The Dubai Municipality has completed the Middle East’s first pilot project for surveying waterways and canals using advanced mobile mapping technology through the Leica TRK system mounted on a specially equipped vessel.
The project reflects Dubai’s continued commitment to adopting advanced technologies to strengthen digital infrastructure and enhance the emirate’s geospatial ecosystem, which is regarded among the most advanced globally.
The pilot initiative involved conducting advanced surveying operations across the Dubai Water Canal in Al Jaddaf, where highly detailed spatial datasets were captured and high-precision 3D models were developed in collaboration with specialized partners.
According to Dubai Municipality, the project is expected to create broader opportunities for utilizing advanced geospatial data to improve infrastructure management efficiency, strengthen asset management capabilities, and support sustainable urban planning in line with international best practices.
Eng. Maitha Alnuaimi Director -GIS Centre Department Dubai Municipality
“This initiative forms part of Dubai Municipality’s ongoing efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure by developing an integrated geospatial database that supports the emirate’s Digital Twin project and enables government entities to make accurate and timely decisions based on reliable data. The project further reinforces Dubai’s readiness and leadership as a smart and future-focused city while enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of urban management systems.”
Dubai Municipality said that they are continuing to expand surveying operations to cover waterways across the emirate in coordination with relevant authorities as part of preparations for the next operational phase and wider implementation of the project’s outputs.
The initiative is expected to further support the integration of smart systems across the city and contribute to strengthening Dubai’s urban planning, infrastructure management, and digital governance capabilities.
