Understanding Geotagging in India's 2027 Census

Geotagging of buildings in India’s 2027 census

1. What is Geotagging?

Geotagging is the process of marking the latitude and longitude coordinates of buildings on a Geographic Information System (GIS) map. It uses satellite technology and computer systems to record the exact position of houses and structures on Earth’s surface.

2. How Many Buildings Will Be Covered?

In Census terms, a Census House can be residential, non-residential, or vacant.

As per Census 2011, India had 330.84 million houses:

• 306.16 million occupied

• 24.67 million vacant

• 220.70 million rural houses

• 110.14 million urban houses

3. How Will Geotagging Be Done?

Geotagging will be carried out during the Houselisting Operations (HLO) in 2026, the first phase of the 2027 Census.

Enumerators will:

• Visit each building in Houselisting Blocks (HLBs).

• Assign geotags using Digital Layout Mapping (DLM).

• Use smartphones to upload building location details.

The second phase (Population Enumeration) will gather demographic, social, and cultural data.

4. What Data Will Be Collected?

Enumerators will record:

• Number of Census Houses and Households in each building.

• Classification of buildings:

– Residential

– Non-residential

– Partly residential

– Landmark

A Household is defined as a group of persons who normally live together and share a common kitchen.

5. How Will It Help?

• Accurate Mapping: Ensures every building is counted and located precisely.

• Better Planning: Supports housing, urban development, and infrastructure projects.

• Efficient Surveys: Reduces duplication and errors.

• Policy Targeting: Aids schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), where geotagging verifies houses before releasing funds.

6. Census 2027 Highlights

• India’s 16th Census and the 8th since Independence.

• Conducted digitally for the first time.

• Includes self-enumeration option for households.

• Caste data to be collected for the first time since 1931.

• Budget: ₹14,618.95 crore.

• Workforce: 34 lakh enumerators to be deployed.

Synopsis

The 2027 Census introduces digital self-enumeration and geotagging of buildings, ensuring accuracy in demographic data. By linking households to precise coordinates, it strengthens planning for housing, infrastructure, and welfare schemes. With 34 lakh personnel and a budget of ₹14,618.95 crore, this will be India’s most advanced Census, shaping policy and development for the future.