Original Articles
QI Qing-wen, CHI Tian-he, LIAO Ke, LI Bo-nan, CHEN Hua-bin, ZHA Chun-li
This paper expounded theories, methods and technologies of the Electronic version of National Physical Atlas of China (ENPAC). At first, the background of, the need to, and the support from CAS to, the ENPAC is related. Secondly, the authors discussed the designing principles and some theoretic & methodological problems of ENPAC. Thirdly, the paper described the system structure and key problems of ENPAC. The system structure of it includes data, software, auxiliary materials, model and methods, and also its four functions, i. e. , the function module of atlas browsing, display and simulation, query, as well as analysis. The key problems includes the selection of developing platform, the building of 3D and dynamic data model, and also integration of multi - source & multi - type data. Fourthly, the paper analyzed main characteristics of ENPAC, i. e. , the unique interface structure, the special interactive tools, various types of dynamic maps, special browsing function, vivid virtual 3D relief fly - through, multiple representation, as well as function of analysis and query. Finally, future direction and plan of updating ENPAC was expounded.