Historic contribution of cartography: congratulating the publication of the National General Atlas

Summary

The National General Atlas, published in 1995 as the first volume of the National Atlas series, represents a historic achievement in Chinese cartography and surveying. Grounded in spatial cognition theory, this paper systematically elaborates on the indispensable role of maps as tools for understanding the environment, establishing spatial concepts, discovering distribution patterns, integrating statistical information, and correcting erroneous mental images. It further analyzes the unique functions of atlases in constructing multidimensional environmental perspectives, deepening cognitive understanding, and enhancing readers' spatial literacy. The article also addresses whether atlases have become obsolete in the information age, arguing that as repositories of scientific achievement and cultural accumulation, their value remains undiminished by technological progress, and they continue to serve as the most effective tools for spatial data visualization. The publication of the National Atlas not only supports national development but also cultivates talent for China's cartographic informatization industry.