Context :
Department
of Posts releases beta version of DIGIPIN for public comments, expert opinion .. ET .. 23 July 24
Extract :
The Department of Posts is advancing an initiative to establish a
standardized, geo-coded addressing system in India, for ensuring simplified addressing solutions for citizen-centric delivery
of public and private services.
In this regard, the department had collaborated with IIT Hyderabad for developing a National Addressing Grid, named as Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN).
This system will act as a strong and robust pillar of Geospatial Governance, leading to enhancements in public service delivery, faster emergency response and a significant
boost to logistics efficiency, the Ministry of Communications said in a press release on Monday.
The DIGIPIN is proposed
to be fully available in the public domain and can be
easily accessed by everyone.
The DIGIPIN Grid system being an addressing referencing system, can be used as the base layer for other ecosystems, including various service providers and utilities, where addressing is one of the processes in the workflow.
The advent of DIGIPIN will mark a revolutionary step in
India’s journey towards digital transformation by bridging the crucial gap between physical locations and their digital
representation.
The department has released a beta version of National
Addressing Grid ‘DIGIPIN’ on 19.07.2024 for public feedback, the details of
which may be accessed through the India Post website.
The department encourages everyone to explore the
beta platform and provide constructive feedback, which will help in fine tuning the specifications of
the DIGIPIN.
The comments and
suggestions in this regard may please be sent by email to : digipin@indiapost.gov in by 22.09.2024.
DIGIPIN
Extract :
o A technical document detailing the code and architecture of DIGIPIN grid
may be downloaded here: Technical Document 
[2122 KB]
o Beta version of the web application to capture the DIGIPIN value of your
location is available at: digipin.cept.gov.in
o The programming code of the DIGIPIN grid logic may be downloaded
here:Click here to download [3 KB]
o The comments and suggestions in this regard may be submitted by
email to: digipin@indiapost.gov.in by
22.09.2024.
Now, value of my
Residential Location , as given by Digipin is :
8JK-XP9-K2W9 > Status:Horizontal accuracy is 15m > DIGIPIN
National Addressing Grid
Compare this with the DIGITAL ADDRESS of my residence as given by >
https://what3words.com/shifts.track.backdrop
Shifts.track.backdrop > Horizontal accuracy is 1 meter
===============================================
In the past , through my following e-mails, I have been advocating that we, in
India, adopt a similar ( but much more accurate ) digital address system
developed by www.What3Words.com :
Ø Second
Step to Integrated Transport ? ……………
15 Jan 2024
Ø Thank
You , Chris Sheldrick ……………………………..
31 Oct 2022
Extract :
When did you suggest ?
Here is my
email :
Sun 19-11-2017 10:37
It is time you
come up with HINDI language version for India’s 1.3 Billion people , where millions live / sleep on
footpaths ( sidewalks )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did what3words reply ?
Yes. Here is
their prompt e-mail reply :
Chloe Day (what3words Support)
Nov 20, 09:45 GMT
Hi Hemen,
Thank you for your email. We are working on Hindi as
we speak and it will be released early
next year. Keep an eye on our website and newsletter for the latest
updates.
All best wishes,
Chloe
support@what3words.com
Chloe Day (what3words Support)
Feb 19, 13:40 GMT
Dear Hemen,
Thank you for your email. We are still finalising
our Hindi map, and it should be released quite
soon.
Thanks again for getting in touch!
All best wishes,
Chloe
what3words support
Tue 20-02-2018 11:36
An IP Address
for Homes ? ………………………………….[ 17 Nov 2017 ]
A Home without
an Address ? ……………………………..[ 28 Sept 2018 ]
Thank You,
What3Words…………………………………….. [ 11 Feb 2022 ]
Dear India Post Officer (digipin@indiapost.gov.in )
:
As far as my feedback is concerned, please consider the
following tabulation prepared by ChatGPT :
|
Parameter |
DIGIPIN |
What3Words |
|
Developer |
Department of Posts,
India, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad |
What3Words Ltd., UK |
|
Purpose |
Standardized geo-coded
addressing system for India |
Simplified addressing
system worldwide |
|
Address
Format |
Alpha-numeric code
(e.g., 8JK-XP9-K2W9) |
Three random words
(e.g., shifts.track.backdrop) |
|
Accuracy |
15 meters (horizontal
accuracy) |
1 meter (horizontal
accuracy) |
|
Ease of
Remembering |
Moderate (alpha-numeric
codes can be challenging to remember) |
High (three-word
combinations are easier to remember) |
|
Ease of
Specifying |
Moderate (alpha-numeric
codes) |
High (simple, unique
word combinations) |
|
Implementation
in India |
Being developed and
beta-tested |
Already in use globally |
|
Integration
with Digital Documents |
Can be integrated with
various IDs like Aadhaar, PAN, etc. |
Can be integrated but
requires adoption by relevant authorities |
|
Geospatial
Governance |
Enhances public service
delivery, emergency response, logistics efficiency |
Simplifies navigation
and addressing, but integration into governance systems varies by country |
|
Public
Accessibility |
Free and available in
the public domain |
Freemium model (basic
service free, advanced features paid) |
|
Integration
with Existing Systems |
Designed to integrate
with Indian postal and governmental systems |
Requires adoption and
integration efforts by local systems |
|
Language
and Localization |
Tailored for Indian
geographic and postal needs |
Available in multiple
languages, but not specifically tailored to India |
|
Support
and Feedback |
Public feedback
encouraged during beta testing phase |
User feedback through
app and website |
|
Technical
Documentation |
Available for download
(technical document, code) |
Detailed API
documentation available online |
|
Ease of
Use in Rural Areas |
Aimed to be accessible,
though awareness and adoption might take time |
Easy to use, but
requires mobile/internet access |
|
Examples
of Usage |
8JK-XP9-K2W9 |
shifts.track.backdrop |
Strengths and Weaknesses
DIGIPIN
- Strengths:
- Tailored
specifically for India.
- Can
be easily integrated with Indian government documents and services.
- Supports
geospatial governance and public service delivery.
- Weaknesses:
- 15-meter
accuracy is less precise compared to What3Words.
- Alpha-numeric
codes may be harder to remember and specify.
- Implementation
and adoption might take time across a vast country like India.
What3Words
- Strengths:
- High
precision with 1-meter accuracy.
- Easy
to remember and specify.
- Globally
recognized and already in use.
- Weaknesses:
- Requires
integration with local systems and documents.
- Freemium
model might limit access to advanced features.
- Not
specifically tailored for Indian administrative and postal needs.
Implementation Challenges in India
- DIGIPIN:
Ensuring widespread awareness,
adoption, and integration with various services and documents across urban and
rural areas.
- What3Words:
Gaining acceptance and integration
into local systems and governmental frameworks.
Integration with Digital Documents
- DIGIPIN:
Easier
to integrate with Indian documents like Aadhaar, PAN, etc., due to government
backing.
- What3Words:
Requires efforts from local
authorities to integrate, which might be slower.
With Regards,
Hemen Parekh
www.My-Teacher.in / 24
July 2024