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New Qatari Success at International Forum - Qatar National Atlas Ranks Second in the World

The State of Qatar has achieved a new success in the Geographical Information System (GIS) field. The Qatar National Atlas, produced by the GIS section in the Bureau of Statistics, has ranked second among atlases of countries participating in the 27th International Conference on Geographical Information System organized by the World's topmost GIS vendor, the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) held in San Diego, USA, during 18-22 June 2007.

This conference is one of the major international conferences specialized in Geographical Information Systems. A record number of more than 14,000 participants from 113 countries attended the conference at which the latest technology of programs, applications and projects in various fields were on display. The Qatari National Atlas was appreciated by the participants for its professional manner of presentation, smooth flow of the topics addressed and accuracy in presenting statistical data in a comprehensible manner.

It is worth-mentioning here that the Qatar National Atlas portrays an overall geographic, socio-cultural and economic picture of the country. The geographic distribution and the interrelationship of socio-economic data generated through the General Population and Houses Census carried out in 2004 and a spatio-temporal analysis based on the previous censuses conducted by the department in 1986 and 1997 has been the main focus of the study.

This issue in 421 A3 pages is the second of its type since the Qatari Social and Economic Atlas issued in 2000, which was the first of its kind in the State of Qatar reflecting a new concept in presenting statistical data.

The Atlas is in two major parts. Part One contains 83 maps covering administrative setup, physiographic and environmental conditions, infrastructure, housing and population characteristics, agriculture, industry and trade & commerce including tourism. Each theme is supported with brief explanatory notes, tables, diagrams and photos related to the topic addressed.

 Part Two contains important and useful geographical information represented by 234 topographical maps showing major populated areas in Qatar. These ortho-photo maps also contain names of the main streets in Arabic and English and location of important landmarks shown through different symbols.

Two A1 size maps (Arabic/English) are also included in the side pockets of the Atlas showing geographic information including Doha and Al Rayyan streets in detail and general statistics of the country for tourist purpose and use of general public.