Competitiveness, due to globalization has caused remarkable changes in the planning approach for developmental processes at every level. Convergence of various technologies has become the need of the hour. Geographical Information System (GIS), which basically handles spatial data in the form of maps, pictures, Global Positioning System (GPS) and integrates them with non-spatial data, is one such technology that finds application in every area without exception. The technology though was initially perceived as a presentation tool, in new millennium, has emerged as nerve system for planning and monitoring. It is now only we can discuss GIS in terms of strategic initiatives. Construction industry which faces maximum impact from slowing down of economy, there is need to pursue the expansion carefully with re-engineering, identify the gaps and cut down the processes which are redundant and leading to inefficiency. The companies seek technology to help them and Managers across the world finding that GIS has much to offer for sustainable development and managing green infra structure growth.

Spatial Information

The spatial information originates from geographical representations such as maps and pictures taken from satellites or aerial photography.With rich tradition of mapping, a large number of maps today exist with different organizations across the country at various scales right up to specific cadastral survey number. The practice of using these maps, however, follows traditional methods.Construction industry though is front runner in using the desktop systems, is primarily limited to producing CAD drawings which ultimately results into further inter actions through paper map. A major constraint with analog form of maps arises from its rigid format which prohibits the use of data in different ways. Also, overlay of maps is either not feasible or is a complicated process.

There is also enormous wealth of spatial information in the country through pictures taken from aerial and satellite based platforms. A number of satellites spanning around the globe provide spatial digital data for various needs such as geology,soil, land resources etc with very high resolution imageries providing minute details of the terrain.Utilization of such data requires geo referencing of images through maps developed with accurate geographical control points. The spatial data development, hence, has to consider use of maps generated by survey procedures and update of the same using emerging technologies. The ultimate need would be availability of all such data or even the meta data at a single click point where individual projects avail benefit of information at planning stage.

Cartographic representations

Advent of digitization of maps has revolutionized the cartographic representations. Here, the main advantage lies in the flexibility of representation, with layers of map, a capability that allows interactive experimentation, editing and overlays. The emphasis from map making in recent years has shifted to spatial digital database derived from precise navigation, imaging satellites, aircraft and transactional database. As technology incorporates ease of data manipulation and resolves complexities, GIS has been making tremendous impact in business.

Islands of Information

The disciplines such as architecture, structural engineering, construction, civil engineering etc. each of them maintain their own silos of information.Desktop are the source of most of the precision design data about worlds infrastructure data including buildings, roads, utility and telecommunication networks. In organizations responsible for infrastructure, precision design information is critical for operation and maintenance, but the flow of information within the groups is typically paper based causing gaps and inefficiency. As each is professionally driven to focus on their own segment of infrastructure lifecycle, none are readily able to see the "big picture" opportunity to integrate across the segments and build a spatial value chain.

Major Issues

Increased demand of spatial data has raised many issues. Some of them are as under:

• Development of data through digitization must consider accurate base maps, quality assurance models, quality standards and completeness with compliance.
• A seamless multilayered spatial database at the national level can only be developed through partnership.
• A systematic approach is required with increasing volume of data for higher spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions.
• Implementation of GIS at the national level needs to consider issues that include Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), ownership rights, disclosure agreements, legal and security issues.

Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI)

The use of spatial data with GIS technology is a challenge because of a number of associated issues. This has evolved the concept of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) which is  compara tively a recent phenomenon. An SDI is a type of information community that can be defined by its members (providers, experts, practitioners/users), their capabilities (services, information resources), a shared vocabulary (semantics), shared conventions (endorsed standards and specifications) and communication facilities that promotes interaction (portals,catalogues, meta-data). The development of enterprise architecture to encompass organizational processes (for example, functions and data in support of planning and decision-making requirements for holistic development of the country in mission mode)is a useful methodology to build rationale and opportunities for interaction between organizations to apply geospatial data and services.

Global Scenario
The global marketplace is focused for development of technology and its adoption at the consumer level. 'Worldwide Geographic Network' is a rapidly emerging reality. Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) and Global Information Infrastructure (GII) are proposed to be carrying all types of information, spatial or non-spatial, voice or video. Open, published standards have created a truly interoperable environment in the geospatial industry.The Open GIS model envisages to synchronize Geoprocessing technology with the emerging information technology standards, based on open systems,distributed processing and component ware frameworks to facilitate interoperability through common specifications over Internet/Intranet. The Pluggable Computing Model' provides conceptual framework that positions the Open GIS specifications in the broad context of Information Technology. Incorporation of open standards into commercial products means that the same geospatial data can be read natively, by virtually any geospatial technology,be it GPS data collector, CADD software or GIS web server. The 3D geospatial phenomenon combined with the high resolution pictures and modeling,driven by Google and likes, has brought to the masses a complete paradigm shift in the approach of managing resources thereby forced to re-engineer the operational processes.

Raster/vector based GIS solutions:

Combination of spatial and non-spatial databases using GIS techniques helps in improved decision making by providing a view of the geographical distribution of data. Visualization is a new form of representation which not only gives powerful perception but also has the capability to display volumes of data on a single page. This is seen as a new language which can be understood by all irrespective of language barriers.

Web GIS

Dissemination of GIS data and functionality has traditionally been restricted due to analytical complexity, the size and format of data sets and the limitations of network bandwidth. Web-based Geographic Information System (Web GIS) is a process designed to present spatial information with a friendly interface and the end user needs only a web browser to query, access, display and analyze GIS dataset. This greatly reduces fragmented and compartmentalized workflow and increases efficiencies. Web services makes GIS cheaper by dramatically altering the cost-benefit ratios of GIS implementation when assessed against user accessibility.

Geospatial Enabling
A number of innovative GIS based products are being reported at various levels in the construction projects. In its primary stage, GIS is seen as a value addition to Management Systems. The basic functionalities like flexible compositions of different layout, identification of feature details, Clipping the desired area based on selection, Query data base,Buffer creation, Zoom based labeling, thematic mapping, value addition to MIS databases and extracting information through strong query builder etc provided novelty solutions. Site suitability,proximity analysis, optimizing routes for transmission lines, the transportation of materials in and out of an industry, clustering areas based on distance etc. are fast gaining special attention thereby enhancing the production efficiency of industry. The concept of implementing the Master Plan with participatory approach, accurate high resolution mapping of urban areas, utilities mapping for sustaining the urban growth are some of the visible efforts in India. Urban renewable mission in this area is one important landmark promising adoption of integrated planning.

To conclude, it is important to note that sustainable development and growth of green infrastructure involve convergence of information from various domain.GIS may provide a common platform where various sources may converge for some time and disperse in their respective domains to be converged again and again for better coordination and planning.