History
Narrative Summary
The Geological Survey of India (GSI), established in 1851, is a government organization which is an office attached to the Ministry of Mines of the Government of India for conducting geological surveys and studies. GSI is the prime provider of basic earth science information to the government, industry and the general public. In 1965 a separate Department of Airborne Mineral Surveys & Exploration (AMSE) was created in New Delhi by the Government with the objective of utilizing airborne geophysics in mineral resource exploration programmes. In September 1970 AMSE was absorbed into GSI as a specialised Wing. In 1973 the AMSE headquarters moved from New Delhi to Bangalore.
Under Operation Hard Rock, AMSE placed its first contract with a US aerial survey company to produce low-altitude aerogeophysical data during 1967-68. In 1971-72 the Compagnie Generale De Geophysique (CGG) of France was contracted to produce additional data. Further contracts were placed externally until in 1986, AMSE took delivery of its own dedicated aircraft, a DHC-6 Twin Otter. In March 2000 the TOASS sensing system on the aircraft was upgraded to modern standards.
Some time around 2010 ASME was renamed the Remote Sensing & Aerial Surveys (RSAS) Wing of GSI. In 2014 the RSAS took delivery of the first Heliborne sensing system, installed on a HAL Dhruv.
Key Dates
| August 1851 | Geological Survey of India first established. | |
| 1965 | Department of Airborne Mineral Surveys & Exploration (AMSE) created. | |
| 1967 | Contract for first aerial survey issued to US company. | |
| September 1970 | AMSE absorbed into GSI as a specialised Wing. | |
| 1973 | AMSE Wing HQ moved from New Delhi to Bangalore. | |
| 1986 | AMSE obtains its own aircraft for the first time – a DHC-6. | |
| March 2000 | DHC-6 aircraft based TOASS upgraded. | |
| 2010? | AMSE renamed RSAS. | |
| 2014 | RSAS obtains a survey-equipped helicopter for the first time. |
Current Status
The aircraft of the GSI are fully operational.
Future Plans
With continuously increasing demand for survey work, another aircraft may be needed in the near future.
Markings
National Insignia
GSI aircraft are basically white overall, with a red fuselage cheatline that extends up the tail fin. The DHC-6 has full GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA service titles on the fuselage sides, while the Dhruv just has the initials GSI.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
GSI aircraft operate with civil registrations.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
| Aircraft Type | Total Del’d | Total Active | Still on Order | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter | 1 | 1 | 0 | Survey |
| HAL Dhruv | 1 | 1 | 0 | Survey |
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin | De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter | 1 | 1986 | current | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAL Dhruv | 1 | 2014 | current | India |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
No losses known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
GSI Complex, Vasudha Bhavan, Kumaraswamy Layout, Bangalore-560078 Karnataka.
Organisational Structure
The GSI includes a Remote Sensing & Aerial Surveys (RSAS) wing which operates aircraft for remote sensing operations.
Current Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
Historical Unit Assignments
Not applicable
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The main base is at Bangalore.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
See above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
To be added
Websites
GSI to Deploy HAL Dhruv for Heliborne Surveys
Geological Survey of India looks to industry for funding
Airborne Mineral surveys & Exploration
