Dubai Municipality Joins International GNSS Services To Enhance Urban Development And Geospatial Infrastructure

Dubai Municipality has become a member of the International GNSS Services (IGS), a prominent organisation focused on satellite-based geospatial systems and precision surveying. This membership highlights Dubai's dedication to enhancing its geospatial infrastructure, which is vital for urban development and construction planning. The IGS aids in optimising global navigation systems and monitoring tectonic movements, while also calculating International Terrestrial Reference Frames (ITRFs).

By joining IGS, Dubai Municipality can access the Global Navigation Satellite System service and international reference frameworks. These are crucial for scientific, commercial, and educational purposes. The IGS network includes over 200 research institutions, universities, and agencies from more than 100 countries. This collaboration provides precise satellite orbit data, facilitating accurate positioning and mapping.

The membership with IGS aligns with Dubai Municipality's strategic goals by improving surveying operations and 3D mapping. It integrates research insights into infrastructure projects, promoting smarter urban planning. This move supports Dubai’s digital twin ecosystem and aims to create a high-quality urban environment that leads globally.

Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, stated, "Dubai Municipality’s accession to the International GNSS Services represents a major milestone that reinforces the position of Dubai and the UAE as global hubs for scientific innovation and geospatial excellence. This membership enables collaboration with more than 350 members worldwide, including major scientific organisations and international institutions specialising in navigation, climate studies, Earth dynamics, and advanced surveying applications."

This membership opens doors for collaboration in specialised research areas such as coordinate system referencing, tectonic plate monitoring, Earth rotation studies, navigation system development, and climate impact modelling. Such collaborations enhance Dubai's role in global knowledge-sharing within the geospatial field.

Dubai Municipality's achievement builds on its history of excellence in surveying and hydrography. In 2023, it became the first government entity in the UAE and Middle East accredited by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO). This accreditation allows Dubai to produce both paper and electronic nautical charts locally for its marine environment.

This recognition underscores Dubai's commitment to advancing research in geodesy and hydrographic mapping. It also contributes to developing digital navigation maps while supporting global knowledge-sharing efforts in geospatial sciences.

With inputs from WAM