NATMO

The National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) is India’s premier agency responsible for the preparation of thematic maps, atlases, and geospatial documentation that depict the nation’s physical, social, economic, and cultural features. Established in the early years of independent India, NATMO has played a pivotal role in promoting cartographic science, geographical research, and national development planning through its comprehensive mapping activities. It operates under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Historical Background

The origins of NATMO can be traced to the Geographical Survey of India, founded in the colonial period, which first began systematic mapping of the Indian subcontinent. However, after Independence in 1947, there arose an urgent need for a dedicated national institution to produce thematic maps that could assist in development planning, education, and scientific research.
In 1956, the National Atlas Organisation (NAO) was established under the guidance of Professor Shiba P. Chatterjee, a distinguished geographer who later became known as the “Father of Indian Geography.” The organisation’s primary mission was to prepare a National Atlas of India—a comprehensive cartographic representation of the country’s geography, resources, and socio-economic conditions.
The first National Atlas of India was published in 1957, a monumental work that integrated information from various disciplines into a unified cartographic format. In 1978, the organisation was renamed the National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) to reflect its expanding role in thematic mapping and applied geography.

Objectives and Functions

NATMO’s principal aim is to produce scientific and accurate maps that contribute to understanding India’s spatial diversity and to support developmental and administrative activities. Its major objectives include:

• Preparation of Thematic Maps and Atlases on topics such as population, agriculture, geology, environment, health, and socio-economic conditions.
• Development of Geospatial Databases using modern cartographic and remote sensing techniques.
• Publishing and Updating the National Atlas of India and other educational atlases in multiple languages.
• Support to Planning and Research, providing spatial data and thematic analyses for national and state-level policy formulation.
• Public Education and Awareness, promoting map-reading skills, geographic literacy, and appreciation of India’s regional diversity.

Major Publications and Projects

Over the decades, NATMO has produced a wide range of maps and atlases that serve both academic and governmental purposes. Some of its most notable publications include:

• National Atlas of India (1957) – The organisation’s flagship publication, presenting an integrated overview of India’s geography, resources, economy, and culture in a thematic format.
• District Planning Atlases – Detailed atlases at the district level to aid local governance and resource management.
• Cultural Heritage Atlas of India – Depicting archaeological, architectural, and intangible heritage across the country.
• Environmental Atlas of India – Showing ecological zones, forest cover, biodiversity, and pollution patterns.
• Tourist Atlases – Highlighting major tourist circuits, monuments, and natural attractions.
• Digital Mapping Projects – In recent years, NATMO has undertaken initiatives in GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and remote sensing, producing digital thematic maps for disaster management, agriculture, and urban planning.

The organisation also issues wall maps, educational charts, and atlas series for schools and universities, making geographical knowledge more accessible to students.

Technological Evolution

Originally, NATMO’s mapping work was carried out through manual cartography, involving traditional drafting, colour separation, and engraving techniques. However, with advances in technology, the organisation has embraced digital cartography, GIS, and remote sensing tools to enhance precision and efficiency.
Modern mapping at NATMO now involves:

• Satellite imagery interpretation for land use and environmental mapping.
• Geospatial database management using GIS software.
• 3D visualisation and interactive maps for public dissemination.
• Digital printing and e-atlases, improving accessibility through online platforms.

This transition has positioned NATMO as a leading institution in geospatial science, integrating data from multiple sources for multidisciplinary applications.

Role in Development and Planning

NATMO’s thematic maps have been indispensable in India’s developmental planning. By providing spatially organised data, the organisation assists in:

• Agricultural and Land-use Planning – Mapping soil types, irrigation, and crop patterns to inform sustainable agriculture.
• Resource Management – Charting mineral, water, and forest resources for optimal utilisation.
• Infrastructure and Urban Development – Supporting planning of transport networks, industrial zones, and urban expansion.
• Disaster Management and Environmental Protection – Offering critical maps for flood-prone areas, earthquake zones, and ecological vulnerability assessments.
• Census and Demographic Studies – Collaborating with the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India for population mapping.

By visualising complex data spatially, NATMO enables policy-makers and researchers to identify regional disparities, prioritise development schemes, and monitor progress effectively.

Educational and Cultural Contributions

Beyond scientific mapping, NATMO has contributed to public education and cultural preservation. It prepares educational atlases for school curricula, supporting geography teaching at various levels. Its maps often incorporate cultural, linguistic, and historical themes, highlighting India’s unity in diversity.
The Cultural Heritage Mapping Programme, initiated by NATMO, aims to document heritage sites, folk traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems, linking geography with history and anthropology. Exhibitions and publications from NATMO frequently serve as educational tools for both scholars and the general public.

International Collaboration and Recognition

NATMO has also engaged in international collaborations in the fields of cartography, remote sensing, and GIS. It has participated in global initiatives of organisations such as the United Nations, the International Cartographic Association (ICA), and the Asian Association on Remote Sensing (AARS). Through these partnerships, it contributes to global efforts in environmental monitoring, climate research, and sustainable development mapping.
Its achievements have earned it recognition as one of the oldest and most comprehensive national atlas organisations in the world, comparable to institutions in advanced cartographic nations.

Recent Developments

In the digital era, NATMO continues to modernise its operations. Key recent initiatives include:

• Launch of digital thematic mapping portals for interactive use.
• Development of mobile-friendly e-atlases for students and researchers.
• Collaboration with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) and Survey of India for integrated geospatial data frameworks.
• Contribution to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) to centralise and share geospatial data across government departments.

In 2021, NATMO completed the Bharatmaps Project, an effort to create a comprehensive national geospatial platform integrating thematic and infrastructural datasets.

Significance and Legacy

The National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation has been instrumental in building India’s cartographic identity. By combining scientific precision with cultural sensitivity, it has presented a multidimensional portrait of the nation’s geography and development.
Its work underpins planning, education, and research, bridging the gap between scientific data and public understanding. For over six decades, NATMO has served as a custodian of India’s spatial knowledge—mapping not only the land but also the life, diversity, and progress of the nation.