Google offers Goa on its 3D map

PANAJI: If the government takes up the offer, Goa could become the first state in India to be on 3D Google maps which will allow viewers 3D imagery of every nook and corner of the state.

Google India has also offered to sponsor or incubate at least 1,000 information technology startups in Goa through its funded programmes through other partner agencies. Google has offered to arrange "mentors" from leading IT companies in India and abroad to guide the startups. The mentors will be leading personalities in the world.

Chief minister Manohar Parrikar confirmed the development after Google India managing director Rajan Anandan had a meeting with him, saying he had had preliminary discussions with Google on the above issues. Parrikar expressed enthusiasm. "We are interested in the ideas. We have asked them to submit concrete proposals. We are likely to meet at the end of July," said Parrikar.

A Goa chamber of commerce and industry statement said that Anandan along with Nitin Kunkolienkar, vice-president of Manufacturers' Association of Information Technology (MAIT), met Parrikar on May 30 with the proposal to digitize the entire state.

Anandan offered to undertake the complete digitization of the state so that the whole of Goa is on the internet giant's 3D digital map and the state becomes totally tourist friendly, director general of GR S Kamat said.

Kunkolienkar told TOI that Parrikar has shown keen interest in the offers. For one, digitizing Goa and having it on Google's 3D map imagery will help tourism infinitely, said Kunkolienkar. Not only physical locations will be seen in 3D but even business houses, including small shops, will be available on Google maps in 3D for viewers to see all over the world. "Every business and shop can get connected to the globe. Google will create everything. The government only has to facilitate this," said Kunkolienkar.

Presently, people resort to the global positioning system to find roads and directions. But in 3D maps, people will be able to get a live view of the place, he added.

The former president of GCCI also said that Google India is impressed with several initiatives of the Goa government in information technology, including the state's cyberage scheme under which the government has provided computers to school and college students. Goa has vast potential and a figure of 1,000 startups is easily achievable considering that Google is aiming at supporting 10,000 startups in Bangalore. Also, Goa has the highest tele-density in the country and other infrastructure can be set up, said Kunkolienkar.