Data sharing in Indian geography aims to make geographical data more accessible and usable for various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and the general public. This enables them to make informed decisions and address geographical challenges effectively.

Data sharing in Indian geography faces several challenges, including the lack of standardized data formats, limited technical infrastructure, and the absence of comprehensive data governance policies. These challenges hinder the seamless integration and exchange of geographical data among different stakeholders.

The National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) plays a crucial role in promoting data sharing and interoperability in Indian geography. It provides a framework for data sharing and interoperability, establishes standards for data collection and management, and facilitates the development of geospatial applications.

The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), National Urban Information System (NUIS), and National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) are all initiatives that aim to promote data sharing and interoperability among government agencies in India. These initiatives focus on digitizing land records, urban data, and water resources data, respectively, and making them accessible to various stakeholders.

Metadata plays a crucial role in promoting data sharing and interoperability in Indian geography. It provides information about the context, quality, and structure of data, making it easier for users to understand and utilize the data. Additionally, metadata facilitates the discovery and retrieval of data and enables the integration of data from different sources.

The use of open data standards in Indian geography contributes to data sharing and interoperability by ensuring that data can be easily accessed and used by different applications, promoting the development of interoperable geospatial applications, and facilitating the integration of data from multiple sources.

The Bhuvan portal, the India Water Resources Information System (WRIS), and the National Geospatial Data Framework (NGDF) are all examples of successful data sharing and interoperability initiatives in Indian geography. These initiatives have made significant contributions to improving the accessibility, usability, and interoperability of geographical data in India.

Enhancing data sharing and interoperability in Indian geography can lead to improved decision-making by policymakers and stakeholders, enhanced efficiency in resource management and planning, and increased transparency and accountability in governance. By making geographical data more accessible and usable, various stakeholders can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions that benefit the country's development.

Data sharing and interoperability can contribute to sustainable development in India by enabling the identification of areas vulnerable to environmental degradation, facilitating the monitoring of natural resources and ecosystems, and supporting the development of sustainable land use plans. By providing comprehensive and up-to-date geographical data, stakeholders can make informed decisions that promote sustainable development and protect the environment.

Geospatial technologies play a crucial role in promoting data sharing and interoperability in Indian geography. They enable the integration of data from different sources, facilitate the visualization and analysis of geographical data, and support the development of web-based mapping applications. These technologies make it easier for stakeholders to access, understand, and utilize geographical data, thereby enhancing data sharing and interoperability.