L’Atlas du Survey National

Summary

This article presents the background, content, and publication of the Atlas of the National Survey (Atlas du Survey National) of Belgium. Originating from a proposal by the National Planning Commission in 1947, the atlas was conceived to systematically collect, integrate, and map fundamental data on the Belgian territory, thereby providing a scientific basis for spatial planning and urban development. Compiled by the National Survey Service under the Administration of Urbanism, the atlas covers twenty thematic categories, including climate, orography, hydrography, soils, population, agriculture, industry, transport, tourism, and nature protection, with 73 plates published to date. The article emphasizes that the atlas complements the Atlas of Belgium, combining static distribution maps with analyses of recent evolution, and employing standardized scales and cartographic conventions to serve as a valuable reference for planning decisions at national, regional, and local levels.