Natural Resources Data Management System(NRDMS) 

Lecture on Timber Resources in Hassan District

The Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST) Indian Institute of Science Bangalore initiated the Karnataka Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) program in 1992 and since then established District NRDMS Centers in the State with active support and funding from Department of Science & Technology (DST) Government of India and Government of Karnataka. NRDMS program is a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional program of the Council aimed at developing methodologies for building and promoting the use of spatial data management and analysis technologies in local area planning. The initial approach of planning based on macro level assessment of resources did not yield the desired results. The introduction of the concept of spatial planning to micro-levels by the Planning commission paved the way for evolution of NRDMS program. The vision of the NRDMS program during its inception was to provide S&T inputs for operationalizing the concept of decentralized planning of the country by developing computer compatible spatial databases on natural resources, socio and agro-economic parameters to further the concept of area specific decentralized planning. Resource knowledge and resource inventory is crucial to spatial planning. At the core of this concept lies an integrated approach to planning in contrast to the sectoral method. This requires a detailed knowledge of the interrelations and interdependencies between various sectors to resolve often-conflicting demands. This leads to a requirement for appropriate data management and analyzing tools and techniques and a large matrix of sectoral data, in digital format, on natural resources, demography, socio-economy etc. and integrating them to generate appropriate information/applications required for plan preparation. The district NRDMS centers since inception have created an exhaustive database of natural resources, socio-economic parameters, infrastructure etc. The NRDMS centres are providing analyzed/value added information to planners and administrators besides developing applications using geo-spatial technologies suitable for local level planning. The NRDMS centers are providing need-based information to users such as elected bodies, district administration and planners through maps, charts, tables, and reports etc., on spatial and non-spatial data The overall objective of the NRDMS is to increase the efficiency of utilization of resources through the application of scientific management principles and Geographical Information System [GIS] technology

Geographical Information System [GIS]

A geographic information system (GIS), captures, stores, analyzes, manages, and presents data that is linked to location. Technically, GIS is geographic information systems which includes mapping software and its application with remote sensing, land surveying, aerial photography, geo-positioning system, mathematics, photogrammetry, geography, and tools that can be implemented with GIS software. GIS applications are tools that allow users to create interactive queries (user created searches), analyze spatial information, edit data, maps, and present the results of all these operations GIS have taken advantage of rapid developments in Information technology over the past several decades to address the spatial challenges of storing and analyzing spatial data. GIS belongs to the class of computer systems that require the building of large databases before they actually become useful. Actually, the use of a GIS requires that large spatial database be created, appropriate hardware / software be procured and installed, applications be developed, installed, integrated and tested before users can use the GIS and realize the benefit. The role of a GIS in a government setup is more than simply automating a few obvious tasks for the sake of efficiency. A local government or zilla panchayath should view the GIS project as an opportunity to introduce fundamental change into the way its business is conducted. Just as MIS / EIS in corporate business world, the adoption of GIS effectively reorganizes the data and information that the government collects, maintains and uses to conduct its affairs

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