National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation
Also called: NATMO · Topic: Maps and Map Scale · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) is India's agency for atlases and thematic maps. A thematic map shows one theme, such as population or land use. NATMO is based in Kolkata and works under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It was set up in 1956 as the National Atlas Organisation and got its present name in 1978. It compiles the National Atlas of India and thematic maps used for planning and teaching.
Example
A map of India showing how population density varies from state to state is the kind of thematic map NATMO prepares from its Kolkata office.
Don't confuse with
- Survey of India: the Survey of India (set up in 1767 and based in Dehradun) surveys the land and makes basic topographical maps. NATMO uses such data to make atlases and thematic maps.