Describe the role of Remote Sensing and GIS in sustainable urban planning and management. (HPAS Mains Question Paper 2022 – GS 3, Q.18)
Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play an essential role in India’s sustainable urban planning and management. With rapid urbanization and population growth, there is an increasing demand for sustainable urban planning and management.
Here are some examples of how Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are being used in India for sustainable urban planning and management:
- Land Use Planning: Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to identify and map land use patterns in urban areas. This data can be used to create more sustainable, efficient, and equitable land use plans. Satellite imagery and GIS data, for example, can be used to identify areas with high population density and plan for the provision of services and infrastructure to meet residents’ needs.
- Environmental Management: Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to monitor and manage the environment in urban areas. Monitoring air quality, water quality, and noise levels, as well as identifying areas at risk of natural disasters such as floods and landslides, can all fall under this category. This data can be used to create plans to mitigate the effects of environmental problems and to make cities more resilient.
- Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to analyze traffic patterns and plan for more sustainable transportation options in urban areas. This can include developing public transportation systems such as buses and trains, as well as promoting walking and cycling as viable modes of transportation.
- Disaster Management: Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to aid in disaster management in urban areas. This can include the creation of evacuation plans, identifying areas at risk of natural disasters, and monitoring disaster response efforts.
Role of Remote Sensing in Smart Cities Mission:
Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are critical components of India’s Smart Cities Mission. The Government of India launched the Smart Cities Mission in 2015 with the goal of developing 100 smart cities across the country.
Here are some examples of how remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) are being used in the Smart Cities Mission:
- City Planning and Design: Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to create high-resolution maps of cities that can be used to plan and design intelligent towns. This data can be used to identify areas of high population density, traffic congestion, and infrastructure development needs. The data can also be used to assess the environmental impact of proposed infrastructure projects.
- Infrastructure Development: Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to identify areas in need of infrastructure development, such as roads, water supply systems, and waste management systems. This can assist city planners in making informed decisions about where to invest resources and ensuring infrastructure development is sustainable and efficient.
