National Defence Academy (NDA) has decided to set up a geographic information system (GIS) laboratory at its premises at Khadakvasla in Pune. It is the latest initiative of the National Defence Academy to enhance the capability of its cadets who shape up as potential leaders of the armed forces. The Rs 50-lakh project has received a nod from the services headquarters. NDA spokesman Major Bhagirath Dey said NDA would be the first officer cadet training institution in the country to have such a facility for its inmates. Considered a pivotal tool for navigation, the GIS skills hold importance for all the three services – Army, Navy and Air Force. The project is expected to be set up within a year. The system plays a crucial role in military applications, including monitoring of relevant aspects of the battlefield, movement of the enemy as well as its resources and deployment of war machinery on the front.