Mapping Asia’s trans-boundary waters, with a focus on China

Abstract

National interest, enhancing the nation’s wealth and welfare, and fostering development are factors cited for the awareness of the need of accurate and detailed topographic maps. These aspects are clearly spelt out in China’s Law No. 75 of 2002. An overview of the status of mapping in China in the context of overall management of its trans-boundary rivers is presented. Public access to these graphics is restricted in this regional context; they are available only to bona fide users. The importance of maps in the context of the trans-boundary water discourse is discussed.

Keywords:

• international political boundaries
• trans-boundary waters
• topographical map
• geodetic datum
• China

Acknowledgements

The author thanks the referees for their valued critical comments that enhanced this submission; thanks also to professor Patricia Wouters and the members of CIWL team at Xiamen University who extended a warm welcome and embrace during the conference in May 2014.