Introduction to the National Atlas of China

Summary

This article surveys the development of domestic and foreign atlases, focusing on representative Chinese atlases compiled and published since the 1950s. It first introduces the national atlas project and its value for natural resources, socio-economic development, and international exchange. Then it reviews in turn the content, compilation features, and academic significance of major comprehensive atlases such as the Provincial Atlas of the People's Republic of China, the Physical Atlas of China, the Atlas of the People's Republic of China (folio and octavo editions), the Historical Atlas of China, and the World Atlas. Regional and thematic atlases are exemplified by the Jiangsu Provincial Atlas, the Agricultural Atlas of Jiangsu, and the People's Commune Atlas, highlighting their design concepts, cartographic representation methods, and technical innovations such as loose-leaf binding and the use of communes as the smallest mapping unit. Specialized atlases including the Shenbao Atlas of China, geological, hydrogeological, climatological, and aerial remote-sensing atlases are also introduced. The foreign section briefly outlines the structure of the Great Soviet World Atlas. Overall, Chinese atlases have evolved from general reference works to integrated thematic compilations, with continuously improved cartographic standards, making important contributions to national economic construction, scientific research, and cultural education.