The integration of GIS, remote sensing, and information technology with scientific development is a key necessity if these emerging technologies are expected to be applied practically. In the wake of intricate issues in urban planning, resource management, and decentralized governance, the need for precise, easily available data has never been more important. Moreover, the issue of connecting scientific knowledge and stakeholder comprehension is a challenge.
This is where Ansuman Chakraborty, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Prantik Care Earth Geo Info Solutions steps in. An individual with extensive experience in land surveying, mapping, and database creation, he is a pioneer of new approaches. Making use of his rich experience and in conjunction with his collaborative leadership style, he is able to lead initiatives that translate complex scientific research into real life solutions and this empowers stakeholders to solve problems instead of only providing information. Industry Outlook interacted with him to know more.
How can the scientific strategy be harmonized with the business strategy, and what measures do you take to promote innovation and collaboration within the team?
With my family–oriented approach as the Chief Scientific Officer of the Earth Geo Info Solutions, a remote sensing, GIS, and information technology company, I drive this company from my Bengali heritage. I value relationship with my teammates and I give those directions, praise in a good work, and constructive criticisms for mistakes.
I urge them to achieve the best outcome. To me, the leadership ethos of my alma mater, Visva-Bharati University and Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, is embodied in the principle of collaboration and individual initiative, which lead naturally to the pursuit of excellence. It is through this combination of family atmosphere and academic motivation that a nurturing yet high-achieving environment is cultivated within the organization.
How do you keep up with industry advancements? Could you share a successful scientific project as an example?
Our organization is at the crossroads of remote sensing, geographical information systems, survey engineering, and information technology. We work with these disciplines both individually and together. The practical illustration of our work is a project that has been going on since 2014, which aims at designing the decision support system for urban development for five towns in Arunachal Pradesh.
Conventional techniques based on GPS use only Ground Control Points (GCPs) as the part of ground observations, whereas our approach is more advanced. We conduct a thorough field survey, which is detailed with collecting spatial coordinates of the buildings and other attributes.
While the hardships of fieldworks in the areas like Arunachal Pradesh are noteworthy, our perseverance in collecting on-site data remains unchanged.
I was the one who led a group of people to collect the data in detail using different types of coordinates and combining the data with the GIS environment to analyze it. This strategy makes us stand out from the rest of the industry with the possibilities of precise and thorough information for urban planning and development. Being the Chief Scientific Officer and the senior Scientific Officer of Survey Engineering Department too, I am eager to keep devising new ways and motivating the team to go a step ahead in geospatial technology.
Could you provide an example of how you have effectively translated scientific research into a tangible product or solution?
Last year, we collaborated with the State Remote Sensing Application Center in Itanagar on a project titled 'Space-based Information System for Decentralized Planning.' Covering more than 84,000 square kilometers, which is equal to Arunachal Pradesh's entire area, we meticulously mapped 25 districts at a 1:10,000 scale, concentrating on the most significant variables, such as land use, land cover, drainage, and more. Although the short-term period of a year had some challenges, we completed the project on time which proves our capability to apply the theoretical knowledge into practical applications for decentralized planning and resource management.
Our organization is at the crossroads of remote sensing, geographical information systems, survey engineering, & information technology
How do you effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to non-scientific stakeholders, like executives, investors, or individuals unfamiliar with scientific jargon, and foster productive relationships with diverse stakeholders?
In our industry which is focused on service, my main expertise is in cartography and database creation, frequently having to interact with stakeholders who may have little understanding of scientific concepts, like satellites. For instance, in one of our projects which we are currently implementing that is related to urban mapping, our stakeholders are the village leaders who may have no knowledge of satellite data and its applications.
We face the issue of villagers’ doubts about the intervention of the government and taxation when we collect data for urban planning. It is crucial to take time to explain the benefit of such a practice to the community members, assuring them that it will benefit them in the long run. Moreover, on the projects that are of a more complex nature and involve the disciplines such as archeology and economics, I work as a team member closely with people from different fields, for example civil engineers and economists. Every team member is a source of diverse skills and views, making effective integration and combination of ideas an essential factor in the implementation of the project.
Could you share any scientific innovation or breakthrough that you are particularly proud of or excited about?
We are at the initial stage of developing an AI based portal for the government of Arunachal Pradesh. The intent is to provide users with the ability to fetch the district-wise data at the click of a button. A crucial part of our plan is to draw attention to application of new technologies to know population demography and dependence ratios as well. One of the most remarkable characteristics of our company is our expertise in land surveying and mapping that is evidenced by our database of Arunachal Pradesh with a high level of accuracy. In addition to that, we have been applauded by the governing bodies who regard us as the leading agency in the sector.
Further, we are going to incorporate LIDAR and drones as new tools in remote sensing, GIS as well as information technology. Collaboration with stakeholders and global recognition can lead to better job prospects and innovation.
Ansuman Chakraborty, CSO, Organizational HR, SSO & Director, Prantik Care The Earth Geo Info Solution
Ansuman Chakraborty, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Prantik Care Earth Geo Info Solutions, pioneers the integration of GIS, remote sensing, and information technology for practical application in urban planning and resource management. With a collaborative leadership style and extensive experience in land surveying and database creation, Ansuman leads initiatives translating complex scientific research into actionable solutions, empowering stakeholders to address challenges effectively.
