National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bengaluru launches heritage-mapping portal

Bengaluru: Marking the first death anniversary of space scientist and former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairperson K Kasturirangan, National Institute of Advanced Studies Friday launched KASTURI portal — a national digital platform for mapping and documenting India's cultural heritage.The portal stands for Knowledge-base of Archaeology and Heritage using Spatial Technologies: Unified Resource for India (KASTURI). It integrates satellite imagery, GIS data, archival records and field documentation into a unified spatial framework.Designed to move beyond monuments, KASTURI maps cultural landscapes, including temples, forts, settlements, water systems and historic routes — many outside protected zones. It aims to support researchers, planners and conservation authorities, said MB Rajani, who leads the project.— Naid Ganadhal