Beyond the Textbook: Geo-TOP Hyderabad workshop to empower teachers with spatial tools
HYDERABAD: Data is often presented in rows and columns, but placing it on a map changes the perspective entirely and transforms our understanding, says Major Shiva Kiran, President of GeoMap Society. In a world where digital maps quietly guide our every move, how many of us truly grasp the technology at our fingertips? To bridge the gap between everyday use and expert knowledge, the GeoMap Society (GEMS) is conducting its annual Geo-Orientation Training Programme (Geo-TOP), a workshop designed to equip geography teachers with the latest mapping technology. The following exclusive interview with Maj Shiva Kiran, explores the programme’s goals, its connection to the GeoMap Quiz, and the long-term vision for a geographically literate future.
Q: Could you please tell us what the Geo-TOP programme is all about?
Shiva Kiran: Geo-TOP is our specialized workshop for school teachers of Social Studies and Geography. It orients them to the latest mapping technologies and serves as essential preparation for our flagship GeoMap Quiz held in November during GIS Day. By attending, teachers gain practical skills in using geospatial tools and methods that they can immediately apply in their classroom lessons. This unique national programme empowers educators to incorporate geospatial advancements in their teaching, enriching both their curriculum and their students’ learning experiences.
Q: What is the main goal of this workshop for teachers?
Shiva Kiran: Our main objective is to expand geography instruction beyond static maps. By attending the workshop, teachers learn hands-on applications of GIS, satellite imagery, and GPS technology in real scenarios—such as traffic analysis, public health initiatives, conservation efforts, and transport planning. This helps teachers transform maps into dynamic tools for data interpretation, making lessons more engaging and relevant.
Q: How does this teacher workshop connect to your larger activities?
Shiva Kiran: This workshop is a strategic first step. We organize a major national event every year, called the GeoMap Quiz, specifically for school children, which is unique in the country. Before the quiz in the second week of November, to coincide with GIS Day, we invite teachers to this orientation. Once they understand the power and application of these tools, they can better educate their students and encourage informed participation in the quiz.
Q: Could you please tell us about GeoMap Quiz?
Shiva Kiran: Since 1992, GeoMap Society has organized the GeoMap Quiz for school students, with over 300,000 participants to date. The quiz raises awareness of maps and geospatial concepts, fosters creativity, and broadens general knowledge. It helps students better understand Geography, Social Studies, Environmental Studies, and sciences, supporting their future careers. Through this initiative, we continue to promote interest in mapping and related technologies.
Q: Could you please explain the GeoMapQuiz process?
Shiva Kiran: The preliminary round uses the Survey of India Topographical Map to introduce detailed map studies and foundational geospatial concepts. The finals involve outdoor exercises such as map-to-ground, ground-to-map, map planning, and application tasks. Mapping professionals from the Survey of India and the National Remote Sensing Centre design the quiz format and questions.
Q: In today’s digital age, where everyone uses Google Maps, why is a programme like this still important for students?
Shiva Kiran: While apps like Google Maps are common, few understand the technology or its broader applications. We highlight Indian platforms like ‘Bhuvan’ and demonstrate how mapping transforms data analysis. Data is often presented in rows and columns, but when you place that data on a map, the perspective changes entirely. Our goal is to encourage both teachers and students to see a map not just as a subject in school, but as a vital tool for problem-solving across all fields.Regardless of their field, students benefit from learning how to use spatial data.
Q: The GeoMap Society has been active since 1992. What is the long-term vision driving these initiatives?
Shiva Kiran: Our long-term vision is to spread awareness of maps and GIS. We want students, regardless of their field, to learn to view their work from a mapping perspective. Mapping goes beyond Social Studies; it belongs in every subject. We strive to ingrain this spatial thinking into the educational system. With over three lakh students having participated so far, we remain committed to this journey.
GeoMap Society is organizing Geo-TOP, a free Mapping and GIS workshop for Social Studies teachers on Saturday, 25 October 2025, from 10:00 to 13:00 at Kamala Nehru Engineering College, Hyderabad. This is a precursor to the GeoMap Quiz for school children, scheduled for November-December 2025. Presently, Maj Gen Siva Kumar, Former Head of NDRS, and Dr. Swarna Subba Rao, Former Surveyor General of India, as well as Dr. V. Raghavswamy, former Deputy Director of NRSC, are associated with the GeoMap Society.
There will be presentations by Mapping Professionals. There are no fees for participation. However, registration with the school name and teacher’s name can be sent by email to geomapsociety@gmail.com or via WhatsApp at 9849047827. Lunch will be provided to the participants after the workshop.
