A Milestone in the Achievements of Chinese Cartography: Joyfully Reading the National General Atlas

Summary

This paper reviews the newly published *National General Atlas of the People’s Republic of China*, acclaiming it as a milestone in Chinese cartography. Published in 1995 as the inaugural volume of a planned national atlas series, the work originated from a key state scientific project initiated in 1958. The atlas is structured into three main sections: introductory maps, regional maps, and provincial maps, supplemented by enlarged maps of typical areas, city plans, and a comprehensive index of over 42,000 place names. The review highlights the atlas’s rigorous design, harmonious and readable color schemes, scientifically selected map projections, and exceptional information density. It commends the work’s distinct national character, aesthetic sophistication, and its capacity to convey the vastness and grandeur of China’s territory. While noting that some maps, especially city plans, cannot fully reflect recent developments due to the country’s rapid modernization, the author regards this as a natural limitation rather than a flaw. The atlas is hailed as a crowning achievement that elevates the theory and practice of atlas compilation in China and sets a new benchmark for future cartographic endeavors.