Characteristics and Innovations of the National Physical Atlas of China

Summary

Abstract The “National Natural Atlas of China” (1999 edition) comprises 340 maps in eight series—general maps, natural environment (geology and geophysics, geomorphology, climate, hydrology, soil, biology, oceanography), natural resources, natural disasters, and the utilization and protection of nature—along with 300,000 words of notes to the maps. The atlas has the following characteristics and new creations: 1. Basic scientific data and figures were significantly extended and updated in both time and space, comprehensively presenting the scientific accumulations of geography and biology in China; 2. In implementing the strategy of sustainable development, it gives prominent attention to China’s natural resources, natural disasters, and the utilization and protection of nature, and stresses the relationship between human and nature; 3. It deepens scientific specialization—many maps on animals and plants well reflect biological diversity and in-depth research on it; 4. It fully reflects new progress and contributions in geographic scientific research in China, and expounds the evolutionary laws of the formation of the natural environment; 5. In design and compilation methods and technologies, it exhibits many innovations and breakthroughs, achieving a fundamental transformation from traditional techniques to computer-based design, compilation, and fully digital automatic plate making. Key words National natural atlas; characteristics; innovation