How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?

GS 1

World Geography

2025

15 Marks

AI, drones, GIS, and RS techniques have transformed locational and areal planning into precise, data-driven systems. They allow planners to collect real-time data, analyze spatial patterns, and make better, faster decisions.

Projects like the Survey of India’s SVAMITVA initiative, which mapped 6.62 lakh villages, demonstrate the power of these technologies in improving land management and planning.

AI and Drones in Locational Planning

Technology	Application	Accuracy	Coverage	Key Uses
AI-powered drones	Site selection and terrain analysis	1–5 cm precision	10,000 sq km/week	Automated site selection, real-time adjustments for projects
Machine learning	Land suitability and zoning mapping	~95% accuracy	State-level coverage	Predictive modeling, risk assessment, and urban growth projections
Computer vision	Infrastructure and asset monitoring	Real-time updates	City-wide surveillance	Infrastructure optimization, hazard mapping, and quick decision-making

AI and Drones in Areal Planning

Land Use Classification: Maharashtra’s AI-based crop mapping achieved 92% accuracy across 3.07 lakh hectares, improving crop pattern optimization and precision farming strategies.
Urban Growth Modeling: Bengaluru’s AI-GIS system predicts urban sprawl with 85% precision, enabling proactive zoning and sustainable urban design.
Resource Distribution: Automated analysis helps governments identify underserved areas, ensuring equitable allocation of public services and utilities.
Environmental Impact Monitoring: Drones and AI regularly track changes in vegetation cover, water quality, and air pollution to inform climate adaptation policies.
Disaster Management: Uttarakhand integrates drones and GIS to monitor 13,000 sq km of landslide-prone zones, supporting early warning systems and efficient relief planning.
Biodiversity Planning: High-resolution imagery and AI-based analytics identify habitat loss and monitor wildlife corridors for conservation strategies.

Implementation Examples

Smart Cities Mission: Surat uses AI-drone integration for traffic management and urban design.
Agricultural Planning: Punjab’s soil health mapping project covers 5.03 million hectares.
Forest Management: Odisha uses AI-powered systems to track 37% of its forest cover for conservation.
Mining Surveillance: Chhattisgarh employs drones and AI to monitor and curb illegal mining.

The integration of AI, drones, GIS, and RS has created a comprehensive ecosystem for spatial planning, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and sustainability.

Backed by policies like the National Geospatial Policy 2022 and initiatives under Digital India, these technologies are redefining how locational and areal planning drive smarter, more resilient, and sustainable development across sectors.

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