New Delhi/Kanpur, March 17, 2026: GeodCon-26, the first National Conference on geodesy in India, was recently held at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) in New Delhi. The conference served as a premier platform for scientific exchange and active participation among international dignitaries, national academicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals, with a special focus on geodetic and geospatial techniques and their real-world applications.

Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the National Centre for Geodesy (NCG) at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur spearheaded the establishment of six Regional Centres for Geodesy (RCGs) at leading Indian institutions. These include Anna University, Chennai; Indian Institute of Technology Bombay; Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal; Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Allahabad; Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad; and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram. Together, these institutions form the NCG–RCG Consortium aimed at strengthening geodesy research and capacity building across the country.

The inaugural session of GeodCon-26 was addressed by Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space. In his inaugural address, he highlighted that the foundational branches of science, such as geodesy, are increasingly emerging as a strategic national strength, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and supporting infrastructure development, national security, disaster preparedness, and economic growth for a more resilient India. He emphasized that accurate geodetic frameworks, national reference systems, and gravity models are fundamental to the successful implementation of the National Geospatial Policy (NGP) 2022, enabling the generation of high-quality geospatial data, the development of precise positioning systems, and the expansion of the geospatial ecosystem nationwide.

The inaugural ceremony was also graced by several other eminent dignitaries including Padma Shri V. P. Dimri, Patron of GeodCon-26; Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, IAS, Surveyor General of India at Survey of India; Dr. Manoranjan Mohanty, Head of the NGP Division at the Department of Science and Technology; and Prof. Onkar Dikshit, Chairperson GeodCon-26, Coordinator of the National Centre for Geodesy and Professor at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. In their addresses, the dignitaries highlighted the growing importance of geodesy in supporting the implementation of the NGP 2022 and the National Geospatial Mission (NGM). They emphasized the need for high-quality geodetic infrastructure, accurate reference frameworks, and reliable geospatial data standards to strengthen national mapping, geospatial applications, and decision-making across sectors.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), also delivered an inspiring address on the first day of the conference, promoting geodetic research and its applications for serving national interests.

GeodCon-26 was supported by the Survey of India (SoI), the National Mapping Agency, the Corps of Engineers (Indian Army), and industry partners, including Trimble Inc., and other Sponsors. The conference brought together researchers, academicians, professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to showcase advancements in geodetic science and allied fields.

The event highlighted key areas including reference frames, Earth monitoring, GNSS applications, satellite and ground observations, geoid and gravity modelling, AI and cloud integration, climate change studies, natural hazards, groundwater assessment, deformation monitoring, and capacity building.

The conference featured expert-led tutorials, technical papers, poster presentations, and an enriching panel discussion involving eminent personalities from industry and academia. These sessions provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, strengthening academic capacity and promoting engineering practices aligned with long-term resilience and adaptability. Discussions from technical sessions emphasized the role of geodetic technologies in addressing emerging societal and environmental challenges.

Through interdisciplinary interactions and knowledge sharing, GeodCon-26 seeks to bolster India’s geodetic capabilities and foster innovation aligned with the National Geospatial Mission 2022. Marking a significant milestone, the conference stands as the nation’s premier geodesy conclave, inspiring the next generation of geospatial scientists and policymakers while advancing the broader goals of scientific progress and societal development.

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Renowned for excellence in science, engineering, and interdisciplinary education, IIT Kanpur spans a 1,050-acre lush green campus and comprises 20 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programmes, and three specialized schools. With over 570 faculty members and more than 9,500 students, the institute continues to lead in innovation, research, and holistic development.

For more information, please visit: www.iitk.ac.in.