National Geographic Institute of Spain

Instituto Geográfico Nacional

The National Geographic Institute of Spain (IGN) is a Spanish government agency under the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda. Founded in 1870, it serves as the national mapping agency for Spain, responsible for astronomical observation and research, maintaining geodetic networks, and creating and updating the country's cartography. IGN manages the Yebes Observatory, which is devoted to radio astronomy and space geodesy, and contributes to the Atlantic Network of Geodynamical and Space Stations (RAEGE). The IGN partners with organizations like the ESA and Airbus and participates in programs like Copernicus.