One Nation One Number: Hyderabad-based GIS professionals propose coordinate-based door numbering system

The idea which leverages satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools to assign a precise digital address to each property can also be self-generated by the property owners limiting the manual work load and human intervention

Hyderabad: In a move to modify the traditional door numbering system and adopt a more scientific and transparent method, Hyderabad-based GIS professionals Major Shiva Kiran and K Venugopal, after two years of research, have proposed the implementation of a new Latitude-Longitude-based Digital Door Number (DDN) system in the State.

Referring to it as One Nation One Number (ONON) system, the professionals argue that these uniquely designed numbering systems are hard to be duplicated or misused. “This digital-based numbering system is designed to assign a unique and unrepeatable coordinate-based number to each property which provides a scientific-based solution to the often faulty or repetitive door numbers that currently exist in the State,” says Kiran.

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The idea which leverages satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools to assign a precise digital address to each property can also be self-generated by the property owners limiting the manual work load and human intervention. “With ONON the property owners can generate their own address either by using ISRO-developed Bhuvan Geoportal or Google maps,” Kiran shares.

While the property owners can self-generate their address, the authorities can ratify the same which will improve transparency and property tax assessment, he adds.

The current door number system follows the traditional method of allotting the ward number first followed by the block number and then the plot number. “As the population increased the wards were delimited leading to several duplicated and faulty door numbers,” explains the GIS professional.

According to 2020 GHMC data, Hyderabad currently has 150 wards housing around 40,000 to 50,000 people each. It is estimated that there are about 24 lakh properties within the GHMC limits, however, the assessed properties, according to GHMC, amounts only to 5.64 lakhs. “In a Digital Door Number(DDN) experiment carried out in Narayanpet Municipality the place showed 30% increase in property assessments addressing the problem of traditional door numbering system,” emphasised Kiran.

Talking about the implementation process, Kiran explains that the increasing use of digital maps has replaced the traditional method of sharing one’s address and therefore this scientific method of allotting addresses will not be new. “The ‘Location Sharing’ habit has in a way replaced the address, therefore the Urban Local Bodies(ULB) can adapt to this new methodology by implementing in 10 selected ULBs first and develop the technology further with substantial feedback,” he added.

He further explained that the DDS system aims to bring in transparency in an otherwise opaque and archaic form of door number allotment system. Highlighting the United Nations’ recognition for scientific digital door numbers, Kiran says that the initiative also promotes the UN’s goal of sustainable development .