DIGIPIN, or Digital Postal Index Number, is a new digital addressing system launched by the Department of Posts (India Post) in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO. It's designed to provide precise location identification across India.
The core concept behind DIGIPIN is to create a standardized, nationwide geo-coded addressing system. It divides the geographical territory of India into uniform 4-meter by 4-meter (approx.) units, assigning each unit a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code. This code is derived from the latitude and longitude coordinates of the unit. The system is designed to be scalable, adaptable, and integrated with existing GIS applications.
How DIGIPIN Works
DIGIPIN is essentially an encoding of the latitude and longitude of an address into a sequence of alphanumeric symbols using the following 16 symbols: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, C, J, K, L, M, P, F, T. The DIGIPIN system uses a hierarchical approach to identify cells, starting with a bounding box covering the entire country, which is then divided into regions and subregions.
Users can access the 'Know Your DIGIPIN' platform at [https://dac.indiapost.gov.in/mydigipin/home] to find their DIGIPIN.
To accurately determine the DIGIPIN, users will require a device with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) facility to find their exact location as per latitude and longitude, which is then converted into a DIGIPIN code. The Department of Post is also developing an application for users to access DIGIPIN, and the programming code for DIGIPIN will be shared in the public domain for fetching and decoding the DIGIPIN.
DIGIPIN aims to improve location accuracy and service delivery, particularly in remote and underserved areas. It offers several benefits:
Key Features and Benefits
DIGIPIN vs. Traditional PIN Codes
Precise Location Identification: Unlike traditional PIN codes, which cover larger areas, DIGIPIN pinpoints a specific 4m x 4m location.
Enhanced Service Delivery: It supports secure and efficient interactions between users, government entities, and private sector organizations.
Improved Logistics and Emergency Services: DIGIPIN is likely to enhance logistics and emergency response services by providing precise geographic coordinates.
Open-Source and Interoperable: DIGIPIN is an open-source, interoperable, geo-coded, grid-based digital address system.
Offline Functionality: DIGIPIN can be used offline, making it useful in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Directionality: The format of DIGIPIN is designed to provide a sense of directionality.
Accessibility and Implementation
DIGIPIN is not intended to replace traditional addresses but rather to provide an extra digital layer of precision. Traditional PIN codes identify broader postal regions, while DIGIPIN focuses on specific locations using a 10-character alphanumeric code linked to geographic coordinates.
DIGIPIN's Impact
The DIGIPIN system has been officially reviewed and adopted by the Thematic Working Group on Address under the National Geospatial Policy 2022. The system is now available for integration into the workflows of various ministries, state governments, and institutions.
DIGIPIN has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including logistics, e-commerce, emergency services, and public service delivery. It can also be used for geo-tagged public scheme disbursals and integrating with digital twins of cities.