The 1:10.000.000 scale global base of the National Atlas of Spain

The 1:10M scale global base of the National Atlas of Spain (ANE) compiles physical and political phenomena in order to produce different products in paper or digital format. The layers that collect geographic information range from orography and hydrography (both continental and oceanic) to populations and the communication routes that link them, all framed in the administrative context of the territories involved. Its development entails a series of processes including data gathering, integration and edition from numerous sources. To this end, it was necessary to develop a suitable structure to reflect the heterogeneity present in a wide-ranging context such as a global base. This structure is organized with a detailed paperwork in which each layer of information of the base has an assigned document with their specifications and processes made. In addition, as a consequence of the great extension to be mapped, a detailed study and treatment has been carried out for toponymy, combining criteria for its subsequent representation in the different outputs that will be obtained from the database. When dealing with a global project such as a worldwide geographical database, it is assumed that the existence of multiple languages along the territory leads to a complex process of labelling geographical information in an appropriate way, being shared by different countries. One of the objectives of this project is the completion of a wide collection of other scale bases, and the creation of another base system that could be used in other cartographic projects, such as investigation or development of maps. On behalf of the National Atlas of Spain, a physical-political map in Mercator web projection is the first final product emerging from the development of this cartographic base. This map is intended to serve as an image to provide content for web viewers in the first zoom levels at small scales. Another product is the publication Exonyms in Spanish. Criteria and usage in cartography provides an overview of exonyms in Spanish. The aim of this publication is to present the debates, trends, and criteria for the use of exonyms in Spanish, particularly in cartography. It also shows how the doubts and issues that arise when dealing with foreign toponymy at the National Atlas of Spain (ANE), are resolved. It is important to highlight that this cartographic base further extends the catalogue of products offered within the ANE's Sheets and Murals Series, which will be completed with both physical and political continental sheets from all over the world. The purpose of these products is the divulgation through education and the awareness of Cartography on younger demographics. We would like to acknowledge Juan José Alonso Gamo for being the head-master (along with Irene Calvo Alonso) of this project and for his support throughout the creation of this paper.