China introduces controls on digital mapping

Right: Lu Xinshe director-general of China's State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping

China’s State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping has introduced a series of measures designed to strengthen controls over the collection of digital mapping data in the country. The measures limit permission to gather such digital mapping data to qualified map providers and publishing houses.

They also prohibit anyone from collecting any unauthorized information and require that digital navigation maps must be submitted to the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping for examination before being published, exhibited, or used in public areas. Map makers are also prohibited from disclosing state secrets or spreading such information in any form, explicitly or inexplicitly.

The deputy director of the bureau, Xie Jingrong, says the regulations will help standardize the mapping activities of foreigners in China. “Foreign organizations and individuals must obtain approval from the government and submit to supervision if they wish to carry out surveying and mapping in scientific research and teaching programs, travel or exploration in China.” Xie Jingrong adds that foreigners must cooperate with a Chinese partner and the activities must not involve state secrets or jeopardize national security.

According to the bureau, the number of foreigners conducting surveying and mapping in China is on the rise. Xie Jingrong claims that many field projects have been carried out illegally, which could potentially threaten China’s security.

20 December 2007