In a landmark move to modernise land management and prevent costly planning mistakes, Bhutan has unveiled its first National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) — an online portal offering accurate, standardised maps and location data to the public and government agencies alike.
The digital platform, launched yesterday by the National Land Commission Secretariat in the presence of the Prime Minister, ministers, and senior government officials, is designed to transform how the country collects, shares, and uses geospatial information.
For years, Bhutan’s location data has been scattered across multiple agencies, stored in different formats, and often inconsistent — a problem that has led to major setbacks. Notably, the relocation of the Jigmeling Industrial Park in Sarpang due to inaccurate data cost more than Nu 2 billion, while in Pema Gatshel, a school and several homes were dismantled to make way for gypsum mining expansion.
With the new NSDI, these challenges may soon be a thing of the past. The centralised system allows agencies to access up-to-date, uniform information — from land use zoning maps to infrastructure layouts — fostering more coordinated planning and reducing the risk of errors.
“From an individual perspective, you can explore maps showing settlements, roads, schools, and health centres. For policymakers, this will be an invaluable tool for analysis and planning. It even integrates commercial data like land use zoning,” explained Samten Dendup, Director of the National Land Commission Secretariat.
The Prime Minister hailed the launch as a milestone for Bhutan’s development, citing its potential to improve everything from agricultural land use to road maintenance and disaster response. He also urged all stakeholders to collaborate in making the most of the system, emphasising its role in supporting the vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City and Bhutan’s 10x Economic Roadmap.
The NSDI is the product of a technical cooperation initiative between the National Land Commission Secretariat and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), reflecting Bhutan’s growing commitment to using technology for sustainable development.
With reliable geospatial data now just a click away, the government hopes the system will usher in a new era of efficiency, transparency, and smarter decision-making — ensuring that land disputes and planning missteps are no longer part of Bhutan’s growth story.
