DGC is based at Feltham in Middlesex.
Role
The primary role of the DGC is to provide land maps, aeronautical charts, positional information, geo-referenced imagery and digital data in raster, matrix, and vector formats for UK Defence planning, operations and training. This can be satisfied by material collected on a global basis or produced in house.
Demand for conventional paper maps and charts continues alongside a significant growth in the demand for digital data to support weapons platforms, systems, navigation and C4I (Command, Control, Communication, Computation & Information). DGC data now forms a key component of most modern weapon systems and is a key enabler for their efficient use.
DGC is a largely civilian organisation headed by a Director from the Civil Service. Of the 566 personnel, 14 are military, providing the 'intelligent customer' interface with Defence requirements and a 24/7 map supply service.
DGC comprises
- The MOD Geospatial Library of Maps and Digital Data
- The MOD Map and Air Chart Depot
- A Production and Reproduction facility
The MOD Geospatial Library holds a global collection of over 700,000 different maps, air charts, atlases, digital geospatial products and other geographic sources which are readily available to Defence customers. Small quantities of hard and soft copy of any library holding can be provided on a 24/7 basis. DGC also provides expert advice to Defence on international boundaries, geographic names and geodetic/geophysical matters.
The MOD Map and Air Chart Depot holds planning stock to support UK contingency planning requirements and bulk map stocks to meet current operational requirements. A digital catalogue of stocks is available for Defence customers. The Depot provides a 24/7 capability and stocks are dispatched using the Defence logistic chain or, if required, using couriers anywhere in the world.
DGC produces a wide range of maps, charts and digital data. Production also provides a crisis response capability in the form of rapid revisions, image maps, digital products and bulk map printing. Contact Ops and Plans staff for further details.