Institute of Surveying and Mapping

The Institute of Surveying & Mapping functions under the Sri Lanka Survey Department (SLSD) which was established by a proclamation of the Governor dated 02nd August 1800, just after four years of British occupation of the island; thus, the Sri Lanka Survey Department is the oldest civil state department in the country.

The first training course (formal) for surveyors was commenced on 20th October 1896 at the Govt. Technical College in Colombo, and later training was entrusted to departmental officers. As a result of this the Sri Lanka Survey Department started its own training school at Modara in 1912, with the practical training conducted at Padukka closer to Colombo. In 1924, the training school, was shifted to its present location at Diyatalwa. It was upgraded in 1968, with the assistance of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the Institute of Surveying & Mapping Diyatalwa (ISMD) was established by an Act of Parliament No. 21 of 1969.

Institute of Surveying and Mapping is located at Diyatalawa Badulla district and about 200 km away from Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. It embraces an area of nearly 25 Hectares in an undulated terrain surface surrounded by sky hugging mountains, which contain eucalyptus, pine and tea plantation. It provides an ideal situation for studies and carrying out field exercises in surveying. The Latitude and Longitude of the ISMD is 6' 49' 02 N, 80'57' 34 E respectively and the elevation is about 1200 m from Mean Sea Level (MSL). It has a temperate climate throughout the year.

• To promote the sound application of surveying and mapping technology through programs of education, research and advisory services.
• To hold examinations for the purpose of ascertaining the persons who have acquired proficiency in surveying, levelling and mapping. (Now conducted by the Examination Branch in SGO)
• To grant diplomas to persons who have pursued approved courses of study in the institute and who have passed the examinations of the institute.
• To grant the degree in surveying sciences to persons who have pursued the course and been successful in the examinations.
• To update the knowledge and skills of relevant officers, organize regular refresher courses.

Our Vision
To be the focal point in Geoinformatics education in Asian Region.

Our Mission
Planning and conducting training courses relating to Geoinformatics, updating educational curriculums, guidance in developing professional capacity building and providing technical expertise and consultancy services.