Dubai Municipality deploys smart surveying robot to strengthen geospatial data capabilities

• Smart robot uses LiDAR technology and advanced cameras to conduct geospatial surveys efficiently with limited human intervention.
• Generates highly accurate coordinates, 3D models, panoramic imagery and on-site visual data to support spatial database updates.
• Technology supports infrastructure development, asset management, urban planning and informed decision-making.
• Deployment at Wadi Al Amardi Housing Project saved a cumulative 472 days in customer waiting time and reduced operating costs by 90%.
• Robot also improves occupational safety by reducing the need for survey teams to access difficult or highly precise working environments.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 11 September 2026: Dubai Municipality has deployed a smart robot for geospatial surveying operations, using advanced technologies including LiDAR and smart cameras to collect spatial data rapidly and accurately with limited human intervention.

The technology strengthens Dubai Municipality’s geospatial surveying capabilities by enabling continuous field data collection and generating highly accurate coordinates, panoramic imagery, video and three-dimensional point clouds. These outputs support the continuous updating of Dubai’s spatial databases and provide detailed information for infrastructure development, asset management, urban planning and decision-making.

The deployment also delivers measurable operational benefits. At the Wadi Al Amardi Housing Project for UAE nationals, the robot was used to conduct final surveys of completed buildings and support the issuance of final survey certificates, saving a cumulative 472 days in customer waiting time and reducing operating costs by 90%.

Eng. Maitha Al Nuaimi, Director of the GIS Centre Department at Dubai Municipality, said: “The geospatial surveying robot is one of the smart solutions Dubai Municipality is deploying to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of spatial data collection. It strengthens the readiness of geospatial information and supports the delivery of government services through reliable, up-to-date data.

“By integrating advanced geospatial technologies into field operations, we are strengthening the data foundation that supports informed decision-making, infrastructure planning and the continued development of Dubai as a smart and sustainable city.”

Eng. Saeed Al Falasi, Director of the Survey Department at Dubai Municipality, said: “The deployment of smart geospatial surveying technologies forms part of Dubai Municipality’s efforts to modernise field operations, accelerate data collection and improve the efficiency of spatial data updates.

“We plan to expand the use of this technology across residential community projects in Dubai and further integrate it into field surveying operations. This will help us keep pace with the requirements of the emirate’s development projects while improving the efficiency and quality of services.”

The robot incorporates an integrated system for generating geospatial data, panoramic imagery and highly accurate 3D point clouds, providing a more comprehensive digital representation of surveyed assets and supporting the development of an up-to-date spatial database.

It also enhances occupational safety by reducing the need for field personnel to be physically present in locations that are difficult to access or require highly precise surveying work. At the same time, the technology increases surveying productivity and improves data quality, supporting faster and more efficient project delivery.

Tangible results at Wadi Al Amardi Housing Project

In addition to reducing cumulative customer waiting time by 472 days and operating costs by 90%, the deployment at Wadi Al Amardi generated savings equivalent to 24 days of fieldwork and 40 hours of office work.

The technology has also expanded the quality and scope of survey outputs from limited two-dimensional data to highly accurate 3D models and datasets that provide more comprehensive coverage of building façades. This increases the long-term value and reusability of the data across engineering, planning and geospatial applications.