ISU scientists have joined the work on the project for a new atlas, “Asian Russia. Siberia and the Far East”, which will be created based on the model of academic atlases published by the V.V. Sochava Institute of Geography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS) in collaboration with other institutions of the SB RAS and universities in Irkutsk.

More than 20 scientific and educational organizations across Russia have expressed their willingness to participate in the project. It is designed for several years and will be implemented in three stages.

The first stage (2024-2025) is dedicated to developing the concept and design of the Atlas. A team of experts will create author’s sketches, layouts and originals of maps corresponding to the approved programme.

The second stage (2026-2027) will focus on developing and testing software tools for collecting and processing spatial data. A system of integrated digital processing of cartographic, textual, and other semiotically structured data will be created. Particular attention will be devoted to the development of semiotic models for designing the special content of maps. The result of this stage will be the creation of map compilation for the first two volumes of the Atlas.

The third stage (2028) will complete the work on the project by creating the publishing version of the maps. The final compilation, semiotic design, and development of the design of the Atlas volumes will be carried out. At this stage, the Atlas will be prepared for geoportal and print publishing.

The Atlas will have two volumes:

• Volume 1: Archaeology, History, Natural and Cultural Heritage. This volume covers the period from the Stone Age to the present, presenting archaeological finds, historical events, unique natural sites and the cultural heritage of the region.
• Volume 2: Nature, Society, Economy, Ecological Situation. This volume is dedicated to the current state of Siberia and the Far East, analyzing natural resources, socio-economic development, demographic processes and environmental problems.

Alexander Batuev, Professor of the Department of Geography, Cartography and Geosystem Technologies of ISU Faculty of Geography, Head of the Laboratory of Cartography, Geoinformatics and Remote Methods of the Institute of Geography SB RAS:

The new atlas will provide a comprehensive picture of the macro-region of Russia, comparing it with other territories of the country and the world. Combining the latest research, fundamental knowledge from past atlases and advanced foreign experience, it will open opportunities for in-depth analysis and understanding of key spatial patterns of the development of human potential, society and nature. This, in turn, will contribute to the effective and sustainable development of Russia and its regions in all spheres.

Sayana Vologzhina, Dean of ISU Faculty of Geography:

ISU participation in this project is a logical continuation of the long-standing tradition of cooperation between ISU Faculty of Geography and research institutes of Irkutsk.