Making Geodesy Visible in India: The Role of the National Centre for Geodesy

Abstract Geodesy forms the foundational layer of a nation’s geospatial infrastructure, supporting governance, economic development, national security, and scientific advancement. The National Centre for Geodesy (NCG), established at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur with support from the Department of Science and Technology, has emerged as India’s focal institution for advancing geodetic research, education, and infrastructure development. This article reviews the current status of India’s geodetic capabilities and identifies key institutional and technical gaps that must be addressed. It highlights NCG’s national mandate, its integration with six Regional Centres for Geodesy, and its rapidly growing research portfolio spanning space geodesy, geoid development, cartography, atmospheric studies, and machine-learning applications for Earth orientation. The article also outlines the centre’s strategic role in the National Geospatial Mission and its alignment with global initiatives such as the UN-GGCE Global Geodesy Development Plan. By bridging science, technology, and policy, NCG aims to establish India as a regional leader in geodesy and a meaningful contributor to global Earth-observation frameworks.