NEGeo 2006, held in Guwahati, tried to understand and identify the developmental issues and needs of the Northeast region and explore the role of geo-information technologies. It served as a platform to assimilate various initiatives being taken by different states in the region.

In his keynote address, Brig CS Bewli, Deputy Surveyor General, Survey of India highlighted the challenges related to mapping and surveying in Northeast region. Addressing a gathering of over 200 participants, he emphasised that though the region is economically underdeveloped, it is rich in natural resources and this is all the more a reason why geoinformation technology be used for planning and developmental purposes in the region. The inaugural session was addressed by Prof Gautam Barua, Director, IIT Guwahati; Brig RC Padhi; Military Survey, Indian Army, Dr KC Bhattacharya, Director, NESAC; Dr Vandana Sharma, Senior Technical Director, NIC; and Prof SC Patra, Director, NERIWALM.

During the conference, the Department of Science and Technology orgainsed a session on NE SDI and NERWALM organised a session on Land and Water Resource Management. More than 25 presentations were made during the conference. A three-day residential training programme preceded the conference. An exhibition was organised during the conference and was participated by several and industry players.

In a two-day conference attended by academia, industry, and various government departments deliberated on several key issues pertaining to the growth of geomatics in the NE region.

NEGeo 2006 tried to understand the need for spatial data in the region for developmental purposes. Although some data is available pertaining to NE region with national agencies and a few organisations in the region, it is not in a standardised format, restricting the utility value for the lowest level of governance like village councils, village development boards, gram panchayats, municipalities and traditional and tribal institutions. There is no system for data acquisition, updation or dissemination.

The presentations by the Survey of India and NIC indicated that they are coming forward to share and provide data e.g. digital toposheets at Rs 5,500 (1:50,000 scale) and NIC through their network freely. NEGeo 2006 emphasised the need for trained technical man power for efficient implementation of geoinformation technologies in the region. A well thought-out capacity building programme with networking of resource institutions may be planned.

Enhancing the training facilities in the region to quickly meet emerging requirements is also recommended. There is a need for more collaboration among the various government and non-government organisations. The presentations made at NEGeo 2006 have led to the conclusion that digital data will have to be created for all kinds of digital data projects.