In this case study, we explore Mapex’s (formerly Azure Cloud Services, the GIS division of Azure Knowledge Corporation) collaboration with the Directorate of Land Records & Surveys (DLRS), Government of West Bengal. The objective of this was for us to transform over 68,000 analogue cadastral maps into a comprehensively geo‐referenced, digital land‐records system that would increase efficiency when it comes to governance.
The project was conducted across four stages and towards its conclusion, delivered sub‐meter accuracy across 42,302 revenue villages. This modernisation has driven transparency, accelerated transactions, reduced disputes, and established a scalable platform for future e-governance and planning initiatives.
Before we understand how we conducted this comprehensive exercise, let’s understand the challenge: West Bengal’s land‐records system comprised over 68,000 cadastral maps across 42,302 revenue villages. However, these records lacked any embedded spatial references and were not available in the digital realm, leading to inefficiency, low citizen trust, and increased litigation, all contributing to reduced transparency.
To address this, we, at Mapex, designed a four-stage, end-to-end georeferencing methodology
During every stage, we undertook a rigorous and robust QA/QC process to ensure RMS error thresholds were met, with independent sample verifications by the Directorate.
After identifying the approach, we delivered a wide range of modules to ensure the objectives outlined at the outset were delivered meticulously. These included:
4 structured project stages, spanning imagery collection to vector map alignment
By modernizing West Bengal’s land records into a seamless, spatially enabled system, Mapex helped government authorities deliver citizen-centric, dispute-free land administration. This large-scale exercise has allowed us to lay the foundation of India’s bid to usher in the next generation of digital land governance.
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