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Toposheet numbering and uses of Gt Aide (Academy) freeware

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 Received: 20-12-2021
Accepted: 08-06-2022
Indian Journal of Geosciences, Volume 76, No. 3
July - September, 2022; pp. 233-256 Research Article

Uses and application of Gt Aide (Academy) freeware for finding toposheets, boundary
extraction, and gridding with particular reference to numbering system of Everest
Datum and Polyconic Projection series and OSM series toposheets of Survey of India

Sajesh P.V.1*, Nisha N. V.1 and Dinesh A.C.2

1
Marine and Coastal Survey Division, Geological Survey of India, Mangalore, PIN-575001
2
A. C. Square, P.O. Athaloor, Kerala, India-679573
*
Corresponding author’s e-mail: pvsajeshpv@gmail.com

Abstract: With a vision of meeting the needs of national security and sustainable national development, the Survey of India provides
dependable, customer-focused, and cost-effective, quality geospatial data in the form of various topographical/geographical maps.
Survey of India adopted different classifications and numbering systems and updated with advanced scientific technology for the
production of its maps from time to time and issued different series of maps in the pre and post-independence periods. As the
geology and geography community in India has thoroughly utilized various series and types of topographical maps of Survey of
India, a comparative study on the classification and numbering system of Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series and Open
series map sheets are attempted here. User-friendly freeware, Gt Aide (Academy) is designed and developed for easy retrieval of
metadata (collected from Survey of India) of topographical maps and the visualization of the boundary of topographical maps on
the Google Earth platform. Also, the freeware offers the choice to the user to plan the field survey by assigning sample locations,
gridding the area at various intervals, and many more on a visual platform. The freeware gives additional emphasis to 1:50,000
toposheets, since the same is utilized more by the geology community for fieldwork.

Keywords: Boundary extraction, classification, freeware, gridding, numbering, toposheet.

control/influence or of interest, during pre-independent India).

Introduction
Topographical maps under the IAC series were prepared
Survey of India (SOI), The National Survey and Mapping by the Survey of India till coming existence of the Delhi
Organization of the country under the Department of Science Survey Conference in 1937. The preparation of maps for the
& Technology, is the oldest scientific department of the adjoining countries was abandoned after the conference and
Govt. of India (https://surveyofIndia.gov.in/pages/who- the Survey of India confined itself to prepare and publish the
we-are). In 1904, the Governor-General of India appointed topographical maps of India as per the specifications laid
Indian Survey Committee for mapping a new series (India down for the International Map of the World Series (Surveyor
and Adjacent Country series, IAC) at a 1:1M scale (David General of India, 2009). However, SOI retained the layout
et al., 2013). Topographical maps prepared under India and plan and numbering system of the abandoned IAC series
Adjacent Countries (IAC) is a regional and arbitrary system for the preparation of topographical maps of India. Everest
for India and adjoining countries such as Afghanistan, China, Datum and Polyconic Projections of Indian toposheets
Tibet, etc. (largely those countries which were under British followed in the numbering of IAC layout and specifications
234 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256

of the International Map of the World Series designed to fit 2019). The dictum behind the issue of the OSM series is to
the requirements of India (David et al., 2013). International support development activities in India. The OSM sheets do
Map of the World (IMW) was the idea of Professor Albrecht not contain a grid and classified information and are hence
Penck, a German geographer and geologist. He proposed the categorized as “Unrestricted” by obtaining a certificate
publication of a uniform map of the world on a scale of one of clearance from the Ministry of Defense (National Map
to a million. A resolution supporting the concept of Professor Policy, 2005; Surveyor General of India, 2019; Geospatial
Albrecht Penck was adopted by the Fifth International world, 2006; Ghosh & Dubey., Op.Cit; https://surveyofIndia.
Geographic Congress (IGC) held at Berne, Switzerland in gov.in/pages/publications). The Open Series Map (OSM) of
1891. Subsequent IGC also supported the IMW concept Indian toposheets issued by SOI has followed numbering of
proposed by Albrecht Penck (Beckinsale, 2018). This International Map of the World (IMW) (Surveyor General of
mapping project was abandoned in the 1980s due to the two India, 2009).
world wars followed by the great depressions and lack of
Gt Aide (Academy) is a freeware package developed in the
funding in poorer countries. However, the Survey of India has
Visual Basic platform with a user-friendly protocol. It is
continued to produce a Topographical Series map following
designed as a teaching and learning tool for graduate and post
the layout and numbering of IAC.
graduate students and faculties of Geology, Geo-informatics,
The production, maintenance, and dissemination of the Geography and similar courses. The toposheet module of
topographic map database of the whole country are done by Gt Aide (Academy) has incorporated metadata of all Indian
the Survey of India (SOI). SOI produced 385-degree sheets toposheets (1:50,000 sheet), degree sheets, and million
which cover India on 1:2,50,000. More than 5000 toposheets sheets for easy learning about numbering and classification
produced on a 1:50,000 scale covering India in metric of Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection sheets and OSM
surveys are divided into four 1: 25,000 maps. Maps with sheets. Boundaries of each sheet, sheets of states/districts,
larger scales like 1:10,000 and less are also produced by SOI surrounding sheets, sheets along coastline, sheets pertaining
as guide maps (Srikantia, 2010). National Map Policy, 2005 to islands, international boundaries, etc. can be searched
clarified the policy on dissemination of maps and spatial data and retrieved at great ease. The software provides a kml
with safeguarding the national security and decided to issue file (Keyhole Markup Language) of toposheet boundaries
two series of maps namely Defense Series Maps (DSMs) and that opens over Google Earth automatically, so that one
Open Series Maps (OSMs). Defense Series topographical can visualize the topography of the area occupied within a
maps are produced only for meeting the defense and national selected sheet, before an actual visit to the field. The kml files
security requirements on various (accurate) scales under can be easily exported as shape files to any GIS platform like
‘restricted’ category sheets. All classified information like Arc GIS or Q-GIS, whereas, the text output can be opened in
a grid, height, contours, etc is made available with high Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel etc.
accuracy in DSM. Maps of this series are prepared on WGS
Toposheet numbering and classification system
84 Datum and LCC Projection at various scales. This series
adopted by Survey of India
of maps for the entire country are classified according to
requirements and guidelines which will be formulated by East India Company conducted three land surveys in India viz.
the Ministry of Defense from time to time (National Map revenue surveys, topographical surveys, and trigonometrical
Policy, 2005; Ghosh & Dubey, 2009; https://surveyofIndia. surveys, and started surveying in 1802. In 1877, all the three
gov.in/pages/publications, Surveyor General of India, branches were merged and formed the Survey of India, by
 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256 235

the Surveyor General (Roy, 1986). The best geodetic control projection is used for map preparation with standard parallels
series map available in the world is the Great Trigonometric at 8° and 40° north (https://deeppradhan.heliohost.org › gis ›
series of India. Latest technologies and scientific surveying map-numbering 2017). The Survey of India was following
principles were utilized as and when available to meet the the F.S.P system of units before independence and it followed
country’s requirements. The induction of IAC map series the SI system of units after independence https://www.toppr.
system and IMW series in the 20th century, enhanced the com/ask/content/story/amp/Indian-topographical-survey-
quality of topographic sheets issued by SOI. maps-117316.

India and adjacent countries (IAC) map series Apart from the Million sheets, Degree sheets (quarter-inch
sheets) and one-inch sheets (the scale of each one-inch
The IAC series maps covers an area between latitudes 4° N toposheet is 1 inch to a mile or 1: 63,360) are also issued
& 40° N and longitudes 44° E & 124° E longitude as shown in the IAC series of the map (Table 1). A map numbering
in Fig. 1. Each map of the series is bounded by 4° latitudes system was developed under this series to give each map a
and 4° longitudes. These maps are prepared on a scale of unique number (e.g. 57A/12). The classifications based on
1:1,000,000 and also known as Million sheets/maps. Every cardinal directions (like NE, NW, SE, and SW) on degree
sheet was given a unique number and the sheet numbers are sheets and 1:50,000 toposheets are available in the IAC map
given in vertical as 1,2,3 and so on. The sheet numbering series. The sheets are named as half-inch sheets (scale 1 inch
starts from NW corner 40°N latitude and 44° E is represented = 2 miles) and 1 inch to ½ mile sheets (scale1 inch=1/2 mile),
by sheet No.1. Topographical maps in this series cover only respectively (after the imperial system of units followed in
land areas, leaving all 4° latitude x 4° longitude square the IAC series maps) (https://nptel.ac.in/content/storage2/
if it occupies completely by the sea. Single secant conical courses/105107122/modules/module1/htmlpage/21.htm).

Fig. 1. Layout and numbering system of IAC base maps (million sheets).
236 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256

Table 1. IAC map series naming toposheets, area coverage and scale (Imperial Units)

Toposheet Name Area Coverage Scale

Million sheet 4° X 4° 1 inch=16 miles
Degree sheet/ Quarter-inch sheet 1° X 1° 1 inch=4 miles
Half-inch sheet 30’ X 30’ 1 inch=2 miles
one-inch sheet 15’ X 15’ 1 inch=1 mile
1 inch to ½ mile sheets 7.5’ X 7.5’ 1 inch=1/2 mile

International map of the world for the sheets of the IMW series of maps (Birdseye, 1929).
Further, some disadvantages were noticed in the modified
Though a general resolution was taken in the Fifth International
polyconic projection and adopted the Lambert Conformal
Geographical Congress in support of the proposal put
Conic Projection (Surveyor General of India, 2009).
forward by Professor Albrecht Penck on the publication
of the world map on the scale of one to a million, the task Though the IAC and IMW series maps are made out of the
was not in the capacity of any of the publishing company same scale, the task to move from IAC to IMW series is not
or geographical society then. The British government took an easy practice. The major curtailment is the difference in
a significant move and invited interested countries to an the projection of maps of these series. Also, the numbering

international conference held at War Office, London, in 1909 system and classification of sheets are different in IAC and

realizing the fact that the task could not be accomplished IMW maps. The longitude and latitude interval in the million

without the support of Government mapping agencies. The sheet of IAC map is 4° x 4° and in the IMW series, it is 6° x 4°.

task of the publication had been designated to the relevant The units used in IAC maps are imperial units like feet and the

national mapping agencies and it was also agreed that the IMW maps followed metric units such as kilometers. Other

details and specifications of the map be as per conform by the differences are in the content and symbolization. For example,
the contour line is brown in IAC and it is black in IMW maps.
conference (Crone, 1962). India was indirectly represented
The relief representation also has a notable difference. The
in this meeting. In 1911, Survey of India received a directive
government of India had been invited to the 1913 conference
from the War Office, London that SOI toposheets should
of IMW, and the sheet number 53 prepared under the IAC
comply with IMW specifications. India published 29 sheets
series were exhibited, which were not prepared following the
of IAC series by that time was the constraint to follow IMW
IMW specifications, 1909. The design of the map attracted
specifications (David et al., 2013). The ‘International Map of
significant attention and the relief representation of IAC is
the World (IMW)’ (also known as the millionth map of the
influenced by the revised IMW (David et al., Op.Cit).
world, after the scale 1:1,000,000 of the map series) project
started in 1913 (https://en.wikipedia.org). After the Second Under the IMW series, a regular grid system has been adopted
International One millionth Map Conference held in Paris, for numbering each map of the IMW. In this gird system, a
in December 1913, it was decided to create a complete map map is limited by 4° interval of successive latitude that began
of the world as per internationally agreed and consistent from the equator followed by the word “North” (for northern
specifications (Boggs, 1929). A map indexing system was hemisphere) and “South” (for southern hemisphere) and by 6°
also developed to allow the identification of maps (https:// interval of successive longitude began from the International
en.wikipedia.org). Originally, IMW used a simple polyconic Date Line (i.e. 180° longitude). The zones extending from the
projection and later adopted modified polyconic projection equator on each side to 88° latitude are named by the letters
 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256 237

A to V preceded by the words N (Northern Hemisphere) or S Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series:
(Southern Hemisphere). The polar areas are lettered by Z. The Numbering and classification
longitudinal zones are numbered 1 to 60 with an increase in
The maps of the Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection
an easterly direction from 180°longitudes (Birdseye, Op.Cit).
series were prepared in the Polyconic Projection on Everest
Each IMW map sheet bears an international number. Maps 1830 spheroid datum at various scales (Ghosh and Dubey, Op.
at 1:10,00,000 scale are identified by a combination of two- Cit). However, SOI retained the layout plan and numbering
letter which symbolize the hemisphere and a 4° interval of system of the abandoned IAC series for the preparation of
latitude and a two-digit number which identifies a 6° interval topographical maps of India (Surveyor General of India,
of longitude (Surveyor General of India, 2009). For example, 2009). The units used in this series are the International
the IMW number of a sheet covering latitude between 8° System of Units (SI Units).
and 12° and longitude between 72° and 78° is NC43. Here,
Numbering and classification
N stands for the northern hemisphere and C-stands for the
latitude zone i.e. the 8° to 12° falls in the third zone from the A unique number has been assigned to every sheet in the
equator to the north. Longitude between 72° and 78° falls in Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series (the Million
zone number 43. Similarly, a sheet of Southern hemisphere sheet number starts from 39 to 92 given in a vertical pattern),
covering latitudes -8° to -12° and longitudes 72° to 78° is omitting the sheets fully occupied by the sea. Like the IAC
represented by the IMW map number of SC43. Hence, a series, the sheets under the Everest Datum and Polyconic
sheet number is an indication of the respective hemisphere, Projection series are classified as Million sheet, Degree Sheet,
latitude, and longitude zones (Fig. 2). 1: 50,000 sheets, etc. and are detailed below.

Million sheet

The base map of scale 1:1,000,000 or 1 cm: 10 km prepared

under IAC specification is known as the million sheet map
(Lakhimi, 2018). There are 39 million sheets that cover India
(between the sheets 39 and 92). Each million sheet covers
an area bounded by 4 degrees of latitudes and 4 degrees of
longitudes. The sheets are also named after the most important
town falling in the sheet. For example, Sheet no. 43 is also
known as Srinagar Sheet and sheet number 53 is known as
the Delhi sheet (Fig. 3).

Degree sheet

Every million sheet is sub-divided into 16 equal parts with

1°×1° latitudinal and longitudinal coverage and is called
degree sheets or 1:250,000 sheets. Degree sheet maps are
numbered with block capital letters of the English alphabet
from ‘A’ to ‘P’ in vertical columns. Degree sheets are mapped
Fig. 2. IMW layout and numbering system of the millionth map (part). on a 1: 250,000 scale (Surveyor General of India, 2009).
238 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256

Fig. 3. Layout and numbering format of million sheets and degree sheet maps of Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series.

Degree sheet maps are extremely useful map series for scale. Here the degree sheets are further divided into 4 sheets
general planning. Each map is numbered as 64A, 64B, 64C, and each sheet is identified based on the cardinal direction
and so on (Fig. 3, Tables 1 and 2). NE, NW, SE, and SW as shown in Fig. 5. Each map covers
30′ latitude and 30′ longitude.(Lakhimi,Op.Cit; https://
1:50,000 sheet
nptel.ac.in/content/storage2/courses/105107122/modules/
Degree sheets are divided into 16 equal parts or sections, and module1/htmlpage/21.htm).
are numbered as 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., to 16 in vertical columns.
Similarly, the 1:50,000 toposheet is further divided into 4
Each covers 15’ latitude and 15’ longitude (Fig. 4, Tables
sheets and is called 1:25,000 sheets. Each map covers 7′30″
2 and 3) and is called as 1: 50,000 sheet (Surveyor General
longitude and 7′30″ latitude. The 1:25,000 sheets are also
of India, 2009). Each degree sheet is composed of sixteen
numbered based on cardinal direction like NE, NW, SE, and
such 1:50,000 toposheets except, the one which shares
SW as shown in Fig. 6, Tables 1 and 2 (https://nptel.ac.in/
international boundary and coastlines. This is the most
content/storage2/courses/105107122/modules/module1/
popular map published by the Survey of India (SOI) for
htmlpage/21.htm). India has been mapped completely
general purposes and is used by administrators, planners,
at 1:50,000 scale by the 1980s. The topographical maps
geologists, geographers, and engineers under the Government
at 1:250,000 (Degree Sheet) are prepared mainly by the
of India. Like million sheets and degree sheets, the 1: 50,000
compilation process.
toposheet is also represented by a unique number. For
example, toposheet number 64N/2 indicates the 1: 50,000 Open Series Maps (OSM): Numbering and
toposheet that falls in the million sheet number ‘64’, degree classification
sheet ‘N’, and is the second sheet among the sixteen sheets.
Open series maps are brought out by the SOI mainly for
Apart from this, toposheets are also available on a 1: 125,000 facilitating the developmental activities of the country.
 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256 239

Fig. 4. Layout and numbering format of 1:50,000 toposheet, Everest Datum, and Polyconic Projection series.

Table 2. Comparison between Everest Datum and Polyconic Projections (IAC layout) and OSM numbering system
and classifications

Everest Datum and Polyconic Projections: Open Series Maps: Numbering & Classification
Numbering & Classification
Projection and datum used: Polyconic Projection on Projection and datum used: Universal Transverse
Everest 1830 spheroid datum Mercator Projection on World Geodetic System 84
(WGS 84) datum
a) A million sheets cover an area bounded by 4 degrees a) A million sheets are covered by an area of 6 degrees
of longitudes and 4 degrees of latitudes (Fig. 3). of longitudes and 4 degrees of latitudes (Fig. 7).

b) Sheet nos. are expressed as 56, 39, 48, 64, etc. b) Sheets are numbered as G42, E43, F44, I43, etc.
a) million sheet is divided into 16 equal sheets. Each a) A million sheet is divided into 24 sheets. Each sheet
sheet has coverage of 1° longitude and 1° latitude. has coverage of 1° longitude and 1° latitude. These
These sheets are known as degree sheets. sheets are known as degree sheets.

b) Degree sheets are numbered as 53A, 53B, 53C, and b) Degree sheets are numbered as G43A, G43B, G43C,
so on. In a general case total of 16-degree sheets are and so on. In a general case total of 24-degree sheets
available in One million sheets (Fig. 8). are available in One million sheets (Fig. 8).
a) The degree sheets are divided into 16 equal parts or a) The degree sheets are divided into 16 equal parts or
sections and each covers 15’ longitude and 15’ latitude. sections, and each covers 15’ longitude and 15’ latitude.
Scale of the sheet is 1:50,000. Scale of the sheet is 1:50,000.

b) 1:50,000 toposheets are numbered from 1 to 16 b) 1:50,000 toposheets are numbered from 1 to 16
vertically. A unique number given to the Toposheets are vertically. The unique number of these sheets is given
56H/1, 73E/11, 48P/4 etc. as G43X1, F44B2, C44A1 etc.
240 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256

Table 3. The name of toposheet, area coverage, and sheet number format of Everest Datum and Polyconic Projections
and OSM series classifications

Sheet/Map No. : Everest Corresponding

Toposheet name Area coverage Datum and Polyconic sheet/Map No.: Map scale
Projection series OSM series
4°X4° (Everest Datum and
1:1,000,000
Million sheet Polyconic Projection series) 64 F44
1cm=10km
6°X4°(OSM)
1:250,000
Degree sheet 1° X 1° 64A F44C
1cm=2.5km
1:125,000
1:125,000 30’ X 30’ 64A/NE ---
1cm=1.25Km
1:50,000
1:50,000 15’ X 15’ 64A/16 F44C16
1cm=0.5 Km
1:25,000
1:25,000 7.5’ X 7.5’ 64A/16NE F44C16/NE
1cm=0.25km
1:10,000
1:10,000 3’ X 3’ --- F44C16C
1cm=0.1km

Fig. 5. Layout and numbering format of 1:125,000 toposheet Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series.

These maps are generated on Universal Transverse Mercator from time to time and OSM can be downloaded from SOI
Projection on World Geodetic System 84 (WGS 84) website. SOI ensures that no civil and military vulnerable
datum and each sheet possesses a unique number. Detailed areas and Vulnerable Points (VA’s/VP’s) are shown on OSMs.
guidelines on all aspects of the OSM are issued by the SOI OSM can be purchased from all map sale centers and other
 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256 241

Fig. 6. Layout and numbering format of 1:25,000 toposheet.

authorized agents deputed all over the country (National Map classification, OSM million sheets are also subdivided into
Policy, 2005; Surveyor General of India, 2019; Geospatial squares, each covering 1° longitude and 1° latitude area of the
world, 2006). earth is called the degree sheets (24 sheets per million sheets).
Scale of the map is 1:2,50,000 (Tables 2 and 3). Each square
Numbering and classification
is designated by an alphabet in a horizontal pattern (east-west
Open Series Map numbering system is based on the IMW direction), starting with ‘A’ (Fig. 8).
(International Map of the World) numbering system (eg.
1:50,000 toposheet
G-43A-1). As India falls in the northern hemisphere, as per
the IMW map specifications, the sheet number starts with Each degree sheet is further divided into 16 equal parts,
‘N’ (eg. NG-43A-1). Since all sheets start with the letter ‘N’ covering an area of 15’ longitude and 15’ latitude on the earth.
(which represents the northern hemisphere) it is omitted in The numbering system is similar to the system adopted in
the OSM numbering of India. IAC series maps. Each square is designated with a unique
number in a vertical pattern, starting with ‘1’. The numbering
Million sheet
of sheets 15’ x 15’ is in the format ‘G43X1’ (Tables 2 and 3,
A million sheet of Open Series Map covers 6° longitude and Fig. 9).
4° latitudes of the IMW series. Map number is given as ‘G43’
Comparison of numbering and classification of
(from NG43) where, G stands for latitudinal zone and 43
Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series
represents longitudinal zone (Fig. 7, Tables 2 and 3).
and OSM series
Degree sheet
For an easy understanding of the numbering and classifications
Like Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series followed in the Everest Datum and Polyconic Projections
242 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256

India under Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series

and the OSM series, which enables a pictorial comparison
between the classification and numbering system followed
by SOI in different series of maps. Million sheet No. 47
of Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series and F43
of OSM series are selected to show the numbering format,
followed for each degree sheet, 1: 50,000 sheets, and so on.

Uses and application of Toposheet module of Gt Aide

(Academy) freeware

The toposheet module of Gt Aide (Academy) freeware is

designed in such a way that, users can extract preliminary
details about toposheets (Fig. 11). Gt Aide (Academy)
freeware acts as a bridge that connects the concept of
classification and numbering of a topographical map and its
visualization over Google Earth. It offers the user to make
Fig. 7. Layout and numbering system of million sheet under OSM of India.
different queries and retrieve data at great ease. Metadata
and OSM sheets, a comparison has been made, shown in collected from the Survey of India on million sheets,
Table 2. Also, the comparison of area coverage, scale of the degree sheets, and 1: 50,000 toposheets (Everest /Polyconic
map, and sheet number format followed in the Everest Datum projection series and OSM series) and Indian geology on 2
and Polyconic Projection series and OSM series maps are million scales are made available in the freeware data store
shown in Table 3. for searching out sheets of various kinds. For the convenience
Fig. 10 shows total million sheets covering the whole of of users, the Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series is

Fig. 8. Comparison of numbering of Degree sheet 45 Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series and Degree
sheet G43, OSM sheet series.
 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256 243

Fig. 9. Numbering of 1:50,000 sheet of Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series, 45O/1 to 45O/16 and
1:50,000 sheet of OSM series, G43P1 to G43P16.

renamed as old sheet in Gt Aide (Academy) freeware. Detail To appreciate the classification and numbering of the Everest
help of Gt Aide (Academy) is made available along with Datum and Polyconic Projection sheets and OSM sheets,
the software package. Apart from the visualization of data provision has been given in the software. All million sheets,
over Google Earth, Gt Aide (Academy) provides metadata degree sheets, and 1:50,000 sheets of Old and OSM series
in notepad and .kml files. The KML to Layer (conversion) can be opened using Gt Aide (Academy) over Google
(Tool) option in Arc GIS converts .kml to shapefiles. The Earth for enhanced visualization and understanding of the
same can be done in the Q-GIS platform as well. The .kml classification and numbering of Indian toposheets as shown
files generated in Gt Aide (Academy) can be opened with the in Fig. 13, 14, and 15. For visualization of all million sheets
help of any .kml supporting mobile applications like MAPinr
of Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series/OSM
and Mipatek KML. This enables the field worker to have a
series on Google Earth, the user has to check in the option
live location in the field.
“Old sheets” or “OSM sheets” as shown in Fig.11. Likewise,
Visualisation of classification and numbering all degree sheets, and 1:50,000 sheets, also can be visualized.
toposheets Required series (old or OSM) has to be checked in for all
other queries related to 1:50,000 toposheets.
For the easiness of understanding the IAC and IMW
classifications and numbering, options have been provided Understanding the numbering and classification of Million
in the freeware as “All Million sheets_IAC” and “IMW sheets and Degree sheets by visualizing them one by one over
sheets_World” (Fig. 12). Required options may be selected Google Earth is another facility provided by the software.
and visualized over the Google Earth platform. One can open Users can search out individual and multiple million sheets.
both IAC and IMW sheets together on Google Earth and can Gt Aide (Academy) also provides an option to open million
have a comparative study on it. sheet boundary with its degree sheet boundary. This helps
244 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256

Fig. 10. Schematic representation of the comparison of numbering format of Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection
Series and OSM series toposheets.
 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256 245

Fig. 11. Opening window of Toposheet sub module, Gt Aide (Academy) freeware.

Fig. 12. IMW Sheets_World, All Million sheets_IAC menu of software and its output in Google Earth.
246 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256

the user to understand the classification of million sheets at introduced in the Gt Aide (GTP) freeware (A. C. Dinesh and
great ease. Options are given in the sub-menu “Topo Search” P.V. Sajesh., 2018).
to open the boundaries of single and multiple million sheets In Fig. 16, million sheet number 53 of the Everest Datum and
or degree sheets of interest (Everest Datum and Polyconic Polyconic Projection series is opened over Google Earth and
Projection series and OSM) for displaying the boundary over in Fig. 17, the boundary of multiple million sheets of OSM
series is opened over Google Earth. The boundary of million
Google Earth.
sheet number 56 with its degree sheets opened over Google
The concept of Toposheet Search using a software was earlier Earth by Gt Aide (Academy) is shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 13. All million sheets of the Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series and OSM sheet series occupied by
India opened over Google Earth.

Fig. 14. Degree sheets of India: Everest Datum and Polyconic Fig. 15. All 1:50,000 toposheets occupied by India in the Everest
Projection series. Datum and Polyconic Projection series
 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256 247

One can also open individual and multiple degree sheet of OSM sheet series) from the “Selected Sheets” option on the
boundaries over Google Earth. To visualize and understanding toolbar (Figs. 21 and 22). The user can also find out Everest
the classification of the degree sheet and its numbering, the Datum and Polyconic Projection number corresponding to
user has to open degree sheets with 1:50000 toposheets in that of an OSM sheet and vice versa just by a click.
the Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series and OSM In Fig. 22, the boundary of individual toposheet 73B/6 of
series. A degree sheet of open series map (e.g. D43E) with all Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series and boundary
its 1:50,000 toposheets is opened in Google Earth as shown of multiple toposheets F44O10, F44O16, F44P2, F44P13,
in Fig. 19. and F44P15 was opened over Google Earth. Sheet parameters
1:50,000 Toposheet boundary and its parameters like Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection number, Open
Series number, boundary coordinates, geology, states and
Metadata of toposheets with 1:50,000 scale were integrated districts occupied by the toposheet, etc. of the selected sheets
into the software and that help users to select any sheets of as listed out (originally opens in Notepad) using Gt Aide
Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series and OSM (Academy) is shown in Fig. 23.
series. As 1:50,000 is the most widely used toposheet series
in India for various purposes, the freeware gives weightage The concept of a quadrant within the 1:50,000 toposheet also

for it. The geology (2 million scale), area covered, bounded can be visualized through Gt Aide (Academy) freeware. As

coordinates, states, and districts of the selected toposheets are shown in Fig. 24, the boundary of nine quadrants such as A1,

displayed at the bottom of the opening window (Fig. 20). A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, and C3 can be extracted from the
software and visualized over Google Earth.
One can find out and visualize the boundaries of any selected
individual or multiple 1:50,000 toposheet (For ex: 73B/6 of Querries on 1:50,000 toposheet
Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series and E44T/14 As the 1:50,000 sheets are the most utilized toposheets by the

Fig. 16. Million sheet number 53 of Everest Datum and Polyconic Fig. 17. Million sheet numbers G43, F43, E44 of OSM Sheet series.
Projection series.
248 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256

Fig. 18. Million sheet No. 56 of Everest Datum and Polyconic Fig. 19. The boundary of degree sheet D43E and the 1:50,000
Projection series with its degree sheet boundary. toposheets occupied in it opened over Google Earth.

Fig. 20. Details of geology, area covered, bounded coordinates, states, and districts of the selected sheet are displayed on the opening
window of Gt Aide (Academy).

geologists and geographers, more query options are provided assist the user to visualize the boundary of toposheets over
in the software and is detailed below: Google Earth. The same can be opened and visualized on
smartphones as well.
State and district-wise queries
Surrounding sheet
Selection of toposheet on any state and district of interest
is facilitated by this utility tool as shown in Fig. 11. The Gt Aide (Academy) facilitates users to plot surrounding sheets
“Selected sheets” option in the menu and its submenu will of any selected toposheets over Google Earth. In Fig. 25, the
 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256 249

Fig. 21. “Selected Sheets” submenu of the toposheet module facilitates the user to visualize the boundary of the selected toposheet over
Google Earth (steps to be followed are shown as 1,2, 3, etc).

surrounding sheets of 55J/1(Everest Datum and Polyconic to shapefiles by using “Conversion tool” in Arc GIS. State
Projections) and G42U16 (OSM Sheets) are displayed. This boundary can be extracted from Add layer option provided in
opportunity is very much useful for the field geologists to the Gt Aide (Academy) freeware.
identify the base maps of the area adjacent to the field.
Finding Toposheets
Topo Search Gt Aide (Academy) also provides information on toposheets
Other than the surrounding sheet, degree sheet, and million of user-defined points, polylines, and polygons in the
sheet queries, the ‘topo search’ sub-menu of Gt Aide ‘FindToposheets’ menu in the toolbar (Fig. 29). This menu
(Academy) offers many more toposheet-related search
is designed in such a way that the user can search out details
types that include the sheets occupied by the International
boundaries, Indian coastlines, Islands, State boundaries, of toposheets in which single or multiple points (e.g. sample
Paired toposheets, etc. as shown in Fig. 11. The 1:50,000 locations), polylines (survey lines), and polygons (survey area/
toposheets along two or more state boundaries can be listed study area) fall. For single-point search, a separate window
out by selecting the required states from the list. The 1:50,000 is designed in the ‘FindTopoSheets’” as shown in Fig. 30.
toposheets occupied along the state boundaries of West Bengal Users can enter the geographic coordinates of a single point
and Bihar are shown in Fig. 26. The 1:50,000 toposheets in the window and find out the 1:50,000 toposheet number
occupied along the coastline of a selected state can be queried
of Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series and Open
and the output can be visualized as shown in Fig. 27.
series map.
Fig. 28 shows the map layout (generated in ArcGIS) of
1:50,000 toposheets occupied with in the state of Kerala The utility named “SinglePoint_SheetSearch” is only
and the state boundary of Kerala which were extracted applicable for searching out the number of toposheet of a
from Gt Aide (Academy) as .kml files and further converted single point. Visualization of the output over Google Earth
250 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256

Fig. 22. The boundary of a 1:50,000 toposheet No.73B/6 of the Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection series and the boundary of multiple
toposheets of the OSM sheet series opened over Google Earth.

Fig. 23. Parameters of multiple toposheets by using Gt Aide (Academy).

Fig. 24. Nine quadrants of toposheet 45H/7 opened over Google Earth.
 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256 251

Fig. 25. Surrounding sheets of 55J/1(Everest Datum and Polyconic Projections) and G42U16 (OSM Sheets) opened over Google Earth.

Fig. 26. Toposheets occupied along the West Bengal and Bihar state Fig. 27. Toposheets occupied along the coastline of Kerala.
boundaries.

is also possible as shown in Fig. 31. Coordinates of multiple Toposheet Gridding

points, polylines, and polygons are to be entered in the
Toposheet of 1:50,000 series are the base map of many field
prescribed format (mentioned in the help file) and the same
projects for sampling operations adopted in prestigious
data has to be pasted in the submenu to get the toposheet
survey departments like the Geological Survey of India.
deta1ils of the same. The output in the form of text data and its Because of this, gridding of 1:50,000 toposheets of India in
visualization over Google Earth is shown in Figs. 32 and 33. the different intervals is another option made available in Gt
252 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256

Fig. 28. The map layout of boundary of 1:50,000 toposheets occupied with in the state of Kerala
and the state boundary of Kerala prepared in Arc GIS software.

Fig. 29. Find toposheet submenu of Toposheet module of Gt Aide (Academy).

 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256 253

Aide (Academy) which will help to plan one’s fieldwork. Conclusion

The toposheet module of Gt Aide (Academy) facilitates user-
Survey of India toposheets, especially 1:50,000 toposheet
defined gridding of any toposheet through the submenu ‘Grid
(former 1-inch toposheet) is the base for any geological and
toposheet’ (Fig. 34). Required fields are to be filled to get the
geographical survey carried out in India. Also, topographical
result as shown in Fig. 35. Output map will be opened over
maps are utilized for urban planning, resource development,
Google Earth and the coordinates of central points of each
emergency preparedness, etc. The main series of topographical
grid will open in notepad (Fig. 36). The .kml files generated maps issued by SOI is the India and Adjacent Country (IAC)
by the Gt Aide (Academy) can be opened in the smartphone map series, the International Map of the World (IMW) series,
using applications like MAPinr or Mipatek KML. The facilty
to open the .kml file of any pre-defined sample points, grids,
area boundary, etc. on a smartphone enables the user to have
a live location in the field (Fig. 37).

Fig. 30. Single point search options window of Find toposheet submenu. Fig. 31. Single point search option output with point and toposheet
boundary opened in GoogleEarth.

Fig. 32. Multiple point search in

the “Find toposheets” out-
put with point and toposh-
eet boundary opened in
GoogleEarth and text output
in notepad.
254 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256

and the Everest Datum and Polyconic Projection Series. After

the induction of the National Map Policy 2005, SOI stopped
the production of all its new topographical maps and decided
to issue two series of maps parallelly as Open Series Map
(OSM) and Defense Series Map (DSM). The basic difference
with all these different map series is the projection and datum
used. Also, the numbering format is appeared to be different.
A comparative study was made here to show the difference in
classification and numbering format of the Everest Datum and
Polyconic Projection series and OSM series. The freeware Gt
Aide (Academy), connects the user with the topographical
map classification and numbering system followed by SOI
and the visual platform of Google Earth. A visual comparison
on the classification and numbering of maps in the Everest
Fig. 33. Visualization of the selected polygon over Google Earth using
the ‘Find toposheets’ option and the output in text format opened
in notepad.

Fig. 34. ‘Grid toposheet’ submenu of Gt Aide (Academy)

Fig. 35. Grid properties option in ‘Grid toposheet’ submenu of Gt Aide (Academy).
 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256 255

Fig. 36. The output of gridding of toposheets opened over Google Earth and coordinates of centroid points in notepad.

Fig. 37. The .kml files opened over Google Earth in a smartphone using the MAPinr application. A. The .kml file of user-defined
2X2km grid and centroid points (sample points) are opened in a smartphone B. Sample location 75, grid boundary, and User’s
live location are reflected on the smartphone C. Users live location and sample point.

Datum and Polyconic Projection series and OSM series can toposheets with unique features like toposheets occupied
be done with the freeware. Further, the freeware extends along the coastline of India, state boundary of any specific
the field planning for the user by plotting and visualizing state or district, etc. Gt Aide (Academy) provides the metadata
the sample points, gridding of any area of interest, finding of any selected item in text form and facilitates the extraction
256 Sajesh P.V. et al. / Indian Journal of Geosciences, 76 (3): 233-256

of the same in the form of .kml (points or polygon), which Forrest, D. and Pearson, A., 2013: The University of Glasgow and the
can be converted to shapefile in the GIS platform with great University of Portsmouth.
ease. Gridding of toposheet at any interval of users’ choice is Dinesh, A.C. and P.V. Sajesh, 2018: Gt Aide (GTP): A User Friendly
possible and the freeware offers the metadata of user-created Freeware for GCM Gridding, Toposheet Search, Planning and
grids with the center point. The .kml file of sample locations Smart Phone Applications. Indian Journal of Geosciences, 72(2):
and grids are openable on smartphones, that provides a live 155-178.
location to the user. This competency of the freeware has Geospatial World, 2006: Open Series maps released in Map India 2006.
significance as it reduces the laboriousness of field planning
Ghosh, J.K. and Dubey, A. 2009: Impact of India’s New Map Policy on
to a great extent. Accuracy of GIS Theme. Jour. Indian Soc. Remote Sens., 37:1–7.

Acknowledgments Gogoi, L., 2018: Numbering system of Indain topographical sheets.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326056395
The authors express their sincere thanks to Shri Basab
https://www.geospatialworld.net/news/open-series-maps-released-in-
Mukopadhyay, Deputy Director General and Head of the
map-India-2006/
Department, Marine and Coastal Survey Division, GSI,
http://cgcost.nic.in/sites/default/files/INDEX%20FOR%20
Mangalore for his support and encouragement. The authors
CONVERSION%20OF%20TOPOSHEET.pdf
also wish to acknowledge the Survey of India for providing
https://deeppradhan.heliohost.org/gis/map-numbering/
meta-data of toposheets. The authors are also thankful to M/s
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Map_of_the_World
Keyhole Inc. the developers of Google Earth and M/s XYLEM
https://icaci.org/files/documents/ICC_proceedings/ICC2013/slides/
technologies the developers of MAPinr mobile applications.
S163_Forrest_India_IMW_ICC2013-C.pdf
Sincere thanks are due to the anonymous reviewer who has
https://nptel.ac.in/content/storage2/courses/105107122/modules/
reviewed the manuscript and commented positively. module1/htmlpage/21.htm
Author contributions https://surveyofIndia.gov.in/pages/publications
https://surveyofIndia.gov.in/pages/who-we-are
Sajesh P. V.: Writing an original draft, Conceptualization,
https://www.toppr.com/ask/content/story/amp/Indian-topographical-
Methodology, Data compilation, Discussion, and Conclusions.
survey-maps-117316/
Nisha N. V.: Data compilation, Discussion, and Conclusions.
National Map Policy, 2005: https://surveyofIndia.gov.in/documents/
A. C. Dinesh: Software provision and development;
national-map-policy.pdf
supervision.
Robert P. Beckinsale, 2018: https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/
Data availability statement science-and-technology/geography-biographies/albrecht-penck

The authors shall make all data available upon request. Roy R. D., 1986: The great trigonometrical survey of India in a historical
perspective. Indian Journal of History of Science, 21(1): 22-32.
Conflict of interest
Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi, PG Diploma in RS
We declare no conflicts of interest.
& GIS Semester: II PAPER: Computer Cartography (GIS: 08):

References Numbering System of Indian SOI Topographical Sheets: https://

www.dspmuranchi.ac.in/pdf/Blog/Numbering%20System%20
Birdseye, C. H., 1929: Formulas and tables for the construction
of%20Indian%20SOI%20Topographical%20Sheets.pdf .
of polyconic projections. Department of the Interior, U. S.
Geological Survey, Bulletin 809. Srikantia, S. V., 2010: Restriction on maps in India, Articles, Geospatial
World.
Boggs, S. W.,1929: The international millionth map of the world. The
Military Engineer, p. 112. Surveyor General of India, 2009: Geographical maps, Handbook of
Topography, Chapter XI, Government of India Copyright.
Crone, G. R., 1962: The Future of the International Million Map of
the World. The Geographical Journal, 128(1): 36-38. The Royal Surveyor General of India, 2019: Annual Report 2018-19, Survey of

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