Understanding Urban Environment in Northwest Himalaya: Role of Geospatial Technology

Abstract

An urban area is a complex ensemble of interrelated and entangled socio-economic, spatial and environmental processes. The irreversible demographic changes being witnessed in an urban set-up pose threat to the rapidly depleting resources. Therefore, the study of urban footprints and the services with associated infrastructure is a subject that intrigues urban planners. Although planning has more to say about cities, it is equally imperative to explore all perspectives of a holistic regional development keeping in view the social, economic, cultural, environmental and governance issues. Interestingly, with the advent of smart city concept, the conceptualization of six key enablers of the mission, viz. smart governance, smart living, smart people, smart mobility, smart environment and smart economy, finds its complete implementation scope in spatial planning aided with information and communication technology (ICT) solutions. Various pillars of smart planning of an urban set-up ranging from infrastructure to resource management and smart energy to smart environment are achievable with the help of geospatial technologies.