The National Atlas of India

Summary

This article, authored by Dr. S. P. Chatterjee, Director of the National Atlas Organization of India, provides a comprehensive account of the background, objectives, organizational structure, cartographic methods, and specific map compilation processes of the National Atlas Project. The article first traces the project's history from its proposal in 1953 to the formal establishment of the National Atlas Organization in 1956, outlining five key objectives: publishing the National Atlas in Hindi, English, and regional languages to depict India's physical and socio-economic characteristics; using atlas maps to delineate planning regions for effective resource development; helping citizens visualize regional characters in the context of development plans; disseminating fundamental geographic facts about India to the world; and providing employment opportunities for graduates in geography and related fields. The article then discusses the limitations of existing mapping organizations (such as the Survey of India) and underscores the need for a strong central cartographic department. In the organization and methods section, it details the division of labor between the Research Office and Drawing Office, including data collection, analysis, experimental cartography, and final drafting. The article focuses on the compilation techniques for the Population Map, including the dot method for rural population (with dots of varying radii representing different population counts) and the circle method for urban population, achieving for the first time a unified scale for both rural and urban symbols. Additionally, it mentions the Landuse Map (piloted in the Damodar Valley region) and the Communication Map (showing roads, railways, waterways, airways, and other infrastructure). The author concludes that while the National Atlas Organization has made initial contributions, it still faces challenges in data acquisition, technical equipment, and personnel training, requiring further refinement in the future.