Introduction to the National Atlas

Summary

This paper advocates for the compilation of a comprehensive national atlas of the People's Republic of China by reviewing successful models from the Soviet Union, France, Czechoslovakia, and Cangtian (possibly Canada). It argues that a meticulously produced national atlas serves dual functions: externally, it promotes a nation's cultural and scientific achievements, and internally, it provides a reliable reference for understanding national conditions, supporting regional planning, and informing policy-making. The study examines the organizational strategies of these exemplars, highlighting that each required central government leadership, extensive collaboration among thousands of scientists and cartographers, and years of sustained effort. Although current human and technical resources in China may not yet allow immediate full-scale compilation, the paper notes that significant progress has already been made in specialized fields such as meteorology, climatology, and geology, with high-quality thematic map drafts awaiting systematic collection and supplementation. The proposed content for China's future national atlas is outlined, comprising four core themes: historical background, physical geographical environment, economic development, and regional economic profiles. The paper further stresses that key issues—including defining the atlas's distinctive features, specifications, map formats, mechanisms for interdisciplinary cooperation, printing, and distribution—must be subjected to rigorous collective discussion. In light of the nationwide surge in economic construction, the paper concludes that a comprehensive "Great Atlas of the People's Republic of China" is urgently needed and calls upon scientists, experts, and relevant authorities to begin concrete deliberations and collaborative action.