Internship Experience: NIGST

As a student, I’ve always been passionate about using technology to make a real difference. But GIS? That was entirely new to me. In fact, up until this internship, all I knew about land measurement came from traditional surveying courses at college. When I got accepted into NIGST (National Institute of Geospatial Science and Technology), along with five other students selected among the applicants based on CGPA, I had no idea how much this experience would open up my world. We are all grateful to Dr. Roshan Srivatsav, who recommended us to NIGST. Without his guidance, I might not have discovered this incredible opportunity.

Learning the Ropes

Our first fifteen days at NIGST were all about training. With no prior knowledge of GIS, we were given an introduction to GIS, geodesy, and photogrammetry. The surveyors who taught us weren’t just instructors — they actively used what they taught in real-life applications, which made the learning process genuinely interesting. They brought GIS to life for us, showing us the practical side of these tools, and those two weeks became a foundation on which the rest of our work would build.

The Big Project

After training, we had about two months to put our new knowledge to use. Unlike some internships where you might just do research, we were entrusted with an actual project: the pre-processing of land acquisition data for a national highway. This wasn’t just any project; it was an essential part of a large-scale infrastructure plan, and we were given significant responsibilities within it.

Our team of six was split up, each paired with a faculty member who guided us through our parts. I was assigned to handle major tasks toward the project’s end, and this timeline gave me the chance to explore other areas as well. One highlight was learning how drones are leveraged in land acquisition. We saw firsthand how drone images are processed to become quality imagery. This was crucial because, toward the end, my teammate, Nilesh and I would need to carry out feature extraction, identify parcels that coincide with the ROW (Right of Way), estimate the areas of the land parcels that need to be acquired, and prepare layouts based on those images. These layouts would then go on-site for validation and further steps in the acquisition process.

The project was not without its challenges. From unexpected weather conditions that grounded drone flights to the occasional discrepancies in old maps, there were plenty of moments that tested our resolve. For example, the map we received was very old and discolored, so we had to correct it into black and white. Due to folding lines, it was misaligned right along the center axis, which made it tricky to work with. What struck me most was how our team handled these setbacks. Instead of getting frustrated, we adapted, improvised, and found alternative solutions — all while keeping the project moving forward.

Project’s End and Presentation Day

Once we completed the project, our internship wrapped up with a final report (must be detailed) and a presentation on the last day. Standing there, presenting in front of honorable guests and our guides, was both nerve-wracking and fulfilling. The experience left me with a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude for everyone who played a part in this journey.

Campus Life and Lasting Memories

The NIGST campus was beautiful. I often found myself surrounded by deer, peacocks, and even an occasional monkey. There was a peaceful pond, and the campus was home to all sorts of unique bugs and birds, making every walk an adventure. If you ever consider interning here, accommodation is provided if requested, making things pretty convenient.

One of the best parts? After work hours, we got to play badminton and tennis with the Additional Surveyor General, the highest official there. Those evening games were a great way to unwind and connect with the officials on a personal level. And of course, being in Hyderabad meant dealing with the city’s infamous traffic, which ate away at our commute time. But the weather was always in our favor, adding a pleasant touch to our daily routines.

Looking Back

Reflecting on this experience, I feel immensely grateful for every moment — from the training days to project completion. Each step was an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. And while the technical skills I gained are valuable, it’s the memories and bonds with the people there that will stay with me the longest.

To Juniors and Future Interns

If you’re considering an internship at NIGST, I say go for it! Be open to learning, especially if you’re new to GIS, like I was. The hands-on experience, guidance from seasoned professionals, and opportunity to work on impactful projects make this internship truly worthwhile. I’d recommend taking the GIS and Remote Sensing elective in your 5th semester before applying; it’ll give you a strong foundation and allow you to take on even bigger projects here. (Yes, there’s a slot clash with a core subject, but with a bit of effort, you can make it work! 😊)