Digital postal code India
DIGIPIN is a geo-digital addressing solution. It connects physical locations to their digital coordinates. Unlike traditional PIN codes that cover a larger area, DIGIPIN allows for exact identification through the geospatial reference for an address.
What is DIGIPIN?
DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number) is a digital addressing system launched by the Department of Posts, as part of India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). It is backed by IIT Hyderabad and ISRO’s NRSC. DIGIPIN is unique in that it allocates a 10-character alphanumeric code to every 4m x 4m space in India. DIGIPIN's codes are exact precise, tracked by their precision with google maps. The codes were produced from exact locations that can be mapped digitally with concise tools such as Google Maps. These outcomes allow distinction between even the most remote or informally addressed sites.
DIGIPIN is designed to provide standard, accurate, and simplified location-based addresses throughout India. It will support both public services and private services, and DIGIPIN introduces ‘Address as a Service’ (AaaS). This makes service delivery simpler and more efficient, especially in an unstructured space or rural area. DIGIPIN connects the physical addresses to their digital addressing, making it easy to identify any location accurately as there are some locations which may not have a very formal address.
Uses and benefits of DIGIPIN
- It helps locate areas very precisely in any location - rural villages, remote forest locations, etc.
- Supports and assists delivery of government services such as the post, electricity, and water.
- Enhances response time for emergency services for accurate location and delivery.
- Provides delivery and logistics accuracy by ensuring companies find the exact location - especially in very complex locations.
- It provides a mechanism to record and verification even when there are no formal addresses - and everyone will be brought into a digital system.
- Facilitates digital shopping sites and delivery by courier.
- Allows for use in navigation and location applications directed to very specific locations.
- Works offline and not relying on the internet makes it a reliable tool.
- Is open-source code, which can be developed into other digital tools and utilities from developers.
- Aids in application for government schemes and services.
- Useful when planning for urban development or mapping infrastructure.
- Helps facilitate the inclusion of remote rural or under-developed areas of India.
- Provides simplified addresses and individual and corporate contacts for the address of users regardless of their status.
How does DIGIPIN work?
DIGIPIN was created by the IIT Hyderabad with input from ISRO's NRSC. This project uses a framework that demarcates parts of India into squares of approximately 4 metres by 4 metres. These squares are assigned a unique 10-character alpha-numeric code to each square based on the exact latitude/longitude of that position.
Unlike standard postal addresses, which derive from street or landmark references, DIGIPIN uses appropriate geospatial referencing. This allows DIGIPIN to get used in forests, oceans, or places without comparable addresses. The system is available to use, both online and off.
How to Find Your DIGIPIN
To locate your DIGIPIN you will need to have access to a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) device (like a smart phone with GPS) which will give you your exact latitude and longitude. These coordinates will then be converted into your unique DIGIPIN code. The Department of Posts web application that will allow the public to enter their location to receive the relevant DIGIPIN code.
Additionally, the department will make the DIGIPIN logic code public. This means that any developers, or users, will be able to generate and decode DIGIPINS using their logic when it is made available.
Steps to Find Your DIGIPIN
- Step 1: Use a GNSS-enabled device Make sure you have a device with GNSS (like a smartphone with GPS).
- Step 2: Get your exact coordinates Use the device to find your latitude and longitude. This shows your precise location.
- Step 3: Convert coordinates to DIGIPIN These coordinates will be used to generate your unique 10-character DIGIPIN.
- Step 4: Use the official web app Use the Department of Posts web application to help you fetch your DIGIPIN easily.
- Step 5: Visit the DIGIPIN website Go to dac.indiapost.gov.in/mydigipin and enter your location details.
Note: If you are a developer, you can use the open-source programming code shared by the Department to generate or decode DIGIPINs.
Difference between PIN code and DIGIPIN
The table below outlines the differences between traditional PIN codes and DIGIPIN:
Feature | Pincode | DIGIPIN |
Level of Detail | Broad area (e.g., locality or neighbourhood) | Specific point (approx. 4m x 4m grid) |
Precision | Low | Very high |
Navigation Use | Not suitable | Suitable for navigation and GIS mapping |
Use Case | Sorting and delivering postal mail | Precise digital address for all types of services |
Integration with Tech | Minimal | High – can integrate with apps, delivery systems, and GIS |
Emergency Services Utility | Limited accuracy | High precision for locating individuals or incidents |
Applicability | Urban and structured locations | Universal – including rural, forest, coastal & unstructured areas |
Custom Address Use | Not customisable | Enables “Address as a Service” (AaaS) |
Basis | Administrative/postal boundaries | Geographic coordinates (latitude & longitude) |
Support for Future Expansion | Limited | Highly scalable and adaptable |
Availability Offline | Yes | Yes (logic/code available for offline decoding) |
Infrastructure Dependency | Depends on existing administrative structure | Independent of existing infrastructure |
Code Type | Numeric (6 digits) | Alphanumeric (10 characters) |
Privacy & Security | No digital linkage to personal data | No personal data stored; only spatial reference |
FAQs on DIGIPIN
- Can I still use DIGIPIN without the internet?
Yes. DIGIPIN can work offline, too. The logic to generate and decode the code is open-source and therefore can also work without using a network connection.
- Do I need to sign up or log in to use DIGIPIN?
No. You do not have to create an account. You can use DIGIPIN straight from the web app just entering your location or using GPS.
- Can multiple apartments in a single building have different DIGIPIN?
Yes. If the apartments are positioned in different 4m x 4m grids, they will each have their own unique DIGIPIN. If not, they will share the same code.
- Will DIGIPIN change with new buildings or new roads being constructed?
No. DIGIPIN uses fixed geographic grids. The code will remain the same for that location regardless of any new buildings or changes in infrastructure acknowledged or upon construction.
- Does DIGIPIN store my personal information?
No. DIGIPIN does not store your identifying information. It just holds your geographical/spatial cords. No names, or phone numbers linked to anything personally identifiable.
- Can I use DIGIPIN outside India?
At present, DIGIPIN has been built only for India. DIGIPIN is based specifically for India's postal, and DPI structures and currently has no purview for other countries.
- How is DIGIPIN useful specifically for disasters or emergencies?
Using the DIGIPIN coordinates, emergency response teams can travel more efficiently to impacted areas, especially when areas do not have a formal or clear addressing system.
- Can my DIGIPIN be impacted by GPS inaccuracy?
Yes, because the accuracy of your DIGIPIN depends on the latitudinal and longitudinal information entered into the code. If the GPS signal is not reliable, the resulting code may also be inaccurate.
- How can businesses use DIGIPIN?
Businesses can incorporate the DIGIPIN solution into their operations by using it to map and track deliveries, determine and order logistics, and enhance the accuracy of locations when providing service in complex locations or areas without an addressing system.
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