Development Directions for the National Atlas of the Republic of Korea through Comparative Analysis of National Atlases

Summary

The Government of the Republic of Korea has published the National Atlas of Korea twice: in 2007 and in 2014–2016. The national atlas published in 2014–2016 is evaluated as more advanced than the 2007 edition in terms of format and content. However, it still leaves room for improvement in the quality of maps, infographics, and descriptive texts compared with models from developed countries. In addition, considering the rapidly increasing demand for spatial information in the 21st century and the widespread use of computer technology in society, it is time for the national atlas to be supplemented with a digital system. In this context, this paper aims to propose development directions for future editions of the National Atlas of Korea. To this end, the production and evolution of national atlases were analyzed by dividing cases into domestic and foreign; foreign cases were further classified into book-type and digital formats. Based on this analysis, improvement strategies were suggested in four respects: development of the book-type national atlas, development of a digital national atlas adopting an atlas information system, establishment of a continuous updating system, and institutional arrangements for atlas production. The paper first reviews the history of Korean national atlases, including the trial version of 1989, the single-volume atlas of 2007, and the three-volume atlas published from 2014 to 2016. Then, examples from Finland, Canada, Japan, and other countries are examined in both printed and digital forms to identify paradigm shifts in digital atlases. Finally, based on domestic and international experiences, the following recommendations are made: first, the printed national atlas should evolve into an encyclopedic regional atlas format similar to those produced in Europe, considering Korea’s relatively small territory and prior publishing experience; second, a digital atlas information system should be established by integrating and organizing spatial information currently scattered across portal sites; third, a regular updating system using internet platforms should be implemented to provide timely revisions of general maps and statistical data; fourth, legal clauses concerning the national atlas should be added to the Framework Act on National Land and its enforcement decree, and a permanent dedicated organization should be established to ensure stable production. This study provides systematic directional guidance for the compilation of future national atlases.