Satellite cameras to map properties

Satellite cameras to map properties
BMC to use geographical information system to create digital database
Rajay Deep
Tribune News Service

Bathinda, April 29
In a progressive step, the Bathinda Municipal Corporation (BMC) has chalked out plans to map the whole city under the geographical information system (GIS).
Under the project, each and every individual property within the municipal limits would be mapped through satellite cameras. A detailed digital database would then be created, to utilize it for multiple purposes.
The mapping would be done using the high resolution Quickbird satellite data that would be integrated in the GIS with details collected for each house or property by the BMC.
The project, as per an estimate, would cost nearly Rs 70 lakh to the BMC for mapping nearly 40,000 properties located within its limits. The project would be executed in two phases.
In the first phase, the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre of the state government would provide the satellite photographs of the whole city to the Bathinda Municipal Corporation for getting data on each property, including particulars regarding its owner, dimension, water and sewerage connections and arrears of taxes, etc.
The detailed GIS survey of the city would be conducted through reputed and eligible firm by inviting tenders. Visiting each and every house, shop and other establishments, the staff of the firm selected would collect data to fill Census-like proformas.
In the second phase, the details would be provided to the authorities of the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre, who would further upload it in the satellite data.
After the GIS service becomes functional, BMC officials expect that checking the status of any property located within its limits would be just a click away.
Armed with an accurate map of the whole city with each and every minuscule detail related to each building and property, the BMC authorities would be in a better position to plan and implement future projects. The officials concerned expect the project to come into operation within six months after its initiation.
Terming it as his dream project for the city, BMC Commissioner Umashankar Gupta said, "Once it starts functioning, we expect that it will prove to be a great help in thinking and executing the schemes meant for the betterment of the residents."