Hellenic Military Geographical Service, military unit of Greece
The Hellenic Military Geographical Service is a state mapping agency in Athens that produces and maintains maps and geographic data for Greece. It uses modern tools including GPS technology, satellite imagery, and aerial photography to create detailed cartographic products at various scales for military and civilian purposes.
Established in the late 1800s as the Geodetic Detachment with support from Austrian experts, the agency was renamed in the 1890s to become the Cartographic Service. It was created to map land ownership and establish territorial records after major changes in Greek borders and administration.
The facility is not open to the general public as it is an active military installation. A museum within the building showcases historical maps and surveying tools and can be accessed by appointment or during designated visiting periods.
The agency maintains an extensive archive of aerial photographs dating back to 1939 that document visual changes in Greece's landscape and development over decades. These historical image collections provide a unique perspective on how the country's geography and infrastructure have transformed through time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
