The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) has developed the Geo-Referenced Area Management (GRAM++) as a low-cost alternative to commercial GIS packages. The software was originally funded in 1997 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and has recently been promoted for projects by NGOs and other educational institutions. The fact that the software was developed locally, and is provided at low cost, is a primary selling point.
Bhugol GIS Pvt. Ltd. is the sole distributor of the software, and also works to customize the platform and provide solutions for their clients. The application is promoted for landuse change, environmental studies, and urban and rural development.
Read more background in this story in Indian Express.
