The Telangana government has initiated a LiDAR survey under the ‘One Map Hyd’ project to build a comprehensive database of Hyderabad’s infrastructure. This initiative aims to consolidate urban data, including road networks, water supply, electricity, sewage, fire services, and traffic police infrastructure. The high-precision three-dimensional mapping is expected to support urban planning, infrastructure management, and disaster response.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed that the survey cover the entire Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area and extend to the Outer Ring Road (ORR), covering approximately 2,050 square kilometers. The project will generate an accurate, high-resolution digital map to assist government agencies in resource planning, developmental projects, and service delivery.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and create detailed topographical data. It offers greater accuracy than traditional drone surveys, capturing terrain details, elevation variations, and built-up structures. Earlier, GHMC conducted a drone-based GIS survey covering 625 square kilometers to assess unregistered properties and enhance revenue collection. The LiDAR survey aims to provide more comprehensive data, particularly for expanding urban areas.
The municipal administration and urban development department are finalizing the tendering process, with survey work expected to begin soon. The mapping of the GHMC region is scheduled for completion within six months, while the ORR area will be covered by year-end. The collected data will be processed and integrated into a centralized digital platform for use by multiple agencies involved in urban planning and infrastructure development.
The project is expected to improve city governance by streamlining construction approvals, monitoring unauthorized developments, and strengthening emergency response mechanisms. The availability of detailed geospatial data will aid in traffic management, waste disposal planning, and the efficient allocation of utilities.
A similar initiative, One Map Gurgaon, was implemented in Gurugram, Haryana, serving as a single platform for geospatial data integration. Hyderabad’s approach expands on this model by leveraging LiDAR technology for enhanced mapping accuracy. The government is also considering a mobile application to provide real-time infrastructure details for officials and the public, promoting civic engagement and transparency.
Alongside LiDAR mapping, GHMC had earlier initiated a door-to-door property assessment to enhance its database. Integrating these datasets will help improve coordination between departments, reduce inefficiencies, and support long-term urban planning.
As Hyderabad expands, accurate data on land use, infrastructure, and utilities will be essential for policy-making and project execution. The ‘One Map Hyd’ project represents a move toward data-driven governance, enabling better management of urban challenges.
