Mapping two decades of GIS research trajectory in India

The research and development (R&D) output of India on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for the 20-year period from 2003 to 2023 is studied in detail in this paper. A scientometric analysis is employed to trace the development, trends, and patterns in scholarly publications pertaining to GIS using the ‘Web of Science’ database. The study evaluates the presence of Indian R&D output at the global level and presents a comprehensive picture of the research scenario in India. A total quantum of 60,865 records are found to have been published during the period 2003–2023 in the field of GIS research. India (4,097 articles) is noted to be among the top three countries contributing to GIS R&D output just behind USA and China. It is also noted that there is considerable growth observed in the publication pattern of GIS research. IIT is found to be among the top 10 most prolific institutions publishing research on GIS. The study also compares the output at the global and Indian levels to project the evolution of GIS research. The study lines futuristic developments and spatial linkages in the development of GIS technologies through cutting edge research activities.