The construction of digital maps of China is well under way, said a senior Chinese official in charge of China's surveying and mapping affairs Thursday.

The digital China program is set to digitalize all of the country's natural and social resources information on the basis of geospatial information. Experts say that it will help understand and handle the country's natural and social resource issues better.

Chen Bangzhu, director general of the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping, said at the ongoing "Map Asia 2004" international conference in Beijing Thursday that the important role of surveying and mapping is clearly identified in the national economy, social development and public life.

He stressed that all the achievements that China has made in this field are closely linked with international cooperation.

"We have worked closely with over 10 international organizations and have played a positive role in their activities," said Chen.

According to Chen, his bureau has bilateral cooperation and exchange agreements with national mapping agencies of more than 20 countries.

(Xinhua News Agency August 27, 2004)