The primary objective of the Austrian Armed Forces is the military defence of Austria. This is conducted on the principles of a militia system.

Other tasks include defending constitutional institutions, preserving law and order and providing humanitarian aid in case of natural catastrophes. Because of Austria's membership in
the United Nations, the European Union and the Partnership for Peace (PfP) Program, foreign assignments have notably increased in importance.

The Institute of Military Geography (IMG) is the competence center for Geography, Cartography and Geographic Information in the Ministry of Defence and has an extensive know-how in the
generation of cartographic as well as thematic maps based on satellite and airborne images. Therefore, the IMG also has a high expertise in the generation of a common operational picture,
which constitutes an important topic for efficient disaster and emergency management and helps support the deployment of assistance in disaster situations.