tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89571106005489992772024-03-13T10:53:36.601+05:30Past, Present and Future of GIS in IndiaManoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-52815847492500863752011-06-21T23:02:00.003+05:302011-06-21T23:11:38.820+05:30Location Based Apps for India<meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Soon several social and biz apps will start leveraging </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">(x,y,z, t, photo/video/other info from remote sensor)</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span">!! Time for GIS to come into mainstream and limelight!!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; ">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Facebook.com, Apple, Foursquare.com, twitter.com etc all all keen to track your location the moment you use the app from your mobile device. More and more will follow and eventually every app will be trying to get your (x,y at specific time). This is extremely powerful information and will be used in more than one ways by companies. Need I elaborate that? Some other day..</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">How many LBS apps or apps that use "location" exist in India? I will try and find out. If you know of few interesting ones, please let me know.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Manoj</span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-1817485821526620992011-05-21T15:11:00.004+05:302011-05-21T15:38:50.773+05:30R-APDRP - Will it succeed?R-APDRP is one of the key projects that has consumed lot of "discussion time" amongst GIS professional in India. Even on my blog, you are finding it's mention again and again!!<div><br /></div><div>I found this very interesting student paper where Ambuj Lal has done a <span><span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/3jn3rvs">"Review of APDRP and RAPDRP"</a></span></span><a href="http://http//tinyurl.com/3jn3rvs"> </a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><b></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Ambuj has made very interesting & relevant comment: "If R-APDRP fails and most likely, it will, the failure would squarely rest on MoP and the PFC, who have goofed up the entire execution, stating that if we give utilities the right to think and act on their own, the projects will fail. PGCIL which was the earlier consultant failed in APDRP-I. A set of 5-6 consultant panels in APDRP-II or R-APDRP also has not had much success. In essence then, the reason for the failure of R-APDRP would be attributed to the wrong strategy and approach of MoP and PFC both on technical and contractual issues and empaneling of vendors and the confusing specifications that has been made, with no teeth to consultant, resulting in all Utilities facing the dire consequences of grant becoming loan, and thereby eroding their already weak financial position"</div><div><br /></div><div>While Ambuj Lal's paper clearly indicates that he has done extensive study and analysis to draw final conclusions, several other seasoned professionals have also drawn their "conclusions" on why with R-APDRP fail. Fact is that almost everyone is "struggling" and more often then once, there is specific mention of "GIS" as one of the key contributing factors for failures of R-APDRP.</div><div><br /></div><div>But let me ask you - <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">what do you think is required to make R-APDRP (and more specifically GIS survey) successful? </span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Manoj</div><div><br /></div><div><i>PS: I strongly believe that the current situation can be turned around. What it needs is for us to focus on how can it be corrected then on why will it fail!! This is an exceptional opportunity for GIS industry to develop additional skill sets and position itself for a brighter future!</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-69600183184463675462011-05-17T10:25:00.002+05:302011-05-17T10:29:28.811+05:30Where's Lalit Modi? Don't ask me who is he!!<div>Check out:</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.whereslalitmodi.com/">http://www.whereslalitmodi.com/</a><div><br /></div><div>Great mash-up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next time - do demonstrate technology- I expect "a band" to be made compulsory to be used by Lalit Modi, so that one can find his real time location. </div><div><br /></div><div>Manoj</div><div><br /></div><div>ps: I have keen interest in technology but little interest in Lalit Modi's whereabout!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-87772225688342902232011-05-09T11:25:00.003+05:302011-05-09T11:36:08.388+05:30If Obama can find Osama Using Geo-Spatial Technolgy, why can't you map, track, monitor and kill your competition?<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">It's interesting to note that Geospatial Technology played significant role in tracking and monitoring OBL. Gepatial Technology was used for:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">1. Creating three-dimensional renderings of the Abbottabad compounds using imagery and laser-based sensing devices--laser radar, or ladar.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">2. Analyzing data from a sophisticated next-generation drone that kept watch on the compound before, during, and after the raid. The drone was an RQ-170 built by Lockheed Martin.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">3. Helping the Joint Special Operations Command create mission simulators for the pilots who flew the helicopters into the breach</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">4. Providing to the CIA and other policymakers assessments of the number of people who lived inside the compound, their heights and genders.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">How was this possible? Apart from normal mapping - remotely identification of what an object or a building is made out of, conducted sophisticated pattern analysis of human characteristics, like gait and body size, carried out facial recognition using sophisticated software and used hyperspectral sensors to get information below the surface!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">So I must ask this simple question to businesses in India - If Obama can find Osama Using Geo-Spatial Technolgy, why can't you map, track, monitor and kill your competition? You will need just a fraction of all the sophisticated techniques mentioned above!</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-43088369220395677622011-03-23T23:26:00.006+05:302011-03-23T23:31:42.646+05:30Geographic Information Can make you and me healthy!<!--copy and paste--><div>Folks - Please view this.</div><div><br /></div><div>If anyone of you come up with app idea or product idea, and want to take that to implementation stage - get in touch with me!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, before you buy home - do try to assess the "environment" around the place where you will eventually live !!</div><div><br /></div><div>Geographic Information Can make you and me healthy! And if you have a good app or biz plan, that can make you and me wealthy as well!!</div><div><br /></div><object width="446" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/BillDavenhall_2009P-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/BillDavenhall-2009P.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=748&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=bill_davenhall_your_health_depends_on_where_you_live;year=2009;theme=the_power_of_cities;theme=what_s_next_in_tech;theme=design_like_you_give_a_damn;theme=medicine_without_borders;event=TEDMED+2009;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;"><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="446" height="326" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/BillDavenhall_2009P-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/BillDavenhall-2009P.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=748&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=bill_davenhall_your_health_depends_on_where_you_live;year=2009;theme=the_power_of_cities;theme=what_s_next_in_tech;theme=design_like_you_give_a_damn;theme=medicine_without_borders;event=TEDMED+2009;"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-45203688290886633102011-03-23T05:12:00.008+05:302011-03-24T10:40:20.856+05:30What's wrong with acquisition's?This is an interesting phase in Indian GIS Industry. I had strongly believed that Indian GIS market has an extremely bright future and I continue to carry the same belief. The type and size of projects that are and will be executed in India are extremely challenging and huge! And this trend will continue in foreseeable future. Additionally I expect that "Private Sector" will also "embrace" GIS based solutions much more than done in past. Hopefully, I will be able to share some of my thoughts on that subject, in near future.<div><div><br /></div><div>There are "rumors" that a large GIS company will be acquired soon. I get calls, emails and questions on different forums from people asking me about my opinion on what's my take on the news. Here's what I feel:</div></div><div><br /></div><div>1. There is NOTHING WRONG in acquisition. This is a normal market phenomenon. Open any business paper and you can read about mergers and acquisition's almost on daily basis!</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Usually acquisition's are good for all parties. Company that spends money in acquiring businesss spends more money and efforts to unlock value and maximizing returns from the investment. This may lead to change in direction of acquired company and hence better growth compared to past! But then this change is what the original company needed!!</div><div><br /></div><div>3. International market have several examples like NavTeq by Nokia, MapInfo by Pitney Bowers, ERDAS by Hexagon, Intergraph by Hexagob etc. and we have seen that acquired companies have done well. There can be argument about degree and direction but fact is that growth has happened. Indian examples are fewer and far between and that's largely because of small industry size.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Good employees and good managers stand to gain from such step. Those who have got into a comfort zone and don't want to change, are the ones who are likely to be negatively impacted but that number is usually very small!!</div><div><br /></div><div>5. A deal is not done, until its done and hence it shall NOT BE be discussed in public. A rumor is a rumor and let's not speculate!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Why am I writing this? It will help me to redirect emails and calls to this post and I will save some time!</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, this is exciting time! For the GIS market - in general. If this rumor is proved correct, my earlier belief that SI will play a much bigger and much more decisive role in Indian GIS industry will be resolved even further!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Manoj</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-87740843249488879962010-06-16T17:53:00.003+05:302010-06-16T18:01:03.311+05:30What Ails Enterprise GIS in India<div>Folks: Sorry for staying out of scene. Don't get time to do so...</div><div><br /></div><div>However, I have been regularly channelizing my thought on Indian GIS market through GeoSpatial Today (www.Geospatialtoday.com)</div><div><br /></div><div>One of my earlier post <a href="http://manojmisra.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-is-enterprise-gis-implementation.html">http://manojmisra.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-is-enterprise-gis-implementation.html</a> , i converted into an article.</div><div><br /></div><div>To check the magazine version - check the following link:</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://emag.geospatialtoday.com/Index.aspx?issue=issue14">http://emag.geospatialtoday.com/Index.aspx?issue=issue14</a> Check page 32-33<div><br /></div><div>Manoj</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-77717433873943053922010-01-19T02:38:00.003+05:302010-01-19T02:54:00.277+05:30Why is Enterprise GIS implementation penetration low in India?<div>Back in action after few months!!! Reason, I will be visiting GIS India show tomorrow to get reconnected with GIS community and I realized that the blog is not updated.!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometime back, someone asked to to give my views on Indian GIS market. I decided to analyze the reasons for low implementation of enterprise wide GIS systems in India - specially private sector.</div><div><br /></div>Indian Geospatial Market is on the verge of a humongous growth. We are witnessing huge growth spurts; companies are bagging projects that are valued more than the total annual revenue of company. In the early 1990s, most Indian GIS companies relied on outsourced business from overseas market with US accounting for bulk of business followed by UK/Europe. Indian business used to account for less that 10 per cent of the overall business of large companies. However, trends are changing and so is the equation as business from the Indian market is increasing and what is noticeable is a fine geographic mix of business. It is a welcome change, albeit a bit slow. <div> <br />GIS, in India, is coming of age. Gone are the days when it used to be a fashion statement and people would harp on how governments use GIS. Now the momentum has is picking up and all the rhetoric is transforming into reality This is largely attained due to government focus on use of GIS and large initiatives like R-APDRP and NLRMP but this is just the start. US GIS market had seen growth in 1980s on account of parcel digitizing (sort of subset of our NLRMP) and in 1990s on account of large AM/FM conversion projects. For India, both growth shots are administered at the same time. Landscape of competing companies is also changing very quickly with companies like HCL, Infosys and Wipro showing interest in Indian GIS projects. TCS and Satyam were trying to use GIS from the early years, while TCS is getting more and more active, Mahnidra Satyam still needs to find its feet in Indian market. In addition to that huge number of small companies has also mushroomed.</div><div><br />In true sense, both NRLRM and R-APRDRP projects will give effective results only when an effective enterprise GIS system is deployed by the states. In the private sectors utility companies (Telecom, Power, and Gas) are early adopter of GIS and lot of them will keep on enhancing their enterprise GIS systems. So the industry will witness state of art GIS based enterprise systems in coming years. However, sadly, rest of the private sector is significantly lagging behind in enterprise GIS implementation. </div><div><br />One can argue that implementation of enterprise GIS systems is lagging in India because of economic slowdown around the world. But, this is the time to implement enterprise GIS systems as GIS will help in increasing operational efficiencies. GIS solutions can help organizations overcome their operational challenges and deliver improved profitability. Banks, retailers, realtors, insurers, asset managers, and others seek to understand markets better before embracing GIS for micro and targeting marketing, optimizing business openings and closings, segmenting consumer data, and managing fleets. GIS can visualize, manage, and analyze any business asset (employees, customers, and facilities, all the way to the supply chain network) because it has a place in the world. Over 75 per cent of business data has an address component. Sadly though, the “eco-system” for enterprise system deployment in India is not highly conducive and even though there is lot of ideas on table, implementation is not as cost effective and hence has not gathered momentum.<br /><br /></div><div><b>Reasons for less adoption</b><br />There are several reasons for less adoption and implementation of enterprise wide GIS systems in private sector in India, the top two are:<br />a) Low cost, high quality standard GIS base map<br />b) India specific Geocoding engine<br /><br /></div><div><b><i>a) Low cost, high quality standard GIS base map</i></b><br />You need a base map for your GIS enterprise implementation. A base map on top with which company business specific layer or information or assets can be mapped. Sadly though, blame it to less adoption by market or low investment by Indian GIS companies or on Indian government mapping policy, there is no standard national base map that can be used by enterprises and application developers.<br /><br />Even in R-APDRP projects, base map will be generated by the states from scratch. This is shear wastage of efforts and resources. There was and still is window of opportunity for companies TeleAtlas and Navteq to push their high quality maps as base maps (as derivative product) but with respective acquisitions by TomTom and Nokia, these companies seems to be going slow on government and private sector data sales.<br />Indian companies like Computer Eyes (MapMayIndia), SatNav, ML Info etc are still trying to crack this market with varied level of success. Google is also creating its own Google Maps but adoption of the data is so far low at enterprise level. Advocacy to use Hybrid map (satellite data merged with limited vector data like prominent landmarks) has still not lost momentum but the fact remains that if there was a single base layer available for organisations that is high quality and low cost, application development for enterprises will gain momentum.<br />In the present scenario, few of companies get their own base map developed and then over time, the GIS implementation is sub-optimal as the base maps get outdated. Large Telcos in India are using their GIS systems sub-optimally simply because of the base map issue. Or are ending up spending money (like Reliance) to keep them updated.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><i>b) India specific geocoding engine</i></b><br /><br />In UK, using Postcode Address File (PAF) of Royal Mail you can do a building level Geocoding– a feature that is used by numerous organizations for visualization of addresses in GIS. In US, there are numerous commercial geocoders available that provide a street level geocode of any address. For select Metro area, parcel level geocoders are also available. In India, at best you can get locality level match. So if you have to do accurate mapping of your individual consumer database on GIS, that has to be done manually, a huge cost and time deterrent for any enterprise GIS implementation that wants to deal with geographic visualization of the address database.<br /><br />Not many GIS/product companies have tried to develop an India specific geocoder. Large part of the reason is non standard addressing in India but to some extent it has to do with the fact that we do not have a government data-source as a start point unlike US and UK. While there is a huge initiative taken up by department of post to modernize,, develop a geo-tagged address database this will be a huge effort. One hopes that UID project will map each address and potentially geocoded address database could be developed from the UID database (as a by product, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">provided each UID is tagged geographically to an address</span></i></b>).<br /><br />There are reports that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Google is working on an India specific geo-cod</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">er. I</span>f the geocoder is available for rest of the industry for developing applications, it will give a huge fillip to the Indian enterprise GIS application development. Tele Atlas and Navteq also has incentive to develop geo-coder (database). Not sure if that's going to happen, given Google moves has put TA and Navteq on back foot!!</div><div><br />In addition to the above two key reason, lack of availability of high quality demographic data in GIS format will probably be third key hindrance in development of enterprise GIS. Essentially you need to free the enterprises for the core issues and challenges of basic GIS data layers for them to focus on their business need and leverage GIS for enterprise efficiency enhancement.<br />Five years down the line (by 2015) hope is that substantial data (from government departments) may be available for enterprise GIS developers and business to exploit it and develop enterprise GIS applications. So while Indian GIS companies are busy executing R-APDRPs or NLRMPs or other government programs and missions, there is an opportunity for someone to address these basis issues and exploit the so far relatively untapped enterprise GIS systems market in India. Regardless, the Indian GIS future appears extremely bright!!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I look forward to meet with many of you over the GIS India event!! See you at Gurgaon - place that I have got to know really well in last 3 years - as one that has given highest real estate returns in the entire NCR market in last decade!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Manoj</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-79465087996946973722009-11-23T10:53:00.004+05:302009-11-23T11:35:26.590+05:30What motivates blogger? I was missing from action for a whileI was a bit tied up. The core business on <a href="www.augtics.com">real estate information front side</a>, appearance on TV channels, travel, socializing and facebook took most of the time! But I keep on coming back to think about GIS market!! Some investment interest, past friends and contacts keep discussing GIS and I keep on hearing about events/happening on GIS space. Few tit-bits for you:<div><br /></div><div>1. In past I have blogged about <a href="www.routeguru.com">routeguru</a> . Looks like these young entrepreneurs are not able to monetize their idea. So the old school has won! Also, I have not seen too many GIS based product start-ups in a while. So you if you come across someone, send me details. But I am still hopeful that the people on whom I have put my bet will succeed.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Met with two companies (one survey focused and other GIS solutions focused) last week. Even after their existence for more than 6 years, these folks do not have seizable revenues. Focus - only India market. But both entrepreneurs were bullish about future of the company and satisfied with what they have been able to archive! Confusing signals!!</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Got call from three survey focused companies. Hmm.. everyone talking about R-APDRP and the recent 400 Cr ($100 million) plus GIS project award . So at what rate it makes sense to do consumer survey? Will such projects be viable? I have some comments on this but will write later. Should I!!! BTW people in general are skeptical but</div><div><br /></div><div>4. There is some level of interest coming from US/international companies to start business in India. But they are struggling with India positioning !!! (Sorry, can't share much details about these companies. Thanks to industry contacts and blogs, two of the companies have spoken with me but it will be inappropriate for me to reveal any further details.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. Has lengthy chat about Indian GIS Industry and GIS industry in general with two Indian GIS industry veterans (and my good friends). Both are playing leading roles in their respective companies (and their companies at some point were directly competing with ESRI - but no more). Surprisingly both do not see much future for GIS experts!!! This topic deserves much bigger discussion and separate post!!</div><div><br /></div><div>6. Met with one of the large user of GIS in India. Let me correct - one of the select companies in private space that have spent money (upward of few million USD) on GIS system. The opening statement - GIS is more of a trouble now. We are not able to use as data quality is really poor!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Net - net, looks like nothing much have changed in Indian GIS market. Large contract awards, struggling new companies, not so satisfied large corporates!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So the opportunity exists.. or is my optimism for industry there simple because I always think positive!! Too much to ponder upon and analyze. Hope I get a chance to do so and come up with a blog that contains facts and analysis!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully soon!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Manoj</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-14334133157124629132009-06-16T21:05:00.006+05:302009-06-16T21:19:13.595+05:30IS GIS fashion or Obsession in India?<div style="text-align: auto;"><p class="MsoNormal">Election commission in India has adopted GIS in big way. Before the recent general election, I watched an interview of CEC (Chief Election Commissioner) of India about delimitation of parliamentray constituencies. He was referring the use of GIS Software for delimiation as if everyone watching NDTV knew what is GIS!!! It was facinating to see the use of technology that we have profess as OUR baby, now becoming almost pevasive.</p><p class="MsoNormal">NDTV, looks like took a cue from that inteview and was heaving relying on Google Maps to show the election results to its viewers.</p><p class="MsoNormal">But the best piece of new I have save for you goes as follows:</p><p class="MsoNormal">________________________________________________________________</p><p class="MsoNormal">E<a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">lection Commission to use Census data, GPS to track voters</a><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm"><o:p></o:p></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">Delhi</a></st1:place></st1:city><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm"> Bureau , August 25, 2008 12:25 IST</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm"><o:p></o:p></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">In an attempt to curb bogus voting and monitor the migration of voters across </a><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">India</a></st1:place></st1:country-region><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">, the Election Commission is planning to link the Census data of 2011 with its electoral rolls. The EC then plans to use global positioning system to automatically record the voters' migration or shifting of residence.</a><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm"><o:p></o:p></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">A software, developed for this specific purpose, will be demonstrated to the Election Commission by the Registrar General of </a><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">India</a></st1:place></st1:country-region><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm"> at the Nirvachan Sadan.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm"><o:p></o:p></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">Once the Census data is made available to the Election Commission, it will be clubbed with the electoral rolls. The GPS chip would be added to the electronic photo identity cards already issued to the voters.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm"><o:p></o:p></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">The identity card will enable the Election Commission to record the movement of voters and pinpoint their location at the time of polling.</a></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm"><o:p></o:p></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">The ID will also detect bogus voters, said Commission sources said.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm"><o:p></o:p></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">The GPS will also cut down the time taken in revising electoral rolls, as it will provide automatic updates on the basis of the voter's location, the sources said.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm"><o:p></o:p></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">The RGI, which carries out the Census every decade, agreed to make the necessary changes in the software to facilitate its data's link-up with the electoral rolls.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm"><o:p></o:p></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">According to sources, this data would be useful for the timely demarcation and delimitation of constituencies.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/25ec.htm">___________________________________</a></p><p class="MsoNormal">This is on rediff.com! Guess the budget for the above project!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Is GIS now an obsession on India? And are we trying to learn from projects done is US/UK/Canada?</p><p class="MsoNormal">Your comments?</p><p class="MsoNormal">Manoj</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-85013254989014755112009-06-15T08:43:00.004+05:302009-06-15T10:25:41.222+05:30Indian GIS Market: On an Upswing<p class="MsoNormal">Indian GIS market will grow much faster than any other market in world! The die is cast!!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Indian GIS market is witnessing a major transformation**. Central Government (Federal Government) has spent several hundred crore Indian rupees (Several 100 million $s) under APRDP-R and National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP) and planning to spend much more in future. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Sample this - Rs 473 cores was allocation in NLRMP last year – that mean almost 100 million USD at the start of the projects!!!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p><a href="http://planningcommission.nic.in/sectors/rural.html">“NLRMP has been approved by the Cabinet in its meeting held on 21.8.2008. The budget provision for the Scheme during the current year (2008-09) is Rs.473.00 crore. Accordingly, it is proposed to implement the NLRMP across the country and to make it fully operational over the next five to eight year period”</a> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>If we put together all the budgeted numbers that are planned for GIS related expenditure by Indian government, it will be a substantial percentage of the “total world GIS market size” estimated by Daratech report!! Actually, Daratech report of past years has given a complete slip to the Indian market (and none of the Indian companies figure in the list of Daratech)!!! All that should change for good now!!! And BTW, in addition to the government planning, some serious money in being spent in private sector as well!!!</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India-Business/Finmin-to-web-monitor-infra-projects/articleshow/4655913.cms">Today’s TOI Business page has interesting news – “Finmin set to web-monitor infra projects – GIS Mapping will enable Officials Identify Causes of Delay, Deadline Miss”.</a></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India-Business/Finmin-to-web-monitor-infra-projects/articleshow/4655913.cms">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India-Business/Finmin-to-web-monitor-infra-projects/articleshow/4655913.cms</a> . This GIS based process is $800K project. And you will hear many more in coming days.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>For last few days, I started doing some research to re-assess and re-evaluate the Indian market. It will take me few more weeks to put together a market size evaluation and document the new dynamics in market (yes, its changing fast). Those of you who are interesting may send a request for the copy of report to me.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">But there are several big question: Where is all the money going? Are these big budget projects getting successfully implemented? Are companies making money on these projects? Are Indian companies/government seeking out expertise from countries like <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:country-region st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> and <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">USA</st1:country-region></st1:place> to learn from the experience and mistakes committed by the countries who have invested heavily on GIS based systems?</p><p class="MsoNormal">Is Indian GIS market mature? More on this in future but I am keen to share an Incident that is almost 10 years old! There was a tender by Municipal Corporation of an IT savvy Indian state for a GIS project. Who’s who of Indian GIS industry participated in the pre-bid meeting. At least 30 executives of top companies converged in the city. Several thousand $ must have been spent by companies on preparation for the bid! Finally the project was awarded for USD200, yes there is no K in that – Rs 10,000 only!!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>And all big companies lost out. Chairman of that company is a good friend and his logic was very interesting – he said my objective was to beat you(RMSI), Infotech & Rolta and I have done it!!! Cheers.</p><p class="MsoNormal">How different is situation now? Let’s discuss in coming days!!!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Manoj Misra</p><p class="MsoNormal">PS: ** I am fascinated by the word “Transformation”! My favorite questions, when I used to interview staff for technical positions used to be – what’s the difference between “Projection” and “Transformation”!!! The big question about Indian market is – is this “Projection” of market or true “Transformation”?</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-27189517650521168122009-03-09T11:08:00.007+05:302009-03-09T11:51:22.545+05:30INDIAN ARMS BRIGHTEN UP MNC STORY !!!<h1></h1><h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 48px;"><br /></span></h1><h1><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Is Indian GIS story still on? I have no doubts!!! As always, I am extremely bullish about the future of GIS in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>.. In the last 2 years, I have been fortunate to have interacted with some extremely talented GIS professionals and "GIS" entrepreneurs. Almost every one echoes my view!!!<o:p></o:p></span></h1> <h1><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">Tope story in today's edition of Economic Times reads "Spreading CHEERS - </span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">INDIAN ARMS BRIGHTEN UP MNC STORY</span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:12.0pt;color:black;">"</span><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:12.0pt;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; mso-outline-level:2"><i><span style="mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;color:black;">"INDIAN subsidiaries, relatively minor cogs in the wheels of large multinational companies till 2007, have emerged crucial profit generators, as earnings in developed western markets tumble amid the worst economic downturn in a generation. </span></i><b><span style="mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; mso-outline-level:2"><i><span style="mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;color:black;">Barring a few exceptions, the locally-listed units of companies such as ABB, Glaxo, Siemens, Cummins, Oracle, Suzuki, Whirlpool, Nestle and Areva have increased their contribution to the global consolidated earnings as growth remains robust across various sectors of Indian industry.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; mso-outline-level:2"><i><span style="mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;color:black;"> Significantly, this has happened despite a sharp depreciation of the rupee against major international currencies in the past one year, which tends to depress earnings in dollar terms as the dollar value of the subsidiary’s contribution is lower after currency conversion. Had this not happened, the contribution of these Indian units would have been much higher”</span></i><b><span style="mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;color:black;">So how’s Indian arm of ESRI, Liaca, Intergraph, Autodesk, Bentley, Pitney Bowes etc doing in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>? It’s anybody’s guess.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5incolor:black;"><span style="mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;">What’s different between Indian an ROW (Rest of World)?<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5incolor:black;"><span style="mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;">What are the “facts” and “figures” behind this growth story?<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5incolor:black;"><span style="mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;">Where’s the money being spent? And who’s chasing this money?<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5incolor:black;"><span style="mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;">How’s technology driving the changes here in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5incolor:black;"><span style="mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;">How’s the landscape of Indian GIS industry is changing? Believe you me – it’s changing at a very fast pace!!<o:p></o:p></span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5incolor:black;"><span style="mso-font-kerning:18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;">Has Navteq and TeleAtlas made any impact as yet Indian GIS market? How still CE (MapmyIndia) and Satnav bullish about pumping money into content development?<o:p></o:p></span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;color:black;">Stay tunes to hear from me… this time I will convert my “wish” into a “will” to write and I will!!!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;font-family:Georgia;color:black;">Manoj Misra<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-36633372759284283782008-05-24T09:29:00.002+05:302008-05-24T10:02:06.573+05:30So Long !!!Dear Friends,<br /><br />Its almost one year since I last wrote. A lot has happened in the last 11 months and I will be sharing some of the experiences (in the context of Indian GIS market) with you in next few blogs.<br /><br />But first, reason for not writing for so long and the reason to come back to writing! I was busy, terribly busy. Few days back, I read the blong written by Amitabh Bachhan. I am amazed to see that he is writing almost every day. His blog has put me to shame - I am definitely not as busy as AB and hence the execuse that I am busy and hence no blogging is no good! If you are keen to read what AB writes, check out - <a href="http://www.blogs.bigadda.com/ab/">www.blogs.bigadda.com/ab/</a> I am sure that some of you (especially Indian AB fans) will like his writings. I especially liked one of his post - <a href="http://blogs.bigadda.com/ab/2008/05/18/day-31/">http://blogs.bigadda.com/ab/2008/05/18/day-31/</a> The message there is:<br /><br />“Man ka ho to acchha. Man ka na ho to zyada acchha !”<br />If things happen according to what you wish. It is good.<br />If things do not happen according to what you wish. Then it is even better.<br /><br />A lot of things have not happened as per the wish in last several months. But I guess there must be a reason for the same. My deep apologies all those who sent me emails to write the blog but I did not respond. I hope that I will be able to make corrections and be able to share my througts with you.<br /><br />I am happy about one thing that a lot of positive development has happened in last 11 months in the Indian GIS market. And a lot more is about to happen. Without doubt, we are going to witness a significant growth in the coming time.<br /><br />I will be back with you, soon, with some thoughts,<br /><br />Regards, Manoj<div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-360195733891658422007-06-26T18:17:00.000+05:302007-06-26T18:23:57.140+05:30One more Google Map based Indian web-site? NO……we call it technology and innovation applied to purpose!<br /><br />So finally we made www.idhoom.com live – yesterday night!! It is alpha launch and site is now open for public use, comments and feedback. In less than 24 hours we have seen visits from 32 different cities, across the globe!! This is s a great moral boosting point for all of us at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AUGTICS</span>.<br /><br />I request you, especially the fellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">GIS</span> industry professionals (who read this blog regularly), to explore the mapping functions and drop a line in the suggestion box!<br /><br />This site one of it’s kind in India and is intend to be single point source of information about all the residential societies (apartment complexes) – existing ones as well as new (upcoming) ones.<br /><br />For the people who live in these societies, we have provided several cool features that will benefit the users. Key advantages:<br /><br />1. Web presence & unique identity for your society<br />2. Secure <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">intra-</span>society communication platform<br />3. Tools to manage your society affairs<br />4. Mapping features to know your neighbourhood better<br /><br />Those of you who are searching for the apartment complexes will find the “easy to use”, “<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">google</span> type” search functions handy.<br /><br />We hope that this site will benefit millions of people. We have planned to bring in several more features for the next launch and hope that time we will have significant content and traffic on the site!<br /><br />What’s the connection of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">IDHOOM</span>.COM with real estate? It’s not a property listing site!!! But those who intend to live in a specific apartment complex can use <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">IDHOOM</span> to know details beyond the individual flat they may be interested in selling/renting. That’s all at this stage!!!<br /><br />What’s our business model to monetize from this site? I will answer this in some future post. But wanted to let you know that this site is first in line of few more “different” ones that will be launching in future – all catering to existing, unmet needs!!<br /><br />Stay tuned! And if you live in an apartment, get your society registered here to give in a unique presence over WWW and let your fellow residents explore the power of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">IDHOOM</span> and get <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">benefited</span>!!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Manoj</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Misra</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-69990220572439791742007-06-24T17:20:00.000+05:302007-06-25T16:55:07.058+05:30Is India a "test" market to train staff or a real GIS market?So, finally after a long delay, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AUGTICS</span></span> will be launching the Alpha version of "community web-site" for "Society (Apartment/Group Housing) living" . I am very excited that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">AUGTICS</span></span> team has created a product that is simple yet powerful. More on this on my next post - very soon!!<br /><br />I was browsing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">GIS</span></span> Development website and read the <a href="http://www.gisdevelopment.net/magazine/global/2007/june/42.htm">interview</a> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mohan</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Reddy</span></span>, founder and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CMD</span></span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Infotech</span></span> Enterprises. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Mohan</span></span> has done a great job of starting I<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">nfotech</span></span> and making <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Infotech</span></span> as one of the top <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">GIS</span></span> companies in India (revenues in excess of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">USD</span></span> 120 Million). So, it's always great to hear/read his view point. In the interview there is one specific Q&A on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Indian</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">geospatial</span></span> market that I am reproducing below (I have highlighted the points that are interesting/relevant to this forum):<br />_______________<br /><br /><p>Q. What is the relevance of domestic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">geospatial</span></span> market?<br />A. The <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">domestic market should improve</span></em>. <em><strong><span style="color:#66cccc;">Due to the lack of a strong domestic market, Indian companies face lot of challenges in the international space</span></strong></em>. The point is, <strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">where will we get the expertise to provide value addition to global customers</span></em></strong>? If you look at the private sector which started using IT many years ago, as a result of that, you have a strong IT base for the country providing services globally based on experience gained in the domestic market. Coming back to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">GIS</span></span> industry, Survey of India is the only acknowledged mapping agency. <span style="color:#33cc00;"><strong><em>There is nothing like a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">geospatial</span></span> industry in existence over here</em></strong>.</span> <span style="color:#993399;"><em>The domestic industry has to take off and there is enormous advantage to derive from it</em>.</span> <em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Because my trainee engineers cannot immediately work on projects overseas, we have to first act locally, with local supervision, which is a cost effective way to train people to provide value added services overseas later on.</span></em></p><p>--------------------------</p><p>One point comes out clearly. Companies like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Infotech</span></span> look at Indian market for picking up few new skills and train staff and then provide <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">value</span> added service to international clients. Clearly a good strategy!!!<br /></p><br /><p>However, there are few completely contrasting view "school of thoughts" are emerging in Indian market! In my past posts, I have referred about a start-up <a href="http://www.routeguru.com/">http://www.routeguru.com/</a></p><p>Couple of weeks back R<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">outeGuru</span></span> was launched for alpha testing. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">RouteGuru</span></span> provides simple usable driving direction by using and referring to landmarks, liberally! Something that is very easy for common man to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">understand</span></span>. I read review about R<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">outeGuru</span></span> somewhere and reviewer mentioned that R<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">outeGuru</span></span> will compete with with local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">paanwalas</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">rikshaw</span>-drivers in providing driving directions. What interests me in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Routeguru</span></span> is the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">GIS</span></span> technology" that is applied and also <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">dedication</span> and determination of founder, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Avinash</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Agrawal</span> (an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">IIT</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Mumbai</span> graduate, who has worked in the US, Middle East and India for several years and applying his knowledge and skills to serve the Indian market).</p><p>So one viewpoint of the Indian market is held by companies like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Infotech</span></span> and the other by new start-up companies like R<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">outeGuru</span></span>. One views comes from solid experience and proven business leader and other comes from the young <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">entrepreneur</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Avinash</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Agarwal</span></span>, who has put in his life savings in a start-up venture looking at India as a big market!</p>I just wish that both contrasting views are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">strongly</span> up-held in future as well. For that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Infotech</span></span> has to do well in future (more predictable) and "R<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">outeGuru</span></span>" has to become a viable business!<br /><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Manoj</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Misra</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-45499601598364089432007-06-17T00:12:00.000+05:302007-06-17T00:23:34.285+05:30Who will launch navigable Indian street data first? We now know...In my June 2 post, I asked the question - <a href="http://manojmisra.blogspot.com/2007/06/who-will-launch-navigable-indian-street.html">Who will launch navigable Indian street data first?</a><br /><br /><a href="http://manojmisra.blogspot.com/2007/06/who-will-launch-navigable-indian-street.html">http://manojmisra.blogspot.com/2007/06/who-will-launch-navigable-indian-street.html</a><br /><br />The answer is now known. It's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Navteq</span>!!<br />------<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NAVTEQ</span> First Global Digital Map Supplier to Release Map of India June 14, 2007<br />Company: <a title="Go to company profile" href="http://www.directionsmag.com/companies/byID.php?id=141"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">NAVTEQ</span></a>Industry: Wireless / <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NavigationLocation</span>: Chicago, IL, United States of America<br /><br />Chicago,IL -- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NAVTEQ</span> , a leading global provider of digital map data for vehicle navigation and location-based solutions, has announced its first availability of digital map coverage in India. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NAVTEQ</span>(R) map of India covers a population of more than 53 million and includes over 64,000 kilometers of road for the cities of Delhi, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mumbai</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pune</span>, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore and the roads connecting these cities. The city centers of six major cities are covered at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">NAVTEQ's</span> Detailed Coverage level, the highest and most complete database specification. The surrounding city areas include all navigable and named roads. All coverage areas include Points of Interest (POI) which can ease the use of navigation destination functionality or help users locate places and attractions of interest.<br /><br />India is the world's second fastest growing economy as well as its second largest country in population. "Our customers have told us that focusing on the country's main economic centers enables them to optimize their business plans," stated George <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Filley</span>, Vice President of Product Management, Americas and Asia Pacific, for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">NAVTEQ</span>. "Additionally, industry experts anticipate huge growth potential in fleet and tracking solutions. Creating a north-south corridor with the connector roads further extends our customers' potential opportunities."<br /><br />"We continue to align efforts in support of our customers as they expand their business models to reach further into Asia. And our global specification enables them to gain efficiencies in areas such as compilation which can improve their time to market which is so critical in an economy like this," added <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Rafay</span> Khan, Vice President, of Business Development for Asia Pacific.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">NAVTEQ</span> has extensive coverage in Asia including, along with India, maps for the following countries and territories: Australia, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Hong</span> Kong, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Macau</span>, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">NAV</span>2, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">NAVTEQ's</span> joint venture in China, a map in China.<br /><br />-------------<br /><br />It needs to be, now, seen how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Navteq</span> capitalizes on this early mover advantage. And how much time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">TeleAtlas</span> takes to come up with a competing product?<br /><br />Whatever is the answer, this is a very positive development for Indian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Geospatial</span> and LBS market! Given the fact that there are several LBS companies springing up in India, let's hope we see some Indian nominations in the next <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">NAVTEQ</span> Global LBS Challenge!!!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Manoj</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Misra</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-57642768098076782322007-06-07T07:46:00.000+05:302007-06-07T07:57:03.216+05:30Indian Real Estate ForumI am a member of "Indian Real Estate Forum". Even though that forum has got nothing to do with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">GIS</span> (at least <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">until</span> now!), it's a great source to get information about happening in Indian Real Estate industry. Some of you will find it relevant for yourself and your friends, in case you have any question on Indian Real Estate. The link is <a href="http://www.indianrealestateforum.com/">www.indianrealestateforum.com</a><br /><br />Will be happy to see some of you there,<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Manoj</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Misra</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-90624029045474165582007-06-02T15:37:00.000+05:302007-06-02T16:41:01.172+05:30Who will launch navigable Indian street data first?So finally good "street-mapping" data for India will be available, soon. And this will be one major step forward in the Indian GIS industry.<br /><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>There are series of emails floating around about a new JV company in Pune. Without naming the company, there are several job postings that are put. Naukri.com list the following description:<br /><br /><em>"MNC with a leading global position in digital mapping and geospatial content products, launching a Joint Venture cooperation with an Indian GIS company. Key markets will include in-car navigation, portable and wireless navigation and location-based services in India and South Asia. The Indian operations will be part of a global organisation, covering six continents and activities in 64 countries and will be headquartered in Pune with regional centres throughout India."</em><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGrUDc75TbZqN2JL_pdAdgavXsioYBDAe-C4funrxZYhCN6tqMVUArxKMNZI7KUE79OTFvrWUhW2ErY6XTnMyIt_cTJL80aRH3m-dWQTq8LZPwdymWqO3H8DGuSSDzMdXeMum29A0_4DB/s1600-h/Jobpositions.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071421357435442642" style="WIDTH: 440px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px" height="229" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGrUDc75TbZqN2JL_pdAdgavXsioYBDAe-C4funrxZYhCN6tqMVUArxKMNZI7KUE79OTFvrWUhW2ErY6XTnMyIt_cTJL80aRH3m-dWQTq8LZPwdymWqO3H8DGuSSDzMdXeMum29A0_4DB/s320/Jobpositions.JPG" width="294" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>From the positions that are there, you can easily make out that that the scale of operations will be massive!!!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Welcome TeleAtlas to India again! (My guess and do let me know if you get information otherwise). Two questions:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Why will TeleAtlas need to set-up India operations again (remember TA NOIDA operations was sold to Infotech) when they have good(?) Indian vendors? </div><div><br /></div><div>2. Does TA JV partner has the management bandwidth to handle the scale?</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Whatever is the answer( and definitely these are not the questions for public debate), one thing is for sure, Indian GIS companies will be loosing some staff to this JV operation. And managers will find one more reason for asking their management/board to increase the salaries of their staff to retain them!!! War for talent(?) is on and salaried staff never had it so good!!!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>But with these rising salaries, will the Indian GIS companies be able to keep their cost low and remain competitive in the International market? Yes, if they are efficiently run and keep on increasing their top line year-on-year in excess of 30%. Keep a track of the growth!!!</div><div></div><div></div></div><div><div>Manoj Misra </div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-74210693606773330012007-05-31T19:07:00.000+05:302007-05-31T19:32:40.406+05:30AUGTICS is hiringNot a regular post item, but wanted to let you that that AUGTICS is hiring.<br /><br />We are looking for people at entry levels (1-2 years experience) and high analytical skills. People from GIS industry who want to apply their knowledge for developing unique solutions for Indian Real Estate Industry will find the job most exciting and fulfilling. AUGTICS will offer the best possible GIS application job in India, a wonderful and challenging working environment and a fast track career growth. The selected candidates will be eligible for employee stock options. We do not want "yes sirs" and "blind followers". For that matter, we do not have a “sir culture” at AUGTICS. We are looking for people who have "can do" attitude and are willing to change and challenge the existing order! Yes, attitude is the top most characteristic that we will look for. If you know any candidates who will fit in the bill, please do pass on their resumes at <a href="mailto:jobs@augtics.com">jobs@augtics.com</a> or get in touch with me directly (in strict confidence).<br /><br />We have various openings at senior level as well. Please get in touch with me directly, if you are interested.<br /><br />Stay tuned to for my regular post!<br /><br />Manoj Misra<div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-46489058260462988982007-05-28T09:24:00.000+05:302007-05-28T11:57:52.687+05:30Are we map-literate?I am getting less and less time to write the blog. Hope that I am able to reverse this trend soon as we get into the next phase of AUGTICS life!! But, I do manage to keep a close track of the development within the Indian geospatial market.<br /><br />I have been overjoyed looking at the recent developments in the Indian Geospatial industry. In sharp contract to the business model followed by the existing market leaders (Rolta, Infotech, RMSI), there are several companies that are springing up with a product based strategy. In the past I have mentioned about SatNav, RouteGru etc. Couple of days back I met with another company Geotrackers (<a href="http://www.geotrackers.com/">http://www.geotrackers.com/</a>) started by young IIM graduates, that plans to come up with LBS products and services. There is another company Bannari Infotech - Geo Edge that claims to be a pioneer in location based services in India (are they?)!. Company write up says – "we pride ourselves with having created many world-class pioneering products in the location services industry, often offering solutions not available elsewhere in India and at times even in Asia”.<br /><br />Also, news of MapMyIndia raising capital from Kleiner Perkins & Sherpalo Ventures (undisclosed amount) escaped industry attention. The money will be used for creating highest quality GIS information. Source: <a href="http://www.contentsutra.com/categories/name/Venture%20Capital/">http://www.contentsutra.com/categories/name/Venture%20Capital/</a><br /><br />In previous post I mentioned that Navteq and Teleatlas are planning to be active in Indian market very soon. Keep your focus on Reliance (ADA), who may spring a surprise in near future by coming up with web-gis/LBS products. Have tasted great initial success with Zapak, if they do plan to launch an LBS product, you will see a lot of publicity.<br /><br />Clearly, a new trend has set-in and we can expect to see action and war in LBS space in India in the very near future!<br /><br />But one of the fundamental points that I keep on asking myself – Is Indian population, in general map-literate? Do we really like “reading maps”? Are we good at “reading maps”? Are we “taught map reading at high-school level”? Do we really depend on maps in our day to day lives? The answer, most likely, will be no! We don’t sell maps at petrol pump stations (like in US). We do not find a hood map of a city when we go to a place like (Ranikhet). And we do not see “city map board” in our cities. This fundamental issue may have an implication in adoption of LBS technology in the market. Those who are able to come up with smart non-map based applications, will take lead and those who relay largely on map display based applications, may not get the desired results.<br /><br />Manoj Misra<br /><br /><br /><br />PS: "Ranikhet" is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand. I spent first 17 years of my life at Ranikhet. You can get a great view snow-clad Himayala range there and Ranikhet gets snow every winter. Forget air-conditioner, you don't even need a fan in summers!!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-83602431994430069982007-05-15T16:48:00.000+05:302007-05-15T16:56:18.866+05:30M&A activities in Indian GIS industryM&A <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">activities</span> in Indian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">GIS</span> Industry seems to be on the rise..<br /><br /><strong>1</strong>. A press release from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Infotech</span>, today, indicates that they have acquired majority stake in a Hyderabad based GIS start-up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Geospace</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Integra</span>. I had mentioned about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Geospace</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Integra</span> in one of my earlier post and was impressed to see the company growth since its inception about a year back. What's surprising is that the company put itself on the block within the first year of inception! What's even more surprising is that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Infotech</span>, one of the reasonably successful Indian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">GIS</span> companies, in India felt the need to acquire another Indian company to grow it's India market !!! Read press release at..<br /><br />-------------<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Infotech</span> Enterprises makes strategic investment to address <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">geospatial</span> market opportunities in India and Middle East<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Infotech</span> Enterprises Ltd on May 15, 2007 has announced its strategic move to address <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Geospatial</span> business opportunities in India and the Middle East by taking majority stake in Hyderabad-based <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Geospatial</span> Integrated Solution Pvt Ltd (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Geospace</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Integra</span>).The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">geospatial</span> market in India and Middle East is estimated at Rs 1000 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">crore</span> and is expected to see a 12% growth rate over the next five years. The India government's Open Map Policy and Survey of India's large-scale mapping initiatives are unlocking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">geospatial</span> opportunities in several areas. These include land records; urban planning; environment, forestry and natural resources; utility infrastructure planning and management; and defence. Similarly, the rapid pace of infrastructure development in the Middle East has led to a growing demand for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">geospatial</span> services in that region.The Company is a world leader in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">geospatial</span> services, particularly for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">telecom</span>, utilities and government markets in North America, Europe and Australia. It also enjoys a significant presence in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">telecom</span> and utility segments in India. By investing in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Geospace</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Integra</span> and leveraging the combined entity's strengths, the Company moves into an even stronger position to address the high-growth <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">geospatial</span> markets in India and the Middle East.Under the terms of the agreement, the Company and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Geospace</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Integra</span> will consolidate their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">geospatial</span> business in India and Middle East into a single entity led by Chandrasekhar <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Nori</span>. Chandrasekhar <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Nori</span> has over 25 years of experience in Remote Sensing and mapping industry in India. He is credited with engineering and development of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">photowriting</span> and imaging technology for Indian defence industry. The new entity will operate as a subsidiary of the Company.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">BVR</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Mohan</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Reddy</span>, the Company's Chairman and Managing Director commented: "As we continue to reinforce our leadership position in the global <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">geospatial</span> markets, India and the Middle East become increasingly strategic to our growth objectives. By leveraging the knowledge and experience of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Geospace</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Integra</span>, supported by Chandrasekhar <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Nori's</span> leadership, we have a compelling value proposition for customers in these markets. We expect to achieve Rs 100 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Crore</span> revenue in the next 3 years from our India and Middle East business."<br />Source: Equity Bulls<br />---------<br /> <br /><strong>2</strong>. November 2006, I met with one of the founders of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Manchitra</span> Service who mentioned to me that they are existing out of business and and company will have new owners. There was no formal news about this transaction but a visit at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Manchitra</span> website will indicate some changes in the management team.<br /><br /><strong>3.</strong> A leading global street mapping company has closed (or is very close to finalizing) the deal to acquire a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Pune</span> based <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">GIS</span> data company to further it's Indian street data plans (I hope that there is a formal company release soon)<br /><br />Although the size of these deals is not known and is not likely to be too big, it's a good pointer to the fact that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">GIS</span> industry in Investing - in India based <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">GIS</span> business! As I said earlier, a bright future ahead!!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Manoj</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Misra</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-15837586197586352252007-05-07T22:47:00.000+05:302007-05-07T22:51:59.373+05:30Why did I change my focus to Real Estate?This post is for friends and past, present & potential business associates!<br /><br />Many of you questioned my logic of leaving the GIS industry and focusing my energies in the Real Estate industry instead. I did not elaborate much on what will be the exact nature of business AUGTICS will be doing and what is our business model and hence your questions was reasonable and expected. I have received several requests for knowing exact dates of launch of our corporate website and well as the portal. The wait will still continue as we continue to refine both, but we are doing what is most important at this stage - engaging with a lot of potential customers. However, now I will make an attempt to explain our new initiative – in bits and pieces!!<br /><br />Recently, I made one good friend. He used to be actively dealing in the financial market in past and is currently focusing his energies on several diverse areas. There was a specific discussion on a company’s stock performance and he gave a fantastic analysis. He ended the discussion by saying – “you can take a man out of market but you can not take a market out of man”! How true it’s for someone who has lived with GIS technology for years!! You can take a man out of GIS but can not take GIS out of man!!!<br /><br />Well now on to the reason to shift focus to Real Estate Industry. The most hackneyed cliché in the real estate business is that the three most important factors in the value of land are Location, Location, and Location. That’s the reason I am focusing on Real Estate!!<br /><br />Manoj Misra<div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-52863804513386550392007-04-30T19:12:00.000+05:302007-04-30T19:24:10.793+05:30Google Inc ATC (Authorised Training Center) in India?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059217400668974514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfOjH9M4Bfu6WGHosBqxjz_pX68BrAY4k5RNCwFdeRGfN-oKaBwfU4FCzDD37DyuUi0_cve0HRTiLiNT3vyKmvSq4Ra4jM2FL91oo_xTFPo6qj11quEqYDtkvwmpJrY1IZJaDB0GhTnQ5/s320/Google+Inc.jpg" border="0" /><br />I found this interesting advertisement in a leading Indian newspaper daily (today morning, on my flight from Delhi to Mumbai) - Google Inc ATC announcement (see attached image) for SKETCHUP training in Indian.<br /><br />Few Questions:<br /><br />1. Is Google SKETCHUP so complex to operate that there is training required?<br /><br />2. Does Google Inc has a authorised training center for SKETCHUP PRO V6 training anywhere else in world?<br /><br />If anyone has any idea about this google ATC, please drop in your comments and views!<br /><p>Manoj Misra</p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-80903110886743097322007-04-24T01:12:00.000+05:302007-04-24T01:47:29.991+05:30Indian GIS Industry and University CollaborationLast few weeks were extremely hectic (on AUGTICS front).Travelled to Mumbai (several times), Pune, Bhuvneswar, Puri and Konark and made new associates & friends with diverse backgrounds, in addition to exploring diversity of India. It was truly a very rich and rewarding experience on business and personal front. However, with all the activities, I could not keep pace with blogging. I hope I will be able to find more time in the coming days..<br /><br />I mentioned in last post that I am very impressed with the quality of remote sensing research work that is bring carried out by IIT-R. Few months back, at at conference at Chennai, I got a preview of the exemplary work that is being carried out by Centre of Remote Sensing at Bharathidasan University, in the field of natural disaster mapping & mitigation (Seismicities, Landslides, Tsunamis, Flood etc). I also saw a discussion list on Yahoo Group (GIS India) where someone is collecting names of institutes offering GIS course and I noticed that the list contains names of over 60 institutes (on last count) and almost each of the top university in India now runs a GIS department. I do not know (comprehensively and fully) details of the research work that is being carried out in these labs, but one can safely assume that significant quality thinking is going on in the labs.<br /><br />One reason for arriving at the assumption is the learning from interviewing the graduates from many of these universities - one point is loud & clear that the quality of education and research focus in the institutes is relatively good. Yet another point that stands out clearly is that when many of these students graduate and seek jobs in Indian GIS industry, they do not get the jobs that are challenging enough – or get into jobs where skills are underutilized.<br /><br />So what are the reasons for this problem?<br /><br />During my discussion with professors at some of these institutes & universities, one point came out very clearly - there is very less or minimal interaction between the Indian GIS industry & these institutes. Several great ideas evolves in these labs that can be monetized by the GIS industry, if there is appropriate collaboration. Also, there are several India specific GIS problems, faced by the the GIS industry, that can be tacked by these labs (due to availability of quality resources and R&D focus).<br /><br />Adena Schutzberg posted a blog, last month, at allpointsblog - <span><a href="http://www.allpointsblog.com/archives/2670-Consortium-of-Ohio-Universities-on-Navigation-and-Timekeeping.html">Consortium of Ohio Universities on Navigation and Timekeeping</a></span> ( The Consortium of Ohio Universities on Navigation and Timekeeping, COUNT, includes experts from Miami, Ohio and Ohio State universities and the Air Force Institute of Technology, and will provide expertise to industry professionals and other scientists in those areas. According to Maimi of Ohio officials, COUNT has 40 faculty members, more than 100 students and more than $10 million in annual research funding).<br /><br />I wish to see such an initiative between Indian GIS industry and the universities!!!<br /><br />Based on the above points, I am sure that you will agree with me (fully in this case) that there is a need for increasing collaboration between Indian GIS industry and the educational institutes offering GIS courses and carrying out GIS research & development.<br /><br />How do we increase industry-academia interaction? Give me your thoughts and suggestions and also stay tuned to hear my different view. This time definitely very soon!!<br /><br />Manoj Misra<div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957110600548999277.post-6633527865118447692007-04-01T09:58:00.000+05:302007-04-01T14:33:04.364+05:30Is the World’s Geospatial development story complete without India?<p>Recently I visited IIT Roorkee and was very impressed with the quality of research work that is being carried out in the field of Remote Sensing by brilliant research scholars guided by able Professors. While I was giving final touches to my “different view” report on IIT Roorkee visit, a news-paper analysis caught my attention and I am saving my report to blog at a later time! </p><p>Google, Yahoo, Intel, IBM, Adobe, Microsoft - the line-up on MNC’s which have opened their own R&D centers in India is a virtual Who’s Who of the IT industry. India is emerging as a hot destination for investment in research and development. An article in <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/SUNDAY_SPECIALS/Deep_Focus/Worlds_RD_hub/articleshow/msid-1839980,curpg-1.cms">Times of India</a> has analysed Mirosoft, Intel, Adobe & IBM India R&D. Here’s the summary: </p><p>Microsoft</p><ul><li>Two research facilities in India – Hyderabad & Bangalore</li><li>Hyderabad center is the largest development unit outside the US</li><li>Products by Microsoft India : Data Protection Manager; Virtual PC 2007 ; Office Mobile which includes Word, Excel & Powerpoint ; SQL Mobile </li></ul><p>INTEL</p><ul><li>Intel’s largest non-manufacturing unit outside US is in Bangalore</li><li>Products by Intel India: Teraflops research chip; Centrino Duo technology; Quad core processor; Community PC</li></ul><p>ADOBE</p><ul><li>Two centers in India – Noida (biggest outside US) & Bangalore</li><li>Products by Adobe India: PageMaker 7.0; Acrobat Reader on Palm OS & Pocket PC; Frame Maker, Page Maker Pack, Photoshop Album ; Premiere Elements 3.0</li></ul><p>IBM</p><ul><li>Two centers in India – Bangalore & Delhi</li><li>Products by IBM India: Web-based, interactive language technology; Business finder technology </li></ul><p>Can we map a similar pattern in the world's geospatial R&D? Actually, geospatial industry in also following the similar route. MapInfo has recently opened a development center at Noida, within the last two years Bentley has set-up a development center at Pune, Microsoft development center at Bangalore is focusing on GIS, Google center at Hyderabad is doing the same! Intergraph was the first to set-up India center years back (1994?). </p><p>But I have few bigger questions:</p><ul><li>Is India truly seen as a R&D center by World’s geospatial development industry & community?</li><li>Is the world’s geospatial development story complete without India? </li></ul><p>Stay tuned to “Different View” to discuss this. Over the next few weeks I will put my thoughts on India’s research and development potential for World’s Geospatial Industry!</p><p>Manoj Misra</p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Original and different thoughts from Manoj Misra www.manojmisra.com</div>Manoj Misrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17658755862537038164noreply@blogger.com6