Graz, Austria • May 13, 2025 — The Centre for Geographic Information Systems (CGIS), the official geospatial agency of the State of Qatar, has successfully delivered the country’s first advanced, vectorized, watertight 3D city model of Doha — a milestone achievement in Qatar’s digital transformation journey.
CGIS collected, in collaboration with Khatib & Alami, aerial data using Vexcel Imaging’s UltraCam Osprey 4.1 — a large-format photogrammetric camera system capturing both nadir and oblique imagery — and processed it with Vexcel’s UltraMap all-in-one software suite. High-quality, watertight Level of Detail (LOD) 2 and LOD3 models were then generated using advanced tools from RhinoTerrain and DAT/EM Systems International, demonstrating how cutting-edge technologies and strategic collaboration can shape the future of smart cities.
The final deliverable spans 218 km² across 16 designated urban areas, resulting in 43,310 LOD2 buildings and 300 LOD3 buildings. The textured, watertight models conform to CityGML standards, ensuring compatibility and seamless integration into modern GIS platforms.
This initiative enhances urban planning, infrastructure management, and digital twin development, while also improving disaster preparedness and spatial analysis through a custom Esri-based image viewer.
Read the full case study here: How CGIS Qatar built a vectorized 3D city model of Doha with UltraCam Osprey 4.1 • Vexcel Imaging
About CGIS (Ministry of Municipality)
Qatar has established a nationwide GIS center since 1992. Today there are more than 120 Government and Semi-Government agencies integrated with this system sharing GIS data and using it in their day to day work. Qatar authorities set the objectives for a nationwide GIS on a top to bottom approach. CGIS is part of the Ministry of Municipality. CGIS is the official geospatial agency in the State of Qatar.
Learn more gisqatar.org.qa
About Khatib & Alami
Khatib & Alami (K&A) is a multidisciplinary design consultancy which operates primarily across the Middle East & Africa, Levant, Central and South-East Asia, and Europe. Established more than five decades ago by two university professors, everything we do is based on the principles of professional excellence, integrity and social responsibility. Khatib & Alami is proud to have worked on some of the world’s most challenging projects, from iconic buildings and transformational masterplans to record-breaking rail networks and life-critical water supplies.
Learn more khatibalami.com
About Vexcel Imaging
Vexcel Imaging is a global leader in aerial imaging, renowned for its industry-leading UltraCam aerial cameras and hybrid camera-LiDAR mapping solutions. These systems are designed to deliver unmatched flying efficiency combined with exceptional data quality, ensuring best-in-class performance for every application. Outputs include photogrammetric imagery and point clouds, LiDAR point clouds, and other derived products. The fully integrated UltraMap photogrammetric processing software enhances project workflows with advanced automation, efficient data interaction, and intuitive tools, enabling the creation of photogrammetric outputs such as DSMs, DTMs, orthoimages, and 3D data of the highest standard.
For more information about Vexcel Imaging, please visit vexcel-imaging.com.
