Applications of Space Technology in Governance: Disaster Management, Agriculture, Urban Planning | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

Space technology in governance refers to using satellite data, remote sensing, and GIS to improve government functions like monitoring, planning, and service delivery. It makes governance transparent, efficient, and proactive by providing real-time, accurate data. ISRO’s satellites, such as RESOURCESAT and CARTOSAT, deliver critical information for decision-making, while platforms like Bhuvan offer free access to maps and data for public use.

Key Points

• ISRO’s Role: ISRO provides high-resolution satellite imagery and data analytics for applications in governance. For example, Bhuvan integrates data for state governments, aiding in policy implementation.

• Benefits for India: Space tech supports India’s large population by improving disaster response, food security, and urban development. It aligns with national goals like Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) and global SDGs (e.g., no hunger, climate action).

• Current Trends: The Indian Space Policy 2023 encourages private companies to work with ISRO through IN-SPACe, boosting innovation. In 2025, Andhra Pradesh partnered with ISRO to integrate space tech into 42 government applications, enhancing services like land records and urban planning. A regional conference in 2025 emphasized space tech for sustainable development, focusing on governance applications. The space economy is projected to reach INR 63,000 crore by 2025, driven by public-private partnerships.

Applications in Disaster Management

Disaster management relies heavily on space technology to predict, monitor, and recover from natural calamities like floods, cyclones, and earthquakes. India, with its 7,516 km coastline and vulnerability to 10% of global cyclones, benefits from satellite-based early warnings and real-time data. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) uses ISRO’s tools to save lives and reduce economic losses.

Pre-Disaster Phase

• Risk Mapping: GIS identifies high-risk areas, such as flood-prone zones in Assam or earthquake-prone Himalayan regions, enabling better preparedness.

• Early Warnings: Satellites like INSAT-3D track cyclones and send alerts via mobile apps or SMS, giving communities time to evacuate. For example, cyclone warnings have improved evacuation rates in coastal states like Odisha.

During Disaster Phase

• Real-Time Monitoring: Satellites provide live imagery of floods, forest fires, or landslides, helping NDMA coordinate relief. For instance, INSAT monitors flood spread in real-time.

• Damage Assessment: NRSC generates maps of affected areas, identifying damaged roads, homes, or crops to prioritize aid. This was critical during the 2023 Himachal Pradesh floods.

Post-Disaster Phase

• Recovery Planning: Satellite data guides rebuilding efforts by mapping damaged infrastructure. For example, Bhuvan helped plan relief after the 2024 Wayanad landslides.

• Key Tools: The Bhuvan portal shares disaster data with states, while the Disaster Management Information System (DMIS) integrates satellite inputs for coordinated response.

Examples

• Floods: Real-time mapping supports relief in states like Assam, where annual flooding affects millions.

• Cyclones: Early alerts protect coastal populations, reducing casualties.

• Droughts: Satellites monitor water levels to guide relief for farmers.

• Forest Fires: MODIS satellites detect fire outbreaks, enabling quick response in areas like Uttarakhand.

Recent Developments

• A 2025 ISRO publication, Satellite-Aided Response, highlighted the role of timely data in disaster recovery.

• ISRO’s geo-tools, initially used for COVID-19 tracking, were adapted for disaster management in 2024, improving response times.

• Workshops in May 2025 trained officials on GIS for risk management, enhancing local capacity.

• BlackSky’s satellite launches in 2024 provided high-resolution data for disaster monitoring, complementing ISRO’s efforts.

Applications in Agriculture

Agriculture, supporting 70% of India’s population, benefits from space technology through crop monitoring, water management, and pest control. Satellites provide data to increase yields, reduce costs, and ensure food security, aligning with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Crop Monitoring and Forecasting

• Yield Prediction: The Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agrometeorology, and Land-based observations (FASAL) program uses satellite imagery to predict yields for eight major crops, like rice and wheat, helping plan food distribution.

• Precision Farming: Drones and GIS guide farmers on where to apply fertilizers, saving costs and reducing environmental harm.

Soil and Water Management

• Soil Health: Satellite maps show nutrient levels, helping farmers choose crops or fertilizers. For example, NRSC’s soil health cards support sustainable farming.

• Irrigation: Satellites monitor water sources, ensuring efficient use in dry regions like Rajasthan.

• Drought Assessment: A national drought monitoring system uses satellite data to identify water-scarce areas, guiding relief efforts.

Other Uses

• Pest Detection: Satellite imagery identifies pest outbreaks early, allowing timely action.

• Methane Tracking: Satellites monitor emissions from farming to promote eco-friendly practices.

Key Programs

• Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre: Uses space data to generate crop reports for policy decisions.

• Village Resource Centres (VRCs): Over 6,500 programs provide farmers with advice on crops and livestock, reaching 5 lakh people with satellite-based data.

Recent Developments

• A 2025 ISRO report, Space Technology for Agricultural Resources, detailed advancements in crop monitoring.

• The Space-Based Information Support for Decentralized Planning PDF (2025) highlighted rural development through agriculture-focused space tech.

• In 2025 regional conference emphasized sustainable farming using satellite data.

• BlackSky’s 2024 satellite launches improved real-time data access for agriculture, aiding precision farming.

Applications in Urban Planning

With India’s urban population growing rapidly (34% urban in 2021, expected to rise), space technology supports city planning, infrastructure, and smart governance. It helps manage land, reduce congestion, and ensure sustainable urban growth.

Land Use and Mapping

• Urban Maps: Satellites like CARTOSAT provide high-resolution images to monitor land use changes, aiding in planning roads, parks, or housing.

• Swamitva Yojana: Drone surveys, supported by satellite data, create property records for rural-urban transition areas, reducing land disputes.

Infrastructure Development

• Smart Cities: Space data supports 100 Smart Cities Mission projects by managing traffic, waste, and energy. For example, Bhuvan maps help plan bus routes in cities like Surat.

• Environmental Monitoring: Satellites track pollution or green cover, ensuring sustainable urban growth.

Key Tools

• Bhuvan Portal: Offers free access to land use and environmental data for city planners.

• GIS Integration: States use GIS for urban decision-making, such as zoning or infrastructure placement.

Examples

• Coastal Zones: Satellite data plans for sea-level rise in cities like Mumbai.

• Mining and Forestry: Linked to urban expansion, satellites monitor impacts on nearby areas.

Recent Developments

• The Andhra Pradesh-ISRO partnership (2025) integrated space tech into urban planning apps, improving land records and city services.

• The 2025 regional conference discussed space tech for urban sustainability, focusing on smart cities.

• BlackSky’s 2024 launches provided real-time urban data, aiding city planners.

• India’s space economy growth to INR 63,000 crore by 2025 supports urban tech development.

Challenges, Future Prospects, and Significance

Challenges

• Data Sharing: Lack of coordination between departments slows down data use.

• Capacity Building: More training needed for officials to use GIS and satellite tools.

• Foreign Reliance: Some data still comes from foreign satellites, though ISRO is reducing this.

• Cost: Small states struggle with high costs of advanced tech.

Future Prospects

• Private Sector Growth: IN-SPACe promotes startups like SkyServe for AI-based space analytics.

• AI Integration: Combining AI with satellite data for faster insights, e.g., predicting crop yields.

• Policy Support: The National Space Bill (expected 2025) will streamline regulations for private players.

• Global Goals: Space tech will support SDGs like climate action and sustainable cities by 2030.

• Economic Growth: India aims for a $1.8 trillion share in the global space economy by 2035, boosting governance tools.

Significance for Governance

Space technology makes governance proactive by providing accurate, real-time data. It supports disaster resilience, food security, and sustainable urbanization.