National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation

“A map isn’t just lines on paper,” a seasoned cartographer once told me, right here at the National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation. “It’s a story waiting to be unfolded.” The National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation, or NATMO, headquartered in Kolkata, is more than just a building. It’s India’s cartographic heart, beating since 1956. Initially known as the National Atlas Organisation, it was the brainchild of Professor Shiba Prasad Chattopadhyay, a visionary who saw the power of maps in shaping a nation’s destiny. He convinced Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of the importance of a national atlas. Within nine months, the first Bharat Rashtriya Atlas, in Hindi, was published. This was a remarkable feat for a newly independent nation. The National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation has since blossomed. Renamed NATMO in 1978, it has produced over a hundred atlases, more than five hundred thematic maps, and nearly two hundred monographs. It’s perhaps the largest mapping organization globally. From agriculture and environment to archaeology and health, NATMO meticulously crafts maps that tell the story of India. They even offer a “golden map service” and tourist maps. The National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation embraces technology. They utilize GIS, GPS, and remote sensing. Their own data center provides online access to digital versions of their publications, ensuring these stories reach everyone. The National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation doesn’t just map the land; it maps progress, challenges, and the very essence of India. They even develop maps for the visually impaired, ensuring everyone can access these stories. It truly is a place where geography comes alive.