Characteristics and Innovations of the China National Natural Atlas

Summary

The National Physical Atlas of China (1999 edition) represents a major comprehensive scientific achievement in the fields of geoscience and biology in China. The atlas systematically reflects the complex and diverse natural conditions and abundant natural resources of the country in the 20th century, elucidates the formation and evolution of the natural environment, and highlights the three major themes of natural resources, natural disasters, and nature utilization and protection, emphasizing the relationship between human and nature. Significant innovations and breakthroughs were achieved in the design and compilation of the atlas, which for the first time adopted fully digital computer-aided design, editing, and automatic plate-making technology, realizing a fundamental transformation from traditional techniques to modern information technology. The atlas not only provides important scientific bases for national resource assessment, land management, ecological protection, and disaster prevention, but also makes significant contributions to implementing the strategy of sustainable development and promoting international academic exchange.