The history of GISTEC starts from MAPS, an aerial survey and mapping company operating from Sharjah since 1974, and acquired by Fugro in April 2007.
When MAPS switched over to computerized map production procedures during 1987 it realized the great potential that the digital map data holds for GIS applications. In 1991 MAPS obtained the distributorship of ESRI GIS software in UAE. In order to focus on the sales, support, and training aspects of ESRI software, MAPS established a separate department in the company in 1992 called GISTEC (Geographic Information Systems Technology Center).
In 1997 GISTEC started its operation as a separate company and has since successfully completed many large GIS implementation projects in UAE. Today it is a full fledged GIS company catering to all aspects of GIS especially its integration with other IT systems and applications in an organization.