NATMO

NATMO, National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization, is a premier National Organization in the field of thematic maps and atlas making, under the ministry of science and technology of India. Professor S P Chatterjee, drafted the plan for the foundation of the organization and in April 1954 it took shape. On 18th August 1956 this small organization developed into the National Atlas Organization under the Geography Department of Kolkata University.

Professor S.P. Chatterjee, known as the Father of Indian Geography became its first Director. He is. He established Geographical Society of India. In 1978 the name of the organization was changed to National Atlas and Thematic Organization to widen its scope of activities.

Currently Dr. P. Nag is the Director of the organization. He joined NATMO in 1976 as a Research Officer and was selected the Director in 1994. He is the eminent scholar in the field of digital mapping and has received various awards such as Technology Excellence by Technocrate Association of India, Uttaranchal Ratan by Uttaranchal Nagrik Parishad, Commonwealth Bursary by Geographical Society.

The Head Office of the organization is in Kolkata. The organization published the first National Atlas of India in Hindi, known as Bharat Rashtriya Atlas. It also has to its credit publication of Special Map Series, District Planning Map Series, and many Monographs related to thematic cartography.

NATMO is involved in compilation of the National Atlas of India, making of National Atlas in regional languages, increasing speed and efficiency in the field of mapping with the help of installation of Automated Mapping System. The organization is also involved in geographical research and preparation of thematic maps based on these research studies. The thematic maps on environment helps in predicting the impact of the changing environment on the social and economic development of the country. It also offers training to geologists who want to venture into this field.


Its training courses are :
  • Aerial photography, Remote Sensing and GIS
  • Application of Aerial photography in thematic mapping
  • Cartography and Map Reproduction
  • Cartography
  • Digital Mapping and Geographical Information System
  • Digital Cartography
  • Global Positioning System (GPS)

In 1994 NATMO entered the arena of Digital Mapping and GIS division. The organization is currently involved in preparing Atlas for the Visually Impaired, Kolkata Atlas, Cultural Heritage Atlas of India, and District Infrastructure and Communication Maps. The Atlas of Kolkata has been a special achievement for the organization as it is prepared totally in the digital environment. NATMO is planning to spread its wings into web cartography in the field of mobile communication, by launching the Golden Map Service Project. Under this project entire country will be mapped on the large-scale maps up-to the village level. The service of this project will be available on the Internet.

Major Functions of NATMO :
  1. Compilation of the National Atlas of India
  2. Preparation of the National Atlas maps in regional languages.
  3. Preparation of thematic maps based on research studies on environmental and associated aspects and their impact on social and economic development.
  4. Any other work entrusted by the Central Government or its agencies to NATMO
  5. Installation of automated Mapping System for increasing speed and efficiency in mapping.
  6. Division of Digital mapping System & Digitized and Scanning of existing map on digital format
  7. Geographical Researches.
  8. Remote Sensing & GIS, Digital Image processing
  9. Division on Cartography for the Visually Impaired.
  10. Capacity and Infrastructure building of NATMO to convert/to upgrade in digital mode.

Publications of NATMO.

Natmo Publications
Atlases of India :- Atlases on various themes on India.
Monographs :- It includes various Urban Studies.

District Publications
Districts maps showing the basic topographic and infrastructure features. These publications includes :-
  • Physiography and Relief
  • Slope
  • Rocks and Minerals
  • Soils
  • Irrigation and hydrology
  • Population,
  • General land use and cropping pattern
  • Climatic conditions
  • Industry