Role
The primary role of the DGC is to provide geographic information 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 530 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 an extensive collection of maps, air charts, atlases and geospatial information which result from global collection and satisfy 80% of UK Defence requirements. DGC also provides expert advice to Defence on international boundaries, geographic names and geodetic/geophysical matters.
Bulk map stocks are stored in the MOD Map and Air Chart Depot. Holdings and means of requesting stocks are advertised in the DGC soft copy catalogue (GSGS5893), available on CD and CHOtS. Further details are available in JSP323 - Supply of Geographic Products to Defence.
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.