Affiliated to University of Calcutta
Re-accredited by NAAC in 2021 with 'A' Grade (4th Cycle)
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
College with Potential for Excellence
The Department of Geography, Loreto College, organized a Session titled “Mapping Your Career: Essential GIS & Geography Employability Skills” on 21 April 2026, delivered by Dr. Balen Basu, Director of OPSIS System Pvt. Ltd., which provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving geospatial industry and its career prospects. The session began with an introduction to geospatial technologies, including surveying, mapping, remote sensing, photogrammetry, hydrography, GPS, and GIS, highlighting their interdisciplinary nature spanning engineering, social sciences, and humanities. The resource person discussed current trends such as the integration of AI and big data, increasing mobility, miniaturization of sensors, and emerging innovations, along with the transition from traditional GIS methods to modern systems characterized by real-time data, automation, cloud-based platforms, and code-centric workflows. Emphasis was placed on the rapid growth of the space sector, including the rising number of satellites, the role of Earth observation in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the expanding global space economy, including space mining. The seminar also touched upon India’s geospatial ecosystem, mentioning organizations like IN-SPACe and NSIL, private companies such as Pixxel and Skyroot Aerospace, and the National Geospatial Policy (2022), which aims to position India as a global leader. Practical applications of GIS were explained in sectors like agriculture, utilities, and energy, where technologies such as LiDAR, drone imaging, and AI-based satellite image enhancement are used for real-time data acquisition, decision-making, and location-based services. Additionally, the importance of geospatial data in addressing global challenges like poverty reduction, water management, and carbon credit monitoring was highlighted. Overall, the session provided valuable insights into industry demands, technological advancements, and the skills required for building a successful career in the geospatial domain.
