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PIONEERING A NEW FUTURE 123
of any part of the country to any user. It also aims to establish connectivity between two adjacent cities that further connect to other cities and
finally connect the nation within a single network. Under the banner of GMS more than fifty cities
of different states have been taken up for detailed survey. Cartographic appraisal was completed and hard copy maps were published. As part of the next phase, preparation has been initiated to process the data so as to make it intact for web publication, which is the core aim of the project.
International Collaborations: NATMO entered into a joint collaboration with GISTDA, Bangkok, in the field of Geospatial Technology and Atlas Cartography. An MoU for the preparation of Archaeological Atlas was signed between the Government of India and Kingdom of Thailand and executed through National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization (NATMO), India and Geo- Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), Thailand for cooperation in
the field of Mapping and Geospatial Technology Applications. The project deals with the origin and spread of Buddhism and its impact on the cultural and religious outlook of the people. This project is envisaged to cover seven Southeast Asian nations other than India. The period between 500BC
and AD1500 has been given more attention for preparation of the present commemorative atlas. The primary objectives of the project are:
• To identify all Buddhist sites in India and in the
participating nations with the help of high resolution satellite data and to establish the connectivity of regional culture between these nations.
• To explore all possible routes along which Buddhism spreads from India to other parts of the world.
• To bring out the origin of various sects of Buddhism in a chronological order.
• To bring out the royal patronages received by Buddhism and the circumstances under which these patronage was received and flourished.
• To explore possible ways that help spreading the art and paintings of the Buddhist period.
• To explore the cultural and religious similarities and dissimilarities amongst the people of Southeast Asian nations in a geographical perspective and to evaluate its impact on the general cultural aspects and religious beliefs amongst people at large.
To find out the impact of Buddhism and the historical developments that followed this religion and the new outlook that influenced the people in shaping and improving the quality of life in the ASEAN region. •
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Digital technology has brought in revolution in
all domains of practical applications. Computers ensure speed and accuracy in mapping. Realizing the potentials of digital technology NATMO trained its humanpower
to get accustomed to the new technology.
Digital technology brought in new dimensions in mapping. From static mode it shifts to dynamic mode and provides
better viewing options. The problem of handling and carrying maps becomes an old concept. Navigation and planning has also been
made easy.
NATMO’s
significant
achievement
in this area
is www.
natmomap.in.
NATMO Director Dr Tapati Banerjee distributing certificates to the trainees
Below: Students viewing stereo images in 3D mode