The UAE Military Survey is a sole agency responsible for coordinating the processing, and dissemination of up-to-date topographic, aeronautical and nautical information for the UAE land and sea territory. 

Established in January 1974, with an initial mandate of serving the surveying and mapping needs of military units. Technical strength acquired through this experience, made it competent to assume the role of national mapping agency. 

With this capacity military survey supports various government agencies from public, private and academic sectors with maps, aeronautical charts, nautical charts, aerial photographs, geodetic control data, etc. To these agencies, it also provides technical advices on geospatial data requirements and applications.

 Considering the current trends for common geospatial data framework for the UAE, MSD has shifted its focus from conventional mapping to geospatial data provider for the wide spectrum of users in the country. Creation of National Geodetic Network , National Topographic Database, National Digital Terrain Model and the ortho photos were the steps taken to achieve this goal. These data sets were designed and created based on common national data standards and specifications. Rich contents of geospatial data resources available from the Military Survey would be soon made accessible to public through internet services. 

The entire initiative is strategically designed to put a solid foundation for the emerging Spatial Data Infrastructure for the UAE.

The provision of an integrated spatial data bais to support the decision makers.

To establish and maintain high quality standards of  spatial data infrastructure in support of the sustainable development of the country and the national security.

To continually cope with the growing demand for accurate and updated spatial data and for a wide range of uses.

To promote awareness of the importance of spatial data as an indispensable source of information for all environment and infrastructure related applications.