As director of the Defense Mapping Agency from 1977 to 1979, Lt. Gen. Abner Martin responded to the growing demands for digital geographic data required by new aircraft simulators and the strategic and tactical variants of the cruise missiles. During his tenure, DMA production processes moved rapidly to provide world coverage of digital data for weapon deployment.

His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster. He has the aeronautical rating of command pilot and wears the Master Missileman Badge. He is the author of papers on technical matters and international affairs. He retired on July 1, 1979.