China to launch 1st national geoinformation survey

BEIJING - China will launch its first national survey that will examine the country's geographic conditions next year.

The survey, with investment of about 1.1 billion yuan ($175 million), will take three years to monitor China's nature and geographic conditions relating to humans, a National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation statement said on Monday.

Information collected will consist of the country's territorial size, geological regions, topographic and geomorphic characteristics as well as road and transportation networks.

The information will be used to establish a national background database on geographic conditions in the country, the statement said.

The administration also announced on Monday it will launch a national program to equip the country's cities with digital public services supported by geoinformation networks.