Vol. 19 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Geomatics

Editorial Message

Journal of Geomatics
Volume 19, No. 2, October 2025

The October 2025 issue of the Journal of Geomatics presents a diverse collection of research contributions highlighting the growing applications of geomatics in addressing critical environmental, urban, and infrastructural challenges. Each paper underscores how innovations in geospatial data analysis, modelling, and remote sensing continue to advance our understanding of dynamic Earth processes and support sustainable decision-making.

Lightning, a major atmospheric hazard, remains a serious threat in India. The issue opens with an important study on lightning forecasting that evaluates the performance of the WRF–Elec model using both GFS and NGFS datasets. The results clearly demonstrate the superior predictive capability of NGFS, underscoring the value of localized data assimilation for improving lightning risk forecasts and mitigation strategies.

Rapid urban expansion and its implications on land use and sustainability form another critical theme. A study on Thanjavur city employs urban growth indicators such as Land Consumption Rate (LCR) and Land Absorption Coefficient (LAC) to assess urban sprawl, revealing efficient land absorption and sustained urban growth. Complementing this, a study on historic cities like Varanasi and Hyderabad integrates georeferenced archival maps with remote sensing data to reconstruct two centuries of urban expansion—offering valuable insights into urban transformation and heritage-sensitive planning.

The other research papers presented in this issue focus on harnessing geospatial tools for natural resource assessment and infrastructure management. Morphometric analyses of the Tunga River Sub-catchment, Karanthaimalai Hill, and Cauvery sub-basin provide valuable understanding of terrain evolution, groundwater potential, and tectonic activity in these regions. Another study integrates geomorphic indices and landform mapping to reveal spatial patterns of erosion and rejuvenation across the Cauvery River Basin.

In the domain of geospatial technology applications, the GetMap mobile app introduces an innovative, real-time road data collection system, enabling seamless GIS integration for road and transport authorities. A comparative study between UAV and RTK-GPS surveys establishes UAVs as reliable, accurate, and time-efficient alternatives for corridor mapping.

Methodological innovations are also evident in this issue. A study from Ghana demonstrates the potential of Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) for high-precision orthometric height prediction, offering a cost-effective approach for strengthening local geodetic networks. Another paper presents a hybrid framework combining TransUNet and XGBoost for remote sensing image classification, achieving impressive accuracy and robustness in handling complex datasets.

Finally, a comprehensive geospatial assessment of forest fire risks in Odisha’s Malkangiri district highlights the role of geospatial technologies and multi-criteria analysis (AHP) in mapping fire vulnerability zones. Such tools are vital for proactive forest management and reducing the impacts of anthropogenic activities on fragile ecosystems.

Together, these studies reflect the continued evolution of geomatics as a multidisciplinary fields bridging atmospheric sciences, urban studies, geomorphology, and artificial intelligence. The editorial board extends sincere appreciation to all contributing authors, reviewers, and the geomatics community for their commitment to advancing geospatial science and its applications for societal benefit.

— Editorial Board
Journal of Geomatics
Indian Society of Geomatics (ISG)