Libraly Journal

Libraly Journal ›› 2025, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (416): 14-20.

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Exploring the Classification System of Ancient Chinese Maritime Atlas Literature

Zhang Hongyan1 Xu Kuiyi2 Cheng Jihong3 (1 Library of Zhejiang Ocean University2 Zhoushan Library Zhejiang Province 3 Teachers College Zhejiang Ocean University)   

  • Online:2026-01-15 Published:2026-01-08
  • About author:Zhang Hongyan1 Xu Kuiyi2 Cheng Jihong3 (1 Library of Zhejiang Ocean University 2 Zhoushan Library Zhejiang Province 3 Teachers College Zhejiang Ocean University)

Abstract: Maritime atlases refer to maps that primarily depict maritime island geography. As anessential component of historical geography research in ancient China systematic and comprehensivecollections of maritime atlases remain relatively scarce despite the publication of numerous ancient maps.This paper based on over 3 000 collected ancient Chinese maritime atlases proposes a five-categoryclassification according to map content coastal administrative atlases coastal defense atlases domesticand international navigation atlases thematic maritime atlases and maritime atlases of China drawn byWestern scholars. This classification aims to construct a comprehensive system of ancient Chinesemaritime atlases. This atlas system not only serves as a testament to maritime activities within Chinesecivilization but also provides a rich visual perspective for contemporary maritime history research.

Key words: Ancient maritime atlas, Atlas classification system, Atlas historical data compilation