A unique DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number) is generated for a specific property or location through a systematic, geo-coordinate-based process. Here’s how it works:
- Geo-Coordinate Input:
- The process begins with determining the precise latitude and longitude of the location using a GNSS-enabled device (e.g., a smartphone, GPS receiver, or other navigation tool). These coordinates are accurate to a high degree, aligning with the 4×4 meter grid resolution of DIGIPIN.
- Grid Mapping:
- The latitude and longitude are mapped to a specific 4×4 meter grid within India’s geospatial framework, which covers the entire country, including maritime zones. Each grid is uniquely defined by its geographic coordinates.
- Algorithmic Conversion:
- An open-source algorithm, developed by India Post in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and ISRO’s NRSC, converts the grid’s coordinates into a 10-character alphanumeric code. This code is unique to the specific 4×4 meter grid and does not incorporate personal or property-specific data, ensuring privacy.
- Code Generation:
- The resulting 10-character DIGIPIN code is generated instantly. For example, a property’s entrance or a specific point within a location (like a shop or gate) can be assigned a DIGIPIN based on the coordinates of that point’s grid.
- User Access:
- Users can generate a DIGIPIN via the “Know Your DIGIPIN” portal (https://dac.indiapost.gov.in/mydigipin/home) by allowing their GNSS-enabled device to share its location. Alternatively, integrated apps or offline tools with the DIGIPIN algorithm can generate the code without internet connectivity, using locally determined coordinates.
- Uniqueness and Permanence:
- Each DIGIPIN is unique because it corresponds to a distinct 4×4 meter grid defined by fixed geographic coordinates. The code remains permanent, unaffected by changes in property ownership, street names, or infrastructure developments.
- Precision for Properties:
- For a specific property, the DIGIPIN is typically assigned to a key point, such as the main entrance or centroid of the property, depending on the coordinates provided. Large properties (e.g., campuses) may have multiple DIGIPINs for different entry points or buildings within the 4×4 meter grid system.
Key Features:
- Privacy: The DIGIPIN contains no personal or property-specific information, only geospatial data.
- Offline Capability: Codes can be generated offline using GNSS-enabled devices with the DIGIPIN algorithm.
- Open-Source: The algorithm is publicly available on GitHub, allowing developers to integrate it into apps or systems.
In summary, a unique DIGIPIN is generated by mapping a location’s latitude and longitude to a 4×4 meter grid and converting those coordinates into a 10-character alphanumeric code using an open-source algorithm. This ensures a precise, privacy-focused, and permanent digital address for any property or location in India.