Government Launches Digipin, India's Breakthrough Digital Address System
New Delhi: The Ministry of Communications has launched Digipin, an open-source digital address system that promises to transform the way Indians identify and navigate their locations. This groundbreaking initiative aims to create a standardized geo-coded addressing system, empowering users with precise location-based identification.
Developed by the department of posts in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and the National Remote Sensing Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Digipin is a foundational layer of India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). It converts complex geo-location data into a simple 10-character code based on latitude and longitude coordinates, uniquely identifying every corner of the country.
The alphanumeric code is generated using a visualized offline grid system that divides India's geographical territory into ~ 3.8m x 3.8m grids. Each grid is assigned a unique 10-character code, utilizing a set of 16 symbols derived from latitude and longitude coordinates.
To access one's location code, users simply need to provide location access on their device. Devices must have Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) facility to pinpoint the exact latitude and longitude, which can then be converted into a Digipin code. Since it is an offline system, once the Digipin is generated, it can be shared and used without an internet connection.
The launch of Digipin promises to revolutionize various sectors, including logistics, emergency response, fintech, and utilities. By providing precise location-based identification, Digipin eliminates guesswork, reduces delays, and enhances service accuracy dramatically. This innovation also helps reduce costs for logistics firms as time and fuel will not be wasted in locating addresses.
With the integration of NavIC, India's homegrown satellite system, Digipin adds to the geospatial knowledge stack of the country. This synergy combines satellite-powered geolocation with a nationally standardized digital address layer, creating an extraordinary system that strengthens India's position in the global geospatial sector.
"We're thrilled to launch Digipin, which will revolutionize the way Indians navigate their locations," said [Name], CMD, MapmyIndia Mappls. "This innovative solution empowers users with precise location-based identification, bringing services and opportunities to every corner of the country."