Research

   Indicative List of Areas of Interest

1

Precise geodetic techniques for polar motion studies and in the determination of Earth rotation parameters

2

Estimation of essential climate variables using geodetic sensors

3

Determination of precise gravity field using satellite gravity missions such as GRACE, GOCE, CHAMP, etc., and hence to

realize precise gravimetric Geoid in combination with Airborne and terrestrial gravity data

4

Recovery of temporal variations of the gravity field from GRACE and GRACE-FO

5

Simulation studies for future satellite gravity field missions

6

Characterizing catchments with terrestrial gravimetry

7

Development of regional precise gravimetric Geoid for the Indian subcontinent and establish Indian vertical datum.

8

Use of precise geodetic techniques for crustal deformation and plate motion studies and in the determination of earthquake

precursors

9

Satellite altimeter for sea-level variation studies and climate modeling

10

Disaster management studies such as flood modeling, Tsunami warning, and landslides using satellite images and satellite/

ground-based geodetic measurement techniques

11

Development of Indian grid reference system on GPS along with subroutines for coordinates data computation

12

Error analysis in map projection and transformation

13

Positioning algorithms for GNSS satellite systems- GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, COMPASS, IRNASS, etc.

14

GNSS reflectometry of soil moisture and sea-level studies

15

Crustal deformation studies using GNSS

16

Application of the IGS Station at IIT Kanpur for studies on the realization of ITRF and ICRF

17

Monitoring the hydrological load using GNSS

18

Development of low-cost GNSS permanent stations

19

Hydrological modeling using GRACE data

20

Use of machine learning techniques with massive data from various geodetic sensors

21

SAR interferometry for deformation studies

22

Airborne and terrestrial laser scanning for various applications

23

Integration of various sensors for navigation and mapping

24

Camera calibration for photogrammetric applications

25

Mobile mapping systems

26

GIS applications in open source environment

27

Applications for Earth observation and geosciences

 

About

 

Motivation

 

The NCG was initially conceived on account of limited education in Geodesy at the national level. Although courses on Surveying and Mapping, Geoinformatics, Remote Sensing/ GIS, etc. are being taught at a few universities, none delve into the fundamentals and advanced concepts in Geodesy. Further, national expertise in areas such as Geodesy and SAR interferometry, is rather limited. Thus, there is a need for the development and training of human resources in the aligned areas.

 

Vision

 

To act as the hub of excellence in teaching and research in Geodesy at the national and international level by way of preparing well-trained human resources at post-graduate level, quality publications in reputed journals and through collaborative research with international institutes/institutions to contribute in the infrastructure development of the country.

   

 

 

The proposed structure of NCG with IIT Kanpur as the central hub and other institutes as local centers.

 

Objectives

Supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, the primary objective of the NCG is to nucleate and strengthen activities in the area of Geodesy education, capacity building and academic research and development by: 

1

Organizing outreach activities: capacity building in Geodesy through regular short and long term training programs; preparing well-trained PG students, development of courses and reference material, and disseminating relevant information in Geodesy.

2

Conducting state-of-the-art research and development activities (academic research, sponsored/consulting) in Geodesy.

3

Acting as the National Resource Centre for extensive support (laboratory, equipment, training, library, SW, etc.) to students and researchers from various universities and institutions and advise state/central government departments on all issues related to Geodesy.

 

 

Mandate

1

Train about 80-100 trainees in the first five years with the state-of-the-art education and training in Geodesy.

2

Organize short, long term and specialized courses on identified topics.

3

Develop the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, library, other academic resources, SW, accessible to all researchers.

4

Facilitate arrangement of visiting/adjunct faculty for/from National and International institutions.

5

Prepare course material, monographs and develop online courses through NPTEL, MOOCS for spreading awareness and standardization of coursework in Geodesy.

6

Facilitate opportunity to Indian researchers / students / teachers for training in the best international universities in Geodesy.

7

Facilitate close Industry-academia collaboration in Geodesy.

8

Take up academic R&D activities in Geodesy and advise the state/central government on Geodesy related matters as and when required.