Milestone in the Development of Modern Chinese Cartography: Characteristics and Innovations of the National Atlas of China

Summary

This paper expounds the importance of national atlases and the compilation process of the National Atlas of China, focusing on the characteristics and innovations in the compilation of the National Atlas of China: ① A complete compilation of information on China's nature, population, economy, society, and history; ② A systematic summary and synthesis of research achievements in China's geosciences, biology, environmental science, economics, and history; ③ The compilation of the national atlas implements the "sustainable development strategy", highlighting the relationship between humans and nature; ④ The compilation of the national atlas has achieved a fundamental transformation from traditional techniques to full digitization and automation, with electronic atlas and internet map formats further meeting the needs of the information society. The completion of the National Atlas of China not only has significant scientific significance, application value, and social benefits, but also comprehensively promotes the development of contemporary cartography in China. The National Atlas of China, a major innovative achievement in China's scientific and technological community in the 20th century and a monumental atlas embodying the wisdom of two to three generations of Chinese scientists and cartographic experts, is unprecedented not only in China but also rare in the world. The National Atlas of China represents the highest level of contemporary cartographic development in China, has had a significant international impact, and holds an important position among national atlases of various countries. The completion of the National Atlas of China has made a historic and tremendous contribution to the development of Chinese cartography, and it is truly a milestone in the development of modern Chinese cartography.