Dr HS Gour University, Sagar (MP) organised the 25th International Cartographic Congress of Indian National Cartographic Association (Nov. 28 – Dec. 1, 2005). Focused at “Bridging the Digital Divide and Taking Cartography to Grassroots Level” the Congress was attended by more than 300 delegates.

Inaugurating the Congress, HE Dr Balram Jakhar, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh expressed his hope that the deliberations of the Cartographic Congress will contribute to the fuller utilization of Spatial Information Technology that India has achieved. He also gave away Eicher Trophies to the winners of the National Map Quiz.

While the Presidential Address by Prof J L Jain pinpointed at a fuller cartographic education in academia as the key to progress of GIS in India, keynote address of the INCA COPresident and Surveyor General of India, Maj. Gen. Gopal Rao (read out by Add. Surveyor General, Brig. M V Bhat) presented a succinct survey of the Cartographic scenario in the country in the wake of IT revolution and its concomitants like spatial data infra-structure, new geospatial data policy and manpower development. Besides releasing the Souvenircum- Abstracts volume, the Chief Guest also released a magnum opus on Native Indian Cartography done by Prof B Arunachalam and published by INCA.

Delivering the Raja Todarmal Lecture, the veteran Prof Arunachalam, focused on Indian moorings of new mapping endeavours of the Europeans in India in the 18th Century. Dr P Nag, Director, NATMO delivered the newly instituted Padma Bhusahn Prof S P Chatterjee Memorial Lecture, wherein he comprehensively brought to focus the contribution and personality traits of this doyen of Geography and Thematic Cartography in India.

In all more than hundred papers were presented in a dozen technical sessions, besides several poster presentations. For the fi rst time sessions were held in Hindi language also.

Vendors’ session also featured several impressive presentations. Technical exhibition featured Rolta India, Topcon, AutoDesk, etc. from private Industry, and Survey of India, NATMO, NRSA, MP Council of Sc. & Tech., etc. among Govt. organizations.

The Panel discussion dwelt on problems of Social Science disciplines in utilizing Geo-informatical tools & techniques, and on complementary vs.
the competitive nature of relationship between GIS and Cartography. Valedictory session of the Congress had the veteran Geophysist, Dr J G
Negi, Dy D G of MP Council of Sc. & Tech., Bhopal as the Chief Guest.