OVERVIEW

The Atlas of the Federated States of Micronesia is IREI's largest undertaking. The project was initiated as a response to the lack of accurate large-scale maps for the country and the inconsistent and erroneous use of place names. IREI's work on these two problems developed into the initiative for an authoritative geographic reference for the FSM. We envision this upcoming publication to be a comprehensive, informative, richly illustrated monograph that will suitably portray the environmental and cultural heritage of the Federated States of Micronesia, which we see as both a diverse but cohesive region as well as a fascinating microcosm of individual islands.

COMPLETE COVERAGE

Since the primary purpose of the Atlas is to provide a standard geographic reference for the FSM, its comprehensiveness is critical. The Atlas will present a full cartographic coverage of the FSM, including not only standard maps of the country or island groups, but large scale maps of each individual island/atoll. Essentially, it will be a a dual collection of regional-scale thematic maps of the entire archipelago and detailed, individual maps of the constituent islands/atolls. From the country's four main islands to the tiniest uninhabited coral islets and even submerged atolls, this Atlas aims to present a truly complete geographic picture of the Federated States of Micronesia.

ACCURATE AND ATTRACTIVE ORIGINAL MAPS

New maps will be projected and designed exclusively for the purpose of this Atlas. The maps will be generated from GIS coverages of the FSM produced by IREI based on best available topographic maps and navigation charts, remote sensing imagery and field information. They will represent reefs, shorelines, topography, hydrology, settlements and other significant features.

ACCURATE PLACE NAMES

The Atlas will contain place names as in daily use in local languages and never before recorded on maps. Toponymic data will be based exclusively on our own research in the field, instead of old maps and references. We pay special attention to accurate spellings and orthographic rules of local languages.

IN-DEPTH, INFORMATIVE TEXTS

The Atlas will contain a wealth of clear, in-depth texts. National and regional maps will be accompanied by discussions of regionally relevant topics, such as geologic setting, hydrologic and climatic conditions, ecologic situation, cultural and socio-political aspects, etc. Maps of individual islands will be supplemented by texts examining that particular island or atoll. The texts will be written by or in cooperation with recognized specialists in respective fields. We extend our invitation to all persons with a deep knowledge of a particular topic or island in Micronesia to consider contributing to this Atlas. Please contact us with your ideas, suggestions and comments.

HIGH-QUALITY ILLUSTRATIONS

The Atlas will be richly and colorfully illustrated. In addition to aerial and satellite imagery and explanatory charts and diagrams, the Atlas will contain award-winning color photographs expounding the magnificence of Micronesia.

Download project brochure:

Atlas of the FSM PDF brochure