The Union Government Unveiled the Remote Sensing Data Policy 2011

The Union government unveiled a new remote sensing data policy called the Remote Sensing Data Policy 2011(RSDP2011) which allows all data of resolutions up to 1 metre to be distributed on a non-discriminatory basis. The new policy replaced the 2001 policy.

Apart from opening up the remote sensing sector, the RSDP 2011 will remove restrictions to facilitate more users to get high resolution data for developmental activities. Restrictions as per the earlier 2001 policy, was removed. Now there is no bar on publishing of high resolution, remote sensing data of up to one metre resolution.

However, the RSDP stated that all data of better than 1 metre resolution shall be screened and cleared by the appropriate agency before distribution.  According to the RSDP2011, the National Remote Sensing Centre will be vested with the authority to acquire and disseminate all satellite remote sensing data in India both from Indian and foreign satellites for the purpose of development activities. The RSDP-2011 comes into effect immediately.