In a pioneering move to streamline India’s notoriously disordered address system, IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with India Post and ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), has developed DIGIPIN — a geospatial digital address system that converts GPS coordinates into unique, machine-readable codes. Designed to function offline, DIGIPIN covers every part of India, from urban high-rises to the most remote villages and even maritime locations.
What Is DIGIPIN?
DIGIPIN is a compact, human-readable code generated from GPS coordinates using a geohashing algorithm. Unlike traditional PIN codes that refer to broad areas, DIGIPIN offers precise, location-specific addresses. The system requires only a GPS-enabled smartphone and can be used without internet connectivity, making it ideal for logistics, emergency services, and public service delivery, even in connectivity-challenged regions.
By compressing exact location data into short, shareable codes, DIGIPIN aims to eliminate the ambiguity of India’s current address formats, which often rely on informal landmarks and inconsistent numbering.
Who’s Behind DIGIPIN?
The project was spearheaded by a research team from the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Hyderabad, led by:
- Prof. Soumya Jana
- Dr. Lakshmi Prasad Natarajan
- Dr. Shashank Vatedka
- With contributions from Tarandeep Singh, a former MTech (AI) student
Together, they designed DIGIPIN to be an open-source, privacy-conscious, and offline-compatible tool — an inclusive technology capable of addressing logistical inefficiencies on a national scale.
How Does DIGIPIN Work?
- Geohashing Technology: Converts latitude and longitude into short alphanumeric codes
- Offline Functionality: Can be generated and accessed without an active internet connection
- App-Based Access: Codes can be produced using a basic GPS-enabled smartphone and a high-resolution map app
- No Personal Data Stored: Ensures user privacy by working without collecting personal or sensitive information
DIGIPIN codes can be shared, stored digitally, or even printed as QR codes for physical delivery use. This makes them especially useful for e-commerce shipments, government outreach, and emergency services, where pinpointing exact locations is critical.
What Sets DIGIPIN Apart?
- Covers 100% of India’s geography, including rural, urban, and offshore regions
- Enables machine-based routing for faster and more reliable logistics
- Designed for accessibility and scalability—it works with entry-level smartphones
- Reduces reliance on ambiguous and inconsistent address descriptions
- Supports government and private sector applications, from welfare schemes to hyperlocal deliveries
“DIGIPIN has the potential to transform how addresses are handled across sectors. It can be printed directly on packages for automated sorting and routing,” said Dr. Shashank Vatedka.
In essence, DIGIPIN addresses a fundamental infrastructural challenge with an elegant, tech-driven solution. By turning every location into a simple, shareable digital code, IIT Hyderabad and its partners have opened the door to greater accuracy, efficiency, and inclusivity in India’s address ecosystem.
