (Oceansat-1), IRS-P6 (Resourcesat-1), IRS-P5 (Cartosat-1) and USA’s Terra and Aqua, with an average of 17 Multi-mission data satellite passes reception per day. ERS • IRS-1C, IRS-1D, IRS-P3, data is being Oceansat-1 (IRS-P4), acquired against Cartosat-1 (IRS-P5), specific user Resourcesat-1 (IRS-P6) request. Data • Terra & Aqua reception from • NOAA NOAA satellites • ERS is being done through a Metsat terminal at Balanagar. Among the major maintenance activities at earth station this year was the replacement of Elevation (EL) Gear Box in Terminal-I, and Terminal-III feed, which resulted in improved chain performance of Terminal-III. Several Technology Development and R&D studies are being carried out. Strong outreach programmes have helped promote the technology of remote sensing, while also creating awareness about the Indian earth observation programme. 12 exhibitions and workshops were held in different places in India. Specific demonstration of technology are being done for users. Support was provided to 22 ongoing Research Sponsored (RESPOND) Programme for universities. 2. Governing Body and Society Meetings 2.1 Governing Body Meeting Thirty-fourth meeting of NRSA Governing Body was held on December 10, 2005. The following decisions were taken in the meeting: (a) Approval of Accounts and Annual Report of NRSA for 2004-2005. (b) Approval of Plan of Action and Budget for RE 2005-2006 and BE 2006-2007. 2.2 Society Meeting 3. Satellite Data Services During the last one year, about 4500 passes were acquired and archived at the earth station. Data are recorded onto digital media by the archival and quick look browse systems. The browse data along with ancillary data is being transmitted over the Spacenet from Earth Station facility at Shadnagar to the browsing facility at Balanagar, Hyderabad. The data stored on the browse archival system is available for users on Internet for viewing and data selection. 3.1 Data Acquisition and Archival 3.1.3 New Developments at Earth Station 3.1.1 Cartosat-1 - launch and beyond The focus of new developments was towards achieving the goal of multi-mission capability and total automation of antenna systems. Newly-developed digital phase shifters were incorporated in tracking systems, making them suitable for multi-mission tracking. The new component not only has the advantage of Thirtieth meeting of NRSA Society was held on December 17, 2005. Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State (MoS), Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and President, NRSA Society, presided over the meeting. The Annual Report and audited accounts for the year 2004-2005 were approved. The data receive chain at Earth Station, Shadnagar was upgraded for Cartosat-1. Station test and evaluation was conducted. Pre-launch simulation was carried out, after which all the systems were in readiness. After its launch on May 5th 2005, the first pass of 4 space and cost saving, but also is also highly adaptable to all frequencies. An electronic IF switch was incorporated in place of the earlier manually-patched chords. A set of multimission demodulators were incorporated in the system, which allow the same equipment to be used for any bit rate and of any modulation method. The demodulators can tune to two carriers simultaneously and demodulate those signals parallely. received simultaneously. These were also operationalised at Shadnagar. Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) were installed at NRSA’s Balanagar and Shadnagar campus under IGBP program, which measure crucial weather parameters and transmits to a centralized control room through geosynchronous satellite Kalpana. 3.1.4 Communication Links • • • • • • • • • • • • • Developments in data reception chain Readiness and reception of data from Cartosat-1 Newly-developed digital phase shifters incorporated in tracking systems Electronic IF switch in place of manually-patched chords Improved multi-mission demodulators New wind speed measuring system at Shadnagar Terminal-II controls at Central Control Room New laser beam based alignment fixture developed X-S band feed system supporting dual polarization in X-band and transmission in S-band developed X-band dual conversion Down Converters operationalised at Shadnagar Automatic Weather Stations at Balanagar and Shadnagar 4.8 m antenna, satellite reception terminal at Balanagar Shadnagar for disaster support Bandwidth of Spacenet network enhanced Direct-to-Home (DTH) units at Balanagar and Shadnagar to facilitate direct reception in Ku band A 4.8 m antenna and satellite reception terminal was installed at NRSA’s Balanagar and earth station, Shadnagar in order to cater for the activities of Decision Support Centre (DSC). Bandwidth of the Spacenet network, that provides connectivity between all DOS centres for exchange of data/information, was increased to 384 Kbps from 64 Kbps, at both Balanagar and Shadnagar campus. INSAT CCD data is being downloaded daily in realtime through Spacenet network from MCF, Hassan for use at applications area. A video conferencing facility was established at earth station, Shadnagar. Direct-to-Home (DTH) units were installed at Balanagar and Shadnagar campus to facilitate direct reception in Ku band during special transmissions like satellite launches, etc. 3.2 Data Processing A new wind speed measuring system using Ultrasonic sensor was installed at Shadnagar. Establishment of Terminal-II controls at Central Control Room has enabled ease of operations. Development of a new laser beam based alignment fixture was done for feed-subreflector alignment in field. An X-S band feed system, which is a combined effort of NRSA and ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), was developed (Fig.2). It supports dual polarization in X-band and transmits in S-band. Four such feed systems were realized, and are operational at Shadnagar. The X-band dual conversion Down Converters are low intermodulation products where four carriers are 3.2.1 A new facility at Svalbard The IRS satellites are programmed for data acquisition using the On-Board Solid State Recorder (OBSSR) whenever the required area of interest does not fall within the coverage of NRSA's earth station at Shadnagar. In order to increase the playback capability in a day and in turn, achieving efficient use of the OBSSR capability of the satellite, the existing X-band reception facility at Svalbard in Norway is being availed to acquire the playback passes. Being a high latitude station, Svalbard can receive IRS series satellite data from more number of orbits. Fig.2 Improved version of X-band feed A total facility starting from payload programming and scheduling to supply of data to users and virtual ground stations was established by NRSA along with ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Space Applications Centre (SAC) and Spacecraft Control Centre (SCC) through ANTRIX. The facility is distributed at three locations – request handling and 5 programming at NRSA, Hyderabad; commanding at SCC, Bangalore; acquisition at Svalbard and processing and dissemination from NRSA. The payload programming systems were augmented to handle Solid State Recorder (SSR) requests to schedule for playback either at Svalbard or Shadnagar based on the urgency. All other workcenters were also augmented to cater for SSR requests. switched over to DLT media using direct data logging system interfaces. A 3-week tutorial was organized jointly by NRSA and RSI, Canada for Radar image data users at New Delhi. The in-house developed Advanced Front End Hardware (AFEH) was modified for Cartosat-1 data handling using state-of-art Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Integrated Circuits (ICs). These units were subjected to stringent quality tests for complying with International standards. Eight AFEH units were fabricated, tested and integrated in Cartosat-1 DAQLB systems at earth station for acquiring data in real time daily. These units are also being upgraded for handling data from Cartosat-2, which is to be launched shortly. A Data Capturing System (DCS) was installed at Svalbard to receive data from Cartosat-1, Resourcesat-1 and the future IRS missions (Fig.3). The OBSSR data received at Svalbard is archived on Super Digital Linear Tapes (SDLT) and couriered to NRSA regularly. To process this data, an OBSSR data processing facility was established at NRSA's Data Processing Area. This facility broadly consists of Ancillary Data Processing (ADP) systems and a Data Product Generation System with all the required interfaces. About 143 SDLTs of Resourcesat-1 and 127 SDLTs of Cartosat-1 were received since data reception from Svalbard commenced on operational basis from January 2006. The corresponding browse data is available of NRSA’s website. Several types of special products were generated on request. Anaglyphs were prepared using Cartosat-1 stereo data for various places in India and other countries including Alps, Kiev, Seoul, Goa, etc. Flythrough using Cartosat-1 and Resourcesat-1 data were also generated, both against request as well as for Village Resource Centers (VRC) project. A full India hybrid flythrough with path indicator was created using multi sensor data (Fig.4). Fig.3 Data Capturing Systems at Svalbard Fig.4 Fly-through model of India 3.2.2 Operational Activities The data processing facility supports data archival, processing, product generation and dissemination of data from all satellites of IRS series, ERS, NOAA, Terra and Aqua. All major workcenters handling large data volumes operate with Gigabit (GB) network connectivity. Web-based Integrated Information Management System (e-IIMS) is operational for all the satellites. Support is also provided for all IRS missions for data quality evaluation. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are being generated. Interfaces to HDTs are completely removed and transcription is Special products were been generated for National Informatics Center (NIC), Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) and Natural Resources (NR) Census projects. State mosaics were generated for Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal using AWiFS data. Historic data of all satellites in NRSA’s archives is available on high-density digital media like DLTs and CDs. OCM/NOAA data are being made available through ISDN to important users like IIT, INCOIS, SAC etc. Data is also being disseminated to 6 International Charter and United Department of Agriculture (USDA). States 3.3 Data Dissemination Under the Remote Sensing Data Policy of the Government, NRSA is the national acquisition/distribution agency for all satellite data within India. Besides the acquired and archived data, distribution of data from IKONOS, QuickBird and ENVISAT, and RADARSAT satellites is also being done. Distributors for IRS data are appointed in USA, Iran, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Singapore. The photo processing facility is equipped with specialized/custom-made modern processors, printers, enlargers, printing and processing aids and other equipment for processing, printing and generating various types of satellite and aerial photo products. A Digital Image Library of photographs was developed, which contains photographs of the workshops/seminars/ meetings/ events at NRSA since its inception. About 19,705 data products worth Rs. 35.49 crores were disseminated to Indian and foreign users/organizations, major ones being Survey Data being of India (SOI), National distributed Informatics Centre (NIC), • IRS-1A NR Census, etc. 250 new • IRS-1B user accounts were • IRS-1C added to NRSA’s user • IRS-1D base during the year. IRS • IRS-P3 data formed the major • Oceansat-1 chunk of the distributed • Resourcesat-1 data. The User Order • Cartosat-1 Processing System • Terra/Aqua (UOPS) is being used for • LANDSAT Cartosat-1 operations. • SPOT Browse data are • NOAA available on NRSA’s • ERS website. Several value • IKONOS added products like Path • RADARSAT Row based, Area of • ENVISAT Interest (AOI) based, • QuickBird Geocoded (floating, precision, ortho-rectified), Merged (geo/scene based), Mosaics, Extractions, etc. are being disseminated. 3.2.3 Developmental activities Utility software was developed to cater for customized needs. An image masking software package was developed for Cartosat1 products and integrated with Digital Quality Control (DQC). An interactive mosaic of Cartosat-1 split geocoded products was made. For evaluation of Cartosat-1 Area-of-Interest (AOI) products, a software was developed and tested. An Image Display Utility software with minimum image processing tools was integrated with Resourcesat-1 data processing system scheduler for appending this utility with digital products. Developments in data processing chain • Data Capturing System at Svalbard; OBSSR data processing facility at NRSA • Image masking software for Cartosat-1 products developed and integrated with Digital Quality Control • Interactive mosaic of Cartosat-1 split geocoded products • Software developed for evaluation of Cartosat-1 Area-of-Interest (AOI) products • Image Display Utility software integrated with IRSP6 data processing system scheduler for appending with digital products The first phase Cartosat-1 data products – mono and stereo data - are available for the users. Demand for Cartosat-1 data has been increasing since its launch in May 2005. Dissemination of high resolution data saw a 60% increase while microwave data sales went up by 65%. There was a 25% increase in the demand of the data from academic sector owing to the discounts on data products and also increased awareness on remote sensing owing to its inclusion as a part of curriculum in universities/colleges. The data usage in private sector showed a 15% increase. 3.2.4 New initiative - INDIA Vision INDIA Vision, a web-based utility that will enable a general user to locate and view any specific area within India as imaged by IRS satellites, is being developed. The experienced users will be allowed to go through an online library of data covering Indian landmass and download the datasets specific to their area of interest in a predefined format. A prototype has already been prepared, while the detailed utility is under development. New initiatives like knowledge-based integrated data selection and off-the-shelf products are being planned. 7 Point Library (GCPL) database to meet the Cartosat-2 mission requirements. 3.4 Support to other ground stations Over 15 International Ground Stations (IGS), including a mobile station are now receiving IRS data, and pass programming is being done for all these stations. The IGS are being upgraded to support Resourcesat-1 and Cartosat-1 operations. 18 AFEH units were fabricated, tested and integrated with Resourcesat-1 and Cartosat-1 DAQLB systems, and these were supplied to Antrix for various International Ground Stations at Iran, Svalbard, Taiwan, UAE and Algeria (Fig.5). RISAT is the first satellite to have simultaneous Dual Polarization combined with a very high (320 Mbps in each polarization) bit rate. This involves modifications and upgrade of various sub-systems at the earth station. A Project Document was prepared. The preliminary design review of Dual Polarization, dual band feed was completed. Procurement and fabrication of antenna, sub systems and components is in progress. Fig.5 DAQLB System at Ground Stations Project document was prepared for Oceansat2. Ground station reception and processing configuration are being planned for other future Indian missions like Resourcesat-2 and Third World Satellite (TWSAT), and also foreign missions like National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS). 3.6 Quality and reliability Data quality evaluation and quality control activities have been quite significant during this period, by means of providing timely and necessary feedback to mission and software teams to fix all issues related to releasing Cartosat-1 data products to user community. Many new methodologies were developed to help fine-tuning the algorithms and sensor alignment in ground processing software. Quality verification of more than 27,000 data products, including 662 data products of foreign satellites, was completed during the year. The IRS data reception facility at Iran was upgraded to cater for Resourcesat-1, with the following activities - upgrade of demodulations and simulation, upgrade of tracking system with new Tracking Control Unit and PC Based Servo Control System, TPG Simulators, remote bore sight facility and breakdown maintenance of EL gear box with new gear boxes. As per an MoU, upgradation for Carotosat-1 has been taken up. NRSA will be setting up a reception station at Algeria for receiving data from IRS satellites. Configuration of the ground station system was completed. A 24-week training program for Algerian personnel was formulated. Site selection and infrastructure planning of the ground station was done. An Antenna Test Facility was established at Shadnagar. Procurement/fabrication of hardware and software systems is being done. NRSA has passed through two surveillance audits subsequent to its ISO certification and is in the process of procuring the updated standards. Rigorous quality assurance procedures were followed for the various hardware equipment developed by NRSA for IRS projects as well as for International Ground Stations (IGS) through qualification tests. 3.5 Readiness for New Missions 4. Remote Sensing Applications The ground systems for reception, processing and product generation are being upgraded for the future missions like Cartosat-2, RISAT and Oceansat-2. A new 7.5 m antenna is being installed for Cartosat-2 mission. Level ‘O’ systems were upgraded with new systems and software. Dual conversion Down Converters were developed. Software requirements were finalized. Over 1950 Ground Control Points (GCPs) were populated in the Ground Control The remote sensing application programme at NRSA is focused on utilizing the technology of remote sensing to fulfill the larger goals of the country towards food security, water security, environment security, energy security and support during disasters. A host of studies were carried out for users and also well as part of the Earth Observation 8 Pradesh, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar (Fig.6) were mapped. Applications Mission (EOAM), ISRO Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP), RISAT-Joint Experiment Programme (JEP), Technology Development Projects (TDP) and R&D. Fig.6 Flood image and map of Muzaffarpur Under the Applications Facility Group, a Geoinformatics Division was created with the mandate of: Organizing, developing and management of geospatial data Spatial modeling and data analysis Development and integration of computer tools for visualization of geospatial problems Development of decision support systems Flood inundation Flood recession/water-logged areas Pre-flood river/water bodies Village boundary Roadway IRS and Radarsat data were used to generate about 40 flood maps at different scales from state level to city level in near-real time basis. District-wise flood damage statistics were sent to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Central Water Commission (CWC), respective State relief commissioners and other users. State-of-art infrastructure is being set up for geospatial data analysis, management and software applications development related to geographic information science. 4.1 Disaster Management Support 4.1.3 Flood hazard zonation mapping 4.1.1 Decision Support Centre (DSC) for Disaster Management Using the historic satellite data from 1998 to 2003, a flood hazard zone map for Brahmaputra river in Assam was prepared (Fig.7). Maximum flooded areas for six years were integrated to form one inundation layer along with digital database layers such as crop, road network, land use/land cover etc., to estimate the frequency of flooding in the 12 districts. Decision support Centre serves a single window service provider of timely information derived from aerospace data and disseminates the same covering all phases of disaster. The Decision Support Centre was formally inaugurated at NRSA on May 7th 2005 by Shri G. Madhavan Nair, Secretary, Dept. of Space, Chairman, ISRO and Chairman, NRSA-GB. Fig.7 Flood Hazard Zonation Map of Brahmaputra and Barak Rivers in Assam The Disaster Watch Team (DWT) kept constant watch on the natural disasters and about 250 disaster watch reports were generated. The information on the disasters is compiled from various websites maintained by nodal government organisations viz. India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Disaster Management (NDM) of the Ministry of Home Affairs and news media. Disaster Support • Floods • Tsunami • Snowmelt • Lake blockade • Drought • Landslide • Earthquake • Forest fire During 1998-2003 (6 years) Flood inundation observed Six times (every year) Five times (out of 6 years) Four times (out of 6 years) Three times (out of 6 years) Two times (out of 6 years) One time (out of 6 years) Normal river bank 4.1.2 Flood Studies All the major flood events reported during 2005 in Gujarat, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra during June/July and in Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra River/stream District boundary Roadway Railway Settlement Normal river course/ water bodies 4.1.4 Monitoring Pareechu Lake The water-spread area of Pareechu lake in the Tibet region, formed during end of July 2004 9 due to blockade of landslide was regularly monitored using satellite remote sensing data. On 26th June 2005, flash floods occurred in Himachal Pradesh. From the satellite data, the blockade was seen to have breached and the lake water appeared to flow downstream (Fig.8). All the information was furnished to National Disaster Mitigation Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, besides other organizations concerned. Fig.8 Monitoring Pareechu Before breach 193 ha After breach 99 ha Lake 17 June ’05Blockade 27 June ‘05 4.1.5 Andaman & Nicobar Islands - one year after tsunami Resourcesat-1 data was used to study the vegetation recovery in Katchall and Trinkat islands. Fig.9 shows the status of Katchall Island during and one year after the tsunami struck. Fig.9 Effect of tsunami on Katchall island 4.1.6 Detailed tsunami damage assessment for Tamil Nadu At the request of Relief Commissioner, Tamil Nadu, a study was taken up to map tsunami inundation extent in selected districts of Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Villupuram, and Kanyakumari) and union territory of Pondicherry along with Regional Remote Sensing Service Center (RRSSC), Bangalore. IRS, MODIS and SRTM DEM were used to generate the final inundation layer on 1:12,500 scale for planning rehabilitation. 4.1.7 Model to understand tsunami wave propagation (IIRS) Understanding the wave propagation is very important when a tsunami occurs. Towards this, an attempt was made to model the tsunami event incorporating Earth Topography - 2 Minute (ETOPO2) and near shore bathymetry data from National Hydrographic Chart. The model shows the arrival time and expected run up at various points in Indian coast. The model was validated from the observed tide gauge wave amplitude from the four ports on 26th December 2004. Fig.10 shows the relationship between the modelderived wave amplitude and the observed tide gauge measurement at the four sites using Earth Topography - 5 Minute (ETOPO5) and ETOPO2 bathymetry. Fig.10 Validation of peak wave amplitude Vegetation recovery over 241.70 ha 19 Oct 2005 Water Vegetation Forest Agriculture Plantations Degraded forest Water Sand Cloud Fragmented land cover Built up area Recovered land cover 4.1.8 Waterlogging at SDSC A study was carried out to investigate waterlogging at Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) due to heavy rainfall. Major drainage outlets, streams and waterlogged areas were identified using satellite data from Resourcesat-1 LISS-IV sensor. 10 4.1.9 Drought Monitoring As part of National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System (NADAMS), generation of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) images over agricultural areas was carried out at district/sub district level in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra using high resolution images. District-level assessment with coarse resolution NOAA AVHRR data was carried out for rest of the 10 states from June to October. Monthly agricultural drought reports were sent to the Ministry of Agriculture (Govt. of India) and relief and agriculture departments of 14 states and State Remote Sensing Application Centers on a regular basis by the first week of succeeding month. The agricultural drought information was used as an input in the review meetings of agricultural situation by state agriculture departments, preparation of contingency plans and for relief claims. Agricultural drought assessment of Andhra Pradesh using IRS AWiFS data for kharif is shown in Fig.11. Fig.11 Agricultural Area NDVI for Kharif 2005 for Andhra Pradesh September 2005 1 Adilabad 2 Anantapur 3 Chittoor 4 Kadapa 5 East Godavari 6 Guntur 7 Karimnagar 8 Khammam 9 Krishna 10 Kurnool 11 Mahbubnagar season of 2006, daily near-real time day and night-time active forest fire alerts based on MODIS and DMSP satellite data were provided through the NRSA website. Value added products showing range boundaries and providing locations were sent to Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh Forest Departments (Fig.12). Fig.12 Monitoring forest fires Bhatagao Srinagar Bageshw Bageshwar AMORA 12/06/05 13/06/05 14/06/05 4.1.11 Earthquake damage assessment A post-disaster assessment study of Jammu and Kashmir earthquake was carried out using 2.5 m panchromatic data of Cartosat–I (Fig.13), for damage assessment along with Resourcesat–1 multispectral data for understanding the regional tectonics. Nearly 25% of the buildings were identified as fully collapsed in Uri and Punch region of Jammu and Kashmir. Other damage such as bridge collapse, road blockage due to landslides etc. could also be identified from the satellite data. The co-seismic landslides show clear spatial association with the pre-existing faults such as Jhelum fault and Main Boundary Thrust (MBT). 12 Medak 13 Nalgonda 14 Nellore 15 Nizamabad 16 Prakasam 17 Rangareddy 18 Srikakulam 19 Visakhapatnam 20 Vizianagaram 21 Warangal 22 West Godavari Fig.13 Post-earthquake showing damaged buildings and landslides in Uri 4.1.10 Forest Fire Management ‘Indian Forest Fire Response and Assessment System (INFFRAS)’ integrating multi-sensor satellite data and ground data in GIS environment was developed. Information on active fire locations over India using MODIS data were disseminated on experimental basis in 2005 and during the fire 11 4.1.12 Earthquake Risk Assessment 4.1.13 Barren Island Volcanic Activity Dehradun, which is the interim capital of Uttaranchal in India, has been short-listed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as one of the most earthquake-prone cities in the country. The direct relationship between the damage of civil structures such as buildings to the number of casualties helps in adopting risk models developed in other countries to minimize the devastating effect of an earthquake to a great extent. The HAZUS is one such tool, which assesses earthquake loss for the built environment and population in urban areas. This study aimed at analyzing the applicability of HAZUS model for the assessment of earthquake risk of buildings in India. On May 28th 2005, the Barren island volcano, 135 km northeast of Port Blair reported spewing red-hot flame and lava with violent bursts. This volcanic activity was observed on a daily basis using nighttime satellite data sets from Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP-OLS) from 22nd May to 2nd June. Analysis of datasets indicated that eruption started on 26th May, two days before it was reported. The municipal ward of Dehradun was the study area. The Reinforced Masonry (RM) and Unreinforced Masonry (URM) model classes from HAZUS were selected as most representative buildings in the study ward. The damage probability matrix was developed for four model-building types by applying HAZUS methodology and risk was evaluated in terms of damage probability of each model building type for all four (slight, moderate, extensive and complete) damage states (Fig.14). Fig.14 Probability of Damage of Buildings during Earthquake 4.1.14 Monitoring Fire at Oil Platform The entire offshore oil platform of ONGC in the Bombay High area was gutted on 27th July 2005. The DMSP-OLS nighttime data sets were processed for fires over the region on daily basis in addition to data sets from other satellites. 4.1.15 National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) The National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM), an initiative of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and a multi-institutional endeavor, envisages generating and organising multi-level, multi-scale geospatial data to facilitate emergency management for the entire country on 1:50000 scale, for 169 multi-hazard prone districts on 1:10000 scale and for 5 mega cities on 1:2000 scale. NRSA, the nodal agency to establish NDEM, identified the core and hazard-specific datasets, and prepared a detailed technical document for organization of NDEM. Development of decision support tools are also envisaged for addressing emergency management for natural, manmade/ technological disasters. Establishment of an institutional mechanism for sharing and updating database on continuous basis and setup mirror/replica of database at MHA with suitable access/security mechanism is also planned. System architecture, software, networking, data mirroring, etc. are also worked out. Ward boundary Road Probability of extensive damage 11% extensive damage 9% extensive damage 4% extensive damage 0.5% extensive damage 4.2 Towards Food Security 4.2.1 Land use/land cover mapping As part of Natural Resources Repository (NRR) activity under National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) of Department of Space (DOS), a study has been taken up for rapid assessment of national level 12 land use and land cover on 1:250,000 scale using multi-temporal AWiFS datasets, with an emphasis on net sown area for different cropping seasons starting from 2004-05 (Fig.15). Fig.15 Land use map of India reclamation programme has been implemented. The Wastelands Atlas of India 2005 was released on 28th November 2005 by Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Union Minister for Rural Development, Govt. of India. The 100-page Wasteland Atlas gives information on status of wastelands in India depicted as state-wise spatial maps and district/categorywise area statistics of the year 2003. 4.2.3 Wasteland (WALIS) Built up land Kharif crop land Rabi crop land Zaid crop land Double / Triple crop land Currently fallow Plantation / orchard Evergreen / Semi-evergreen Deciduous Forest Shrub / degraded forest Littoral/swamp/mangrove Grassland & grazing land Other wasteland Gullied / Ravines Scrub land Water bodies Snow covered Shifting cultivation Multi-temporal AWiFS data covering Kharif (Aug–Nov), Rabi (Jan- Mar) and Zaid (AprilMay) seasons of 2004-05 were used. Legacy datasets on forest cover/type, wastelands and limited ground truth were used as inputs for classification. Out of the total geographical area of 328.72 Mha of the country, the net sown area during different cropping seasons of 2004-05 was estimated as 140.18 Mha, constituting 43%, while the double cropped area was estimated as 42.79 Mha. The land use and land cover information generated was compared with the Department of Economics and Statistics (DES) figures of 2001-02. The net sown area reported matched closely with latest available national estimate of 141.11 Mha. 4.2.2 National Wastelands Inventory and Updation The Wasteland Atlas of India was updated in terms of the spatial information, identification and delineation of new areas under wastelands, and identification of areas where Information System Under the wastelands mapping project, huge amounts of geospatial data and outputs were generated for entire country on 1:50,000 scale. The Wasteland Information System (WALIS) proposes to make available this key information to the planners, decision makers and other user groups by organizing the geospatial data in a centralized database server, and develop a customized user-friendly Information System. The WALIS is a webenabled GIS which provides a facility to access and query geospatial data in a simple web browser without using specific GIS software at user end (Fig.16). Fig.16 Wasteland Information System The spatial data is available in four basic themes - base layer (road and rail network, forest boundary, settlements etc.), admin layer (administrative units from international to village boundary), watershed layer (delineation up to micro watershed) and wasteland layer (28 categories of wastelands). WALIS provides a facility to overlays these layers, querying and GIS analysis, map composition and printing facility etc, in an interactive environment. 4.2.4 Crop Acreage Estimation (CAPE) and Production Pre-harvest Kharif rice acreage and production in 18 major districts of Andhra Pradesh were estimated using three dates RADARSAT data 13 of July, August and September 2005. Resourcesat-1 AWiFS data of October and November months were also utilized to cover late transplantations. The analysis revealed that these 18 districts contributed 25.9 lakh hectares of kharif rice with 66.31 lakh tones of production. An overall reduction of 21.8% in acreage and 7.7% in production was observed in these districts as compared to the previous year. Cotton crop acreage estimation was carried out for 10 major districts of Andhra Pradesh using LISS-III and AWiFS data. During this year, an overall decrease of 10.4% in acreage and 9.7% in production was estimated in these districts with respect to 2004. Rabi rice acreage and production were estimated using LISS-III/AWiFS data for 13 major districts of Andhra Pradesh. Analysis of the data showed that Rabi rice occupied 14.26 lakh ha area with 43.9 lakh tonnes of production. An overall increase of 63.7% in Rabi rice acreage and 36.93% in production was seen when compared to the previous season. 4.2.5 Estimation of regional level cotton yield (Technology Mission on Cotton) Resourcesat-1 LISS-III data of Sirsa, Bharuch, Nagpur and Dharwad districts were analyzed for deriving distribution of cotton crop. The spatial distribution of cotton crop was integrated with the pedo-climatic data viz., soils and weather information. The acreages of cotton crop under each of the pedo-climatic zones was generated for further analysis in crop modeling for generating cotton yield and aggregate cotton production at district level. 4.2.6 Village soil resource appraisal and land utilization plan At the behest of Department of Agriculture, Government of Andhra Pradesh, soil resource appraisal task for Sadasivapet mandal consisting of 30 villages in Medak district on 1:12,500 scale for land use planning and to provide sustainable action plan. Based on analysis of soil and land use/land cover maps derived from LISS–IV data along with local agricultural practices, detailed action plans were prepared. The village cadastral map was overlaid on satellite data for prescribing survey number/plot wise action items on the ground with reference to image characteristics. 4.3 Towards Water Security 4.3.1 Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission The Rajiv Gandhi National drinking water mission successfully addressed the key issue of locating ground water potential zones for providing drinking water to the rural masses by applying space technology. In addition to the identification of probable potential zones, the project also provides information on suitable location for constructing the artificial recharge structures for the sustainability of the ground water resources. Six states viz. Andhra Pradesh (part), Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan in Phase-I, four states viz. Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Orissa in Phase-II were completed. The user feedback indicates the overall success rate of 90 percent for targeting ground water. Under Phase-III, the remaining states - Andhra Pradesh (part), Uttaranchal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir are planned to be taken up. 4.3.2 Snowmelt runoff forecast Snowmelt runoff forecast of inflows during AprMay-June 2005 into Bhakra reservoir was issued as 17.0 lakh cusec-days. The actual measured inflows were 14.50 lakh cusec-days, resulting in a deviation of -17.2%. The forecast was provided to Bhakra Beas Management Board. 4.3.3 Satellite-based assessment of snowfed and rainfed catchment areas At the request of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), Faridabad, snow cover maps were prepared for Siang basin covering about 2,49,000 sq.km using NOAA/AVHRR satellite data of the past 5 years to assess the snow-fed and rainfed catchment areas of Siang basin. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the basin was used for deriving elevation zonewise snow cover information. The snow cover was predominant in above 4000 m elevation of eastern region of Siang basin and the permanent snowline was in the range of 4000 m to 4800 m elevation. 14 4.3.4 Flood threat Kashmir valley from snowmelt in 4.4 Towards Environment Security 4.4.1 Biodiversity Characterization Unprecedented snowfalls in the Kashmir valley in February-March lead to a threat of floods in the valley. The historic snow accumulation and depletion patterns from satellite data, discharge data, snowfall and temperature were analysed. The study indicated that major threat of floods from snowmelt in the valley are not envisaged. 4.3.5 Assessment of Irrigation Potential ‘Biodiversity Characterization at Landscape Level – Phase II’, funded by Department of Space and Department of Biotechnology has been taken up in Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Tamil Nadu at 1:50,000 scale using LISS–III scenes of two seasons. The study area covers a total of 5,38,742 km2 with forest cover of 1,10,069 km2, accounting for 16.27% of the total forest cover in the country. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP), launched in 1996-97 by the Government of India, aiming to speed up the implementation of on-going irrigation/multi-purpose water resources projects. The Planning Commission evinced keen interest to know the scope of high resolution satellite data for monitoring the physical progress made as on 31st March 2005, and the potential created through AIBP. A Biodiversity Information System (BIS) is being developed for characterising the vegetation cover, fragmentation, disturbance and biological richness across the landscape. Development of the web-based Indian Bioresource Information Network (IBIN) to serve as a single-window source of information on bioresources of the country is in advanced stage. Two projects viz. Upper Krishna and Teesta were taken up using high resolution IKONOS and QuickBird data of March 2005, the irrigation infrastructure in terms of entire irrigation canal network, structures and other construction were inventoried and mapped. 4.4.2 Power transmission route alignment This satellite data-derived canal network information was compared vis-à-vis with planned infrastructure. Based on all the information, an assessment of irrigation potential created and/or percentage progress of works with critical gap areas was made. The proposed total Irrigable Command Area (ICA) of Upper Krishna Project (UKP) Stage-I and Phase-III is 1,43,839 ha. Based on satellite data analysis, it was assessed that the total Irrigation Potential created were 1,33,133 ha as on March 2005. Therefore, the balance OIP to be created was estimated at 10,706 ha. The total IP created by end of March/April 2005 in Teesta project command area is 83,565 hectares and the utilizable irrigation potential created was 54,263 ha. A presentation was made to the Planning Commission on the study, and the potential of Cartosat-1 data for monitoring of irrigation infrastructure projects for updating the progress of Irrigation Potential creation was demonstrated. It was decided that all the projects under AIBP will be monitored by Cartosat-1 & 2 data. A corridor route alignment study between Gajwel and Kamareddy sub-stations was carried out using satellite remote sensing and GIS techniques for Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (APTRANSCO), Hyderabad. Three preliminary alternative routes were identified using Resourcesat-1 LISS-IV data, besides topographical maps, collateral maps, and field traverses. The final route was optimized in consultation with APTRANSCO by evaluating terrain conditions, number of crossings and angular bends. The selected final route is of 65.69 km length between the starting point (Gajwel) and terminal point (Kamareddy). 4.4.3 Identification of hazardous waste dump sites At the instance of the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee (SCMC), NRSA undertook this pilot study of identification and mapping of waste dumpsites in two sites at Taloja and TTC Thane and one site near Tarapur industrial area. High resolution LISS– IV data and QuickBird multispectral data was used to delineate waste dump sites (Fig.17). Gypsum was a separable waste class and the rest are mixed with the other land surface features. It is possible to identify the waste dump areas for specific sites by using high resolution satellite data only through secondary data and ground observations. The 15 Fig.17 Delineating waste dump sites Sludge Gypsum Sludge recent space-based techniques for measuring sub-centimeter ground displacement is the Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (D-InSAR), which was used to assess the potential land subsidence phenomenon of Kolkata city. An area in Kolkata city in and around Machhua Bazar, Kolkata University and Raja Bazar Science College, which had been undergoing subsidence during the period of observation i.e., 1992-1998 with an estimated rate of 5mm/year to 6.5mm/year, are shown in Fig.19. Coal Fig.19 IHS colour composition of areas that underwent subsidence during 1993-1996 results of the study were presented to Supreme Court Monitoring Committee. At the instance of the Pollution Control board of Delhi and Andhra Pradesh, NRSA is initiating similar studies to standardize the methodology. 4.4.4 Saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifer in low-lying coastal mudflats (IIRSITC) The objective of this research was to understand the behavior of saltwater migration into coastal aquifer because of unscientific withdrawal of ground water or relative sea level rise. Assessment of the vulnerability of coastal villages due to saltwater ingress in pre and post-monsoon season in a GIS environment and modeling technique was carried out (Fig.18). Fig.18 Vulnerability assessment of coastal villages May 2003 Highly vulnerable Less vulnerable Moderately vulnerable Non vulnerable October 2003 Highly vulnerable Less vulnerable Moderately vulnerable Non vulnerable 4.4.5 Studying subsidence of Kolkata city (IIRS-UMLV Collaborative ESA EO Project) The occurrence of a thick surface clay layer with an average thickness of ~40 m and above raises question on land subsidence phenomenon in Kolkata. One of the most L1 Machhua Bazar Calcutta L2 : University Rajabazar L3 Science College 1.0 25 50 L L 00 L Subsidence contour with figures in mm/year Average subsidence rate = ~6.5mm/year(Max.) 4.5 Towards Energy Security 4.5.1 Exploring Shallow Gas Zones Three potential zones, which are suitable for occurrence of shallow gas as indicated by ONGC, were considered in this study. ASTER data (Visible and SWIR) bands and calibrated with ground spectrometer data were used in Anakaleshwar main field, Olpad field and Kosambi field. The ground spectrometer samples collected for 34 different locations revealed the mineral abundance of the area. The Notronite occurrence concentrated along the topographic highs in all the three fields. Jarosite, which is an iron-rich mineral, was seen in the topographic highs of extreme east of Anakaleshwar main field and also south of Tapti river. 4.5.2 Aeromagnetic Studies Aeromagnetic data for about 25,000 line km over Ganga basin was acquired for Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) with the objective of identifying potential zones for 16 hydrocarbons, during the field seasons 2003– 04, 2004–05 and 2005–06 respectively over three different blocks. This data was processed and corrected for errors, including the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) corrections. The entire database was transformed into UTM projection. The IGRF corrected data highlighted the crustal anomalies, which are essential to locate the potential zones for oil exploration. associated with a mixed layer deepening of 1015 m for May 2003 tropical cyclone. An increase of 0.5 Tg of Carbon due May 2003 cyclone was observed in the central Bay of Bengal (Fig.21). 4.6 Ocean related studies Nine studies covering the themes of agriculture, soil moisture, geosciences, forestry, land use and land cover, oceanography, snow cover, floods and software development are being addressed with the participation of collaborators from nonDOS organizations to develop operational methodologies. Five of these studies use both DLR ESAR high resolution, multi-frequency and multi-polarization data for crop classification and soil moisture estimation, forest biomass, land use land cover classification, ship and oil spill detection. In addition, Envisat SAR data was also used. 4.6.1 Seasonal and inter-annual variation of surface chlorophyll in Bay of Bengal Seasonal and inter annual variation of chlorophyll was studied using monthly averaged chl-a from SeaWiFS at 9.0 km resolution for Sep 1997 to Dec 2005. Inter annual/inter seasonal chlorophyll variability in the Bay of Bengal is minimum except at certain locations like southern Bay of Bengal, Godavari river mouth, north Andaman Sea and head Bay of Bengal. Chl was maximum ~0.280.3mg/m3 during Aug-Sep (SW monsoon) and minimum (~0.18- 0.21 mg/m3) during Apr-May (pre-monsoon) months (Fig.20). Fig.20 Chlorophyll variation in Bay of Bengal 4.7 Utilization studies of future missions 4.7.1 RISAT Joint Experiment Programme (JEP) The lakes in Himalayan region are covered with snow during winter months, and difficult to identify using optical data. Envisat ASAR and LISS data show the discrimination and nondiscrimination of one of the lakes, respectively during the winter months (Fig.22). Fig.22 Glacial lakes buried under snow ASAR data - 24 Feb 2006 AWiFS data - 7 Sep 2004 AWiFS data - 17 Feb 2006 4.6.2 Cyclone induced productivity in the Bay of Bengal Groundnut crop cultivated in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh (Fig.23) was identified using multi-date data and acreage estimated. Fig.23 ASAR data showing cropped area Enhanced chlorophyll (about 1.5-2.2 mg/m3) and increased primary productivity (2600-3600 mg C/m2/d) was observed after the passage of the cyclone. Sea surface temperature dropped by 2.0-5.00C deg after the passage of cyclone HV-1 HH-3 HV-1 LISS III (Oct Fig.21 Cyclone induced productivity in Bay of Bengal 4.8 Village Resource Centre (VRC) project The Village Resource Centre (VRC) project, initiated by the Dept. of Space, Govt. of India 17 aimed to provide space enabled services to the rural poor for improving their socioeconomic conditions and quality of life through tele-medical consultation, tele-education, agriculture advisory, disaster warning etc. NRSA was identified as the nodal DOS centre for establishment and operationalisation of VRCs in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Six NGOs namely Byrraju Foundation and Dhan Foundation in Andhra Pradesh and Center for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), Gram Vikas, People’s Rural Education Movement (PREM) and Agragamee in Orissa were identified to collaborate in the first phase. Simultaneously, the expert Centres were also identified in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Oneday consultation meet was organized at NRSA on 23rd February 2006 and VRC Project execution documents for Andhra Pradesh and Orissa were prepared. 5. Aerial Services and Digital Mapping 5.1 Facilities The unique aerial remote sensing facility at NRSA has been offering a range of valueadded services to users for over two decades, including aerial photography and digital mapping, infrastructure planning, scanner surveys, aeromagnetic surveys, large scale base map and topographic and cadastral mapping, etc. Two aircraft with modern navigational aids, aerial cameras and sensors and trained human resources carry out these activities. Facilities like photo processing lab, analytical/digital photogrammetric systems, GIS systems, survey systems like GPS, etc., supported by dedicated human resources take care of all the analysis and processing requirements. Augmentation like FMC magazine, Gyro-stabilized mount etc., are being planned to meet the international flying standards. Installation and acceptance of Airborne Laser Terrain Mapper - Digital Camera (ALTM-DC) system was done. Visakhapatnam and East Godavari (1:8000), Andhra Pradesh Police, Nizamabad entire district – rural (1:10000), SS&LR, A.P, Nizamabad, Bodhan, Banswada, Yellareddy, Armur, Kamareddy (1:4000) SS&LR, AP, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad (1:6000) NIC, Aeromagnetic survey over Indo–Gangetic plains covering Punjab, Haryana, Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh (12,765 line km at 500 ft, ALTM-DC survey over Garland canal in Karnataka (1000 ft altitude) WRDO, Govt. of Karnataka and ALTM-DC calibration flights over Shadnagar and airport. 5.3 Range Calibration/Sensor validation 1. SAR Sensor validation flights comprising of 25 hours over Ahmedabad (SAC) 2. Vertical profiles along the ship cruise tacks for marine aerosol campaign under Integrated Campaign on Aerosol and Radiation Budget (ICARB) for 91 hours 30 minutes (IGBP) 5.4 Generation of Aerial Photo Products As many as 58,124 frames were processed to generate B&W prints, enlargements and diapositives from aerial survey tasks, mainly for SS&LR, NTPC and Abujmad projects. 11,500 frames of aerial photographs were scanned using two precision photogrammetric scanners. 5.5 GPS Operations GPS data collection and processing of data was carried out during aerial flights and for providing control points for subsequent rectification of raw data for seven projects covering 990 points and 31 towns. 5.5.1 Reference station operation for KGPS during aerial photography 1. Nizamabad entire district (rural) 4 stations 2. 6 urban areas in Nizamabad district 7 stations 3. WRDO, Govt of Karnataka - 10 ground reference stations and 4 base stations 4. Digital Camera (DC) calibration for ALTM 5.2 Aerial Survey and Digital Mapping Tasks 5.5.2 Other works related to GCPL project This year, the utilization of the two SKA – B200 aircraft was 473 hours. During the year, ten aerial survey tasks were carried out namely Bhatkal (1:8000), KSRSAC, Abujmad (1:15000) Government of Chhattisgarh, Tapovan, Loharinag-pala (1:15000), NTPC, 1. Correction of field sketches, map chips, description, image chips and field photos of all points spread over entire country (Area-A to Area-H) 2. Reprocessed GPS data pertaining to AreaA 18 3. Marking 60 GCPS on PAN images 4. Assisting Cartosat-1 data processing and SAC, Ahmedabad for identification in stereo strip identification operations 5. Cartosat-2 mission - 56 towns - Approx. 1550 points and preparation of field sketches, description, extraction of map chips, extraction of image chips from IKONOS, QuickBird, aerial data and scanning of field photos of GCPs. 5.6 Digital mapping photographic data based on aerial using 1:6000 scale aerial photographs with contours at 1 m interval. 5.6.3 Kolkata for Corporation (KMC) Kolkata Municipal 3D digital topographic database was generated for 187 sq.km of Kolkata Municipal Corporation area on 1:500 scale using 1:4000 scale aerial photographs with contours at 0.5 m interval. Digital orthophotos and ward-wise orthophoto mosaics were generated for total area comprising of 141 wards. 5.6.1 Maldives for Ministry of External Affairs 5.7 Electrical utility network mapping using GIS and GPS techniques The archipelago of Maldives comprises of 1192 islands having an area of 300 sq.km of land spread over 80,000 sq.km of water. Aerial photography for entire Maldives was done on 1:40000 and of 16 selected islands on 1:6000 scale. A primary GPS network in WGS-84 datum extending over the entire country was established for the first time in the country’s history. Digital maps were prepared for entire Maldives on 1:25000 scale and for 16 selected islands on 1:1000 scale (Fig.24). A remote sensing centre was established at Male, and the manpower was trained on remote sensing and photogrammetry. The project, being carried out for West Bengal State Electricity Board in collaboration with Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority, involves mapping of electrical network of different categories in 125 supply units of West Bengal. GIS techniques were used to map the locations and store the attributes of about 12 Lakh poles (Fig.25). Work was completed for 30 supply units and is in progress for 20 supply units. Fig.25 Electrical Network map of Arabindnagar Supply Unit Fig.24 Map showing part of Nilandhoo island, Maldives 5.8 Digital mapping based on satellite data Mapping of Maldives was a challenge in terms of the geography of the area, and it was completed successfully. 5.6.2 Visakhapatnam for Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (VMC) 3D digital topographic database was generated for 112 sq.km of Visakhapatnam municipal corporation area on 1:1000 scale Andhra Pradesh Urban Services for the Poor (APUSP), Municipal Administration Department, Government of A.P has entrusted base map preparation at 1:5000 scale for 11 towns in A.P. using high resolution satellite data. Final maps for 4 towns and draft maps for 5 towns were delivered to user. Work is in progress for remaining 2 towns. Large-scale mapping and geospatial database creation for 25 sites covering 4500 sq.km was completed. Mapping of other 79 sites is in progress. 19 5.9 Municipal GIS A customized municipal GIS solution developed for Bangalore Mahanagar Palike (BMP) was installed and demonstrated for the user (Fig.26). Training was imparted to the users. Fig.26 Municipal GIS for Bangalore 5.10.2 Krishna-Godavari link canal project (NWDA) - The project involved ALTM-DC data acquisition, mapping, DEM extraction, generation of L-sections and Cross sections for 460 line km (2 phases) of canal alignment. Maps on 1:2500 scale with contours at 0.5 m interval are being made. 5.10.3 Netravati river water diversion project (WRDO) – After the ALTM-DC survey, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) was made for a garland canal (2000 km) and service canal (3000 km) for diversion of excess water from the west-flowing Netravati river to east up to Bangalore. Data acquisition of garland canal was completed. Data processing and topomap generation (1:10000 scale with 1 m contour) is in progress. Aerial flights over service canals are proposed to be taken up during 2006-07 flying season. 5.11 Current Assignments 5.10 ALTM-DC 5.11.1 Aerial photography Airborne Laser Terrain Mapping – Digital Camera (ALTM-DC) system made significant contribution to important national projects in the areas of disaster management and river linking. Aerial photography was done over Chennai on 1:6000 scale (SOI), Mumbai (NIC), Delhi (NCT), aerial photography on 1:6000 scale and mapping was done on 1:1000 scale for Bangalore and Kolkata (NIC) and Kolkata and surroundings (KUSP). 5.10.1 Tsunami studies - Digital camera was used to photograph an area of 9000 sq. km. covering parts of Andaman and Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu (Fig.27) and Kerala at a resolution of 65 cm. The data acquisition started within 2 days of occurrence of disaster, covering up to an extent of 2 km inland. This data was used for analysis and also given to Reactor Research Centre (RRC), Kalpakkam. Similar coverage was done for 1500 sq. km. area of Sri Lanka coast at the instance of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Fig.27 Aerial image showing tsunami damage in Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu 5.11.2 LiDAR survey and mapping projects LiDAR survey and mapping was done for entire Indian coast (DM SP, DOS), Kanpur (IIT, Kanpur), entire Indian coast with 2 km inland area (ICMAM, DOD), Greater Mumbai at 1:5000 scale with 0.5 m contour interval for (MC Mumbai), Sun Kosi, Sapta Kosi rivers, command areas, main canals, branch canals and major tributaries in India and Nepal (JPO, SKSKI, Govt of India and Govt of Nepal) and survey at three different heights along with satellite data and volumetric analysis of coal dumps for establishing photogrammetric technique for estimating the overburden at CMPDI. 5.11.3 Aeromagnetic surveys Aeromagnetic survey was done over IndoGangetic basin covering Mizoram (DGH). 6. Indian Sensing Institute of Remote Creating trained manpower for optimum utilization of remote sensing technology as well as building awareness about allied areas is 20 one of the key areas of focus. The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) was established at Dehradun, Uttaranchal with the mandate of transfer of technology in the field of Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics in developing countries. The IIRS, formerly known as Indian PhotoInterpretation Institute (IPI), completed 40 years of service to the nation. With its journey from photo-interpretation to remote sensing and geographical sciences, IIRS has come a long way in imparting training, education and awareness to various cross-sections of people – right from students and trainees to government officials, middle-level managers, working level professionals and decisionmakers. It is a unique organization in the entire South-East Asia, fully equipped with sophisticated systems for Image Processing, GIS, Geoinformatics, Digital Photogrammetry, etc. IIRS has also contributed towards several R&D studies that have helped in operationalisation of technology in various application areas like landslide hazard zonation, ground water targeting, bio-diversity characterization etc. The focus is now on developing virtual classrooms that use Internet for training and education, developing networks with nonremote sensing institutions and increasing its outreach. Under the proposed EDUSAT facility, a teaching end studio and uplinking facility are proposed at IIRS premises under national beam coverage of EDUSAT and link with users. Initially eight to ten universities/institutions are planned to be linked in the first pilot phase for conducting 6week training on ‘Remote Sensing and GIS’, and expand gradually to cover larger number of institutions. 6.1 Training and Education Long and short-term training in 32 specialized courses in various areas of natural resource management, geoinformation science and related technologies are being imparted, leading to Certificate, PG Diploma, M.Sc and M.Tech degrees. This year, ‘Geoinformatics in Geo-hazards’ was added as a separate topic, both as long and short-term courses. The M.Tech. programme is accredited Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. also recognized by UNESCO as a center in capacity building for reduction program. with the IIRS is training disaster Short-term courses ranging from four to twelve weeks on remote sensing and its applications, image processing and GIS are offered by the Training Group at NRSA, Hyderabad. This year, a total of 439 Indian and foreign participants were trained at IIRS (349) and at NRSA Headquarters (90) at Hyderabad, including 20 participants of the CSSTEAP course. People trained during 2005-06 M.Tech/M.Sc. 28 PG Diploma 39 CSSTEAP 20 Short courses 78 Special / user-defined 274 As part of the Radar Imaging Satellite - Joint Exploration Programme (RISAT-JEP), a special training was organized at IIRS for various user departments, highlighting the application potential of radar data. A 4-week international training course on Geoinformatics for Sustainable Agriculture was conducted. The first workshop on Village Resource Centres (VRC) for Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh was organized at IIRS. 16 NGOs from Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh participated. IIRS has been identified to conduct National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) sponsored training programme in remote sensing and GIS for University Faculty. As part of an ISRO-INCT (Ministry of Defense, Algeria) cooperation for setting up a reception station in Algeria, training was provided to 28 INCT personnel. Among the special courses conducted were GIS Application Training for Municipal Engineers and Applications of RS and GIS in Groundwater Studies for Central Ground Water Board. An Intranet Web Portal was made operational to access the information about various activities of IIRS through a central forum established as learning resource facility. 55 publications on various studies were brought out. 7. Technology Development As part of Technology Development Project (TDP), histogram database development was completed. Significant work was done towards development of advanced methodologies in image processing and data analysis. Some of these methods were presented in the first National User Meet on Digital Image 21 Processing, and bagged the best technological paper award. In the area of hyperspectral data analysis, a new method of identifying objects from their spectral signatures was proposed. Seven abstracts of research works carried out during the current year in the area of data processing were submitted for publication. 22 such projects that are going on in universities all over India, are supported by NRSA. 8. Outreach Programme The collaboration between Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS/NRSA) and International Institute for Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation (ITC), Netherlands spans over last 40 years. Based on the success of the earlier collaborations, a new joint project on research collaboration has been started between ITC, IIRS/NRSA and other DOS centers. This will facilitate joint research work, publications, data sharing and scientific interactions. NRSA participated/organized 12 workshops and seminars towards promotion of remote sensing, including Indian Science Congress, Map India 2006, etc. A permanent exhibition at NRSA campus gives a picture of the space activities in India and about NRSA. Advertisements were released in technical magazines. Specific training/demonstration of technology are being done for users. In order to encourage the use of remote sensing data in research and for other new areas, data is being provided to the academic users at a discount. NRSA regularly organizes and participates in activities that help in creating awareness amongst students in remote sensing and allied areas. One among them was a quiz programme for school children, which was organized jointly by the Indian National Cartographic Association (INCA), Survey of India, Osmania University and GeoJunior Magazine. The quiz was aimed mainly at creating map consciousness in the student community. Over 270 students from different schools in the twin cities participated. ISRO’s Planetary Science/Exploration (PLANEX) program aims at strengthening planetary science research in India and to provide a forum for planning and implementation of Indian planetary exploration missions. NRSA hosted the 6th PLANEX Workshop during October 2005. The topic 'Remote Sensing and Chandrayaan-1’ had 30 participants comprising of students, research scholars and young faculty from different parts of the country. 9. Academic Sensitization The Research Sponsored (RESPOND) Programme of the Department of Space encourages quality research in fields considered relevant to the country’s space programme. Financial support is provided to universities and academic institutions for conducting research and development activities related to Space Sciences, Space Technology and Space Applications in India. 10. International Collaboration 10.1 IIRS-ITC 10.2 Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and Pacific (CSSTEAP) Under the initiative of the United Nations, the Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP) was set up in India in 1995, with IIRS as host institution. Programs related to Remote Sensing and GIS (PG Course in RS and GIS and also international short course every year) are being conducted, for which faculty and infrastructure support is provided by IIRS. The Center's education programmes are recognized by Andhra University, India. So far, nine batches of about 170 students from various countries have been trained under the 9-month PG Course on Remote Sensing and GIS, while 10th course for 19 students is in progress. The CSSTEAP completed one decade of its establishment in November 2005. To commemorate this occasion, a function was held at New Delhi on November 8, 2005. Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, was the Chief Guest. Among others who attended were Mr. G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman ISRO/CSSTEAP Governing Body; Mr. Sergio Camacho, Director UN OOSA, and senior functionaries of ISRO/DOS. 10.3 Space Imaging (SI) - ANTRIX Project Pre-pass programming is being done for all existing Indian/International Ground Stations (IGS) to receive/process IRS data. Apart from this, a mobile station is also receiving IRS data. 22 were trained in technical and commercial trades during the year. As part of HRD activities, 130 employees at various levels were trained for both technical as well as soft skills such as management and personality development. Independence Day, Republic Day, National Science Day, National Safety Day, Vigilance Awareness Week and Safety Week were observed at NRSA. Popular lectures on various topics were also arranged. 13.2 Official Language Implementation More than 90% of NRSA employees possess a working knowledge of Hindi. Regular Hindi Prabodh and Praveen classes are being conducted in NRSA. In-house Hindi shorthand and typewriting training classes were organized during the year. Typewriting training was provided on desktop computers with the help of multilingual software. NRSA’s efforts towards implementation of Official Language were appreciated by the Second Sub-Committee of Committee of Parliamentarians on Official Language. An exhibition showcasing various publications and other documents in Hindi, and the multilingual hardware/software used in NRSA was also organized. Rajbhasha Samaroh-2005 was celebrated in NRSA during September 2005, with various competitions and a cultural program. A special Hindi workshop for administrative staff and stenographers was also organized in March 2006. Fifth issue of NRSA house journal ‘Samvaad’ was released on August 15, 2005. The Hindi digital weekly ‘Guruvaar Bulletin’ is being circulated through e-mail as internal public relations activity. Apart from highlighting the latest happenings in science, technology, medicine arena, the achievements of NRSA employees and their family members are also included in this bulletin. 2. Mr. Rajiv Kumar, Scientist from Land Use Division of NRSA, received the Best Poster Presentation Award on "National Wasteland Database for Sustainable Development" at the National Conference on "Space Science and Technology for Geographical Research", organized jointly by Centre for Land Use Management (CLUMA), NRSA and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) 3. Shri Milap Punia, Scientist from Photogrammetry and Remote sensing Division of IIRS, received best paper award on his paper titled “Visual Perception and Design” at International Cartographic Congress of INCA. 4. B. Jayachandriah, S. Jayabharathi, S. Muralikrishnan and A.S Kumar from NRSA’s Data Processing Group received best technological paper award for their paper “Development of Advanced Data Quality Evaluation Tools for high resolution IRS satellite imagery with IDL/ENVI”, presented in ENVI/IDL User Meet at New Delhi. 5. A paper co-authored by Ms. Sadhana Jain, Scientist from Human Settlement Analysis Group of IIRS on “Information System for Barunda Village using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques” was awarded 3rd prize for best paper presentation in student oral session in Map India - 2006 at Delhi. 13.4 Selected list of Publications and Reports Publications 1. A.S. Kumar, A.S. Kiran Kumar and R.R. Navalgund, “Selection of a Spectral Band for RESOURCESAT-1 LISS-4 MONO mode data acquisition”, IEEE Trans. Geoscience & Remote Sensing Letters, vol. 3(1), 32-35, Jan. 2006. 2. A.S. Kumar, S. Jayabharathi and K. Vinod Kumar, “Identification of Spectral features from Hyperspectral imagery with variable interval spectral average method,” in 14th National Space Science Symposium held in Andhra University, Visakapatnam, Feb. 9-12, 2006 3. Behera, M.D., Kushwaha, S. P. S. and Roy, P. S., 2005. Rapid assessment of biological richness in a part of Eastern Himalaya: an integrated three-tier 13.3 Awards/Honors for NRSA 1. Dr B.R.M Rao, Senior Scientist from the Agriculture & Soils Group at NRSA, was conferred with an award by the Soil Conservation Society of India for his contribution towards soil and water conservation and remote sensing application in natural resources management. 24 approach. Forest Ecology Management, 207(3), 363-384 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. and Behera, M.D., Kushwaha, S. P. S. and Roy, P. S., 2005. Rapid assessment of biological richness in a part of Eastern Himalaya: an integrated three-tier approach. Forest Ecology and Management, 207(3), 363-384. Champati ray P.K., 2005. Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessment in IndiaIIRS experience, presented at International Seminar on Landslide Risk Management, organised by Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC), Bangkok and Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo at Colombo, Sri Lanka, 6 June 2005. Champati Ray P.K., Lakhera R.C., 2005. Spatial models for landslide hazard assessment using GIS and remote sensing techniques, presented at Regional Training for Landslide Risk Mitigation, organised by Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC), Bangkok and Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo at Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, 8-12 June, 2005. Champati ray P.K., Taneja V., Lakhera R.C., 2005. Assessment of Precipitation Control on Triggering of Debris Slide/Flow in Garhwal Himalaya, India, presented at Regional Training for Landslide Risk Mitigation, organised by Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC), Bangkok and Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo. Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, 8-12 June, 2005. Champati ray, P.K., Perumal, R.J.G., Thakur, V.C., Bhat, M.I., Mallik, M.A., Singh, V.K., and Lakhera, R.C., 2005. A quick appraisal of ground deformation in Indian region due to the October 8, 2005 earthquake, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, Journal of ISRS, Vol 33, No. 4, 465-473. Charatkar,S.L., Mitra, D., Biradar, R.S. and Madhavi Pikle, 2005 “ Study of Salt Pan increment in Gulf of Cambay using GIS” Paper presented at 25th Annual ESRI User International Conference at San Diego, California, USA, July 25 – 29th, 2005. 10. Dishanayak, D.M.D.O.K., Gunawardana, G.M.W.L., and Das, I.C., 2005. Remote sensing and GIS approach for delineating ground water potential zones in hard rock terrain, 2nd National Symposium on Geoinformatics for future of Srilanka, August 26, 2005, University of Peradeniya, Srilanka. 11. G.Murali Krishna, D.Mitra, A.K.Mishra, Sh. Oyuntuya and K.Nageswra Rao, 2005 “Evaluation of Semi-automated Image Processing Techniques for the identification and delineation of Coastal Edge using IRS – LISS III Image- A case study on Sagar Island, East Coast of India” International Journal of Geoinformatics, Vol. 1, No. 2, June 2005 12. Joshi, P.K., Q. Li, N. Lele, and Xuefei Yang. (2005). Land use land cover change (LULCC) analysis and its impact on soil erosion processes using geospatial tools. Indian Journal of Soil Conservation 33(3): 200-203. 13. Joshi, P.K., Q. Li, N. Lele, and Xuefei Yang. (2005). Land use land cover change (LULCC) analysis and its impact on soil erosion processes using geospatial tools. Indian Journal of Soil Conservation 33(3): 200-203. 14. Joshi, P.K., Q. Li, N. Lele, and Xuefei Yang. (2005). Land use land cover change (LULCC) analysis and its impact on soil erosion processes using geospatial tools. Indian Journal of Soil Conservation 33(3): 200-203. 15. Kaushik, P., P.K. Joshi, and Xuefei Yang (2005). Multiple Hazard Mapping (MHM) for vulnerability assessment in Pali Gad watershed using geospatial tools. Journal of Indian Society of Remote Sensing 33(3): 441-445. 16. Kushwaha, S.P.S. 2005. Geospatial technology for forest resources management. Int. J. Ecol. Env. Sci. 31(1), 9-20. 17. Kushwaha, S.P.S. and Hazarika, Rubul 2005. Case study on Kameng and Sonitpur Elephant Reserves. In: One Planet many People: Atlas of Our Changing Environment. A UNEP Publication, Nairobi, Kenya, 42p. 18. Kushwaha, S.P.S., Padmanaban, P., Kumar, D. and Roy, P.S. 2005. Geospatial modeling of biological richness in Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in Sikkim 25 Himalaya, India. Geocarto International 20(2), 63-68. 19. Lele, N.V., P.K. Joshi and S.P. Agarwal (2005). Fractional Vegetation Cover Analysis for understanding Vegetation Cover Dynamics in Northeast India. International Journal of Geoinformatics 1(2):63-70. 20. Lele, N.V., P.K. Joshi and S.P. Agarwal (2005). Fractional Vegetation Cover Analysis for understanding Vegetation Cover Dynamics in Northeast India. International Journal of Geoinformatics 1(2):63-70. 21. Manish Kale, S. Singh and P.S. Roy (2005). Estimation of Leaf Area Index in Dry Deciduous Forests from IRS-WiFS in Central India. International Journal of Remote Sensing 26(21): 4855-4867. 22. Manish Kale, S. Singh and P.S. Roy (2005). Estimation of Leaf Area Index in Dry Deciduous Forests from IRS-WiFS in Central India. International Journal of Remote Sensing 26(21): 4855-4867. 23. Nidhi Chauhan, Hitendra Padalia, M.C. Porwal and P.S. Roy, 2005. Report of Ophioderma pendula (L.) Persl: A Rare and interesting fern from Great Nicobar Island and its littoral habitat characterisation. Indian Fern J. 22:146151. 24. Nilanjana Roy and M.C. Porwal, 2005. Forest fire risk zonation using Geo-Spatial Modelling In Part Of Rajaji National Park, Uttaranchal, Asian Journal of Geoinformatics, Vol.5, No 3, pp 40-46 25. P. Mayaux, H. Eva, J. Gallego, A. Strahler, M. Herold, A. Shefali, S. Naumov, E. De Miranda, C. Di Bella, C. Ordoyne and I. Kopin, 2005. Validation of the Global Land Cover 2000 Map. Accepted for publication in IEEE Transactions in Geosciences. 26. P.S. Roy, Hitendra Padalia, Nidhi Chauhan, M.C. Porwal, S. Gupta , S. Biswas and R. Jagdale (2005). Validation of Geospatial model for Biodiversity Characterization at Landscape Level- a study in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India Ecological Modelling, 185, 349-369, Elsevier Publication, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 27. Pallavi Behera, K.H.V. Durga Rao and K.K. Das, 2005. Soil erosion modeling using MMF model – A Remote Sensing and GIS Perspective, Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 33 (1): 165176. 28. Patel, N. R., Mohammed A. J. and Rakesh, D. (2006). Modeling of Regional wheat yields in western UP Using Multitemporal Terra/MODIS satellite data. Geocarto International, 21(1):43-50. 29. Patel, N. R., Rakhesh, D. and Mohammed, A. J. (2006) Mapping of Regional evepotranspiration in Wheat. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 51(2):325335. 30. Patel, N. R., Suresh Kumar and L.M. Pande (2005). Quantification of Water Limited Yield in Rainfed Crops Using GIS Based Modeling. Journal of Applied Hydrology :60-67. 31. Pathak D., Champati ray, P.K., Lakhera, R.C., and Singh, V., 2005. Application of remote sensing and GIS in landslide hazard zonation and delineating debris flow susceptible zones in Garhwal Himalaya, India. Presented at 5th Asian Regional Conference on Eng. Geol. for Major Infrastructure Development and Natural Hazard Mitigation, 28-30 September, Nepal and published in Journal of Nepal Geol. Society, 2005, V 32 (Spl.), pp 67. 32. Perspectives for Sustainable Development (HYPESD-2005)” , Eds. M. Perumal, D.C. Singhal, D.S. Arya, D.K. Srivastava, N.K. Goel, B.S. Mathur, H. Joshi, Ranvir Singh, M.D. Nautiyal, Department of Hydrology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 23-25 Feb. 2005, Allied Publishers Pvt. Ltd. Vol. I, p. 420-427. 33. Roy, P.S. and P.K. Joshi (2005). Frontier of Geoinformatics Education in India. Geospatial Today 3(4): 16-18. 34. Singh, I.J., Jugran, D.K., Thanruma, S. and Reddy, S.R. (2005). Forest resource assessment in Mohand Forest Range, Uttar Pradesh using remote sensing and GIS, J. Ind. Soc. Remote Sensing, 33(4): 565-574. 35. Singh, S., T. P. Singh and Gaurav Srivastava (2005). Vegetation Cover 26 Type Mapping in Mouling National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalayas – An Integrated Geospatial Approach. Indian Journ. Rem. Sens. 33(4): 547-563. 36. Singh, S.K., S.P.S. Kushwaha and P.K. Joshi (2006). RS and GIS in Conservation and Management Planning – Mangrove Mapping and Monitoring. GIM International 20 (2): 61-63. 37. Talukdar, G., Lele, N. and M.C. Porwal, 2005. Spatial Modelling of Biological Richness in Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (North-eastern India). (Communicated) Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, Vol 33, No. 3, pp 435-440. 38. Van Genderen, J.L., Song Qi, Jeganathan, C. and Gnanasekaran, G. (2005). “The use of a data-fusion approach to integrate multiple earthquake precursors into a robust prediction methodology”. 1st DEMETER guest investigators workshop, CNES, Paris 2-5 May 2005. Paris: CNES, 2005. 14.5 Outreach 1. Samvaad – 5th issue of NRSA’s House Journal in Hindi 2. Guruvaar Bulletin - Weekly Hindi magazine on NRSA’s Intranet 3. Contact – Newsletter from IIRS 27