The State Council on Dec 14 issued a new set of regulations on maps signed by Premier Li Keqiang, with the goal of tightening control over maps, safeguarding state sovereignty and boosting development of the geographic information industry.

The Map Management Regulations cover compilation, examination and publishing of maps to be made public, Internet mapping services, and supervision and inspection of maps.

It said that related laws and regulations on confidentiality must be complied with, and agencies engaged in map compilation must get a mapping qualification certificate.

The regulations called on governments at all levels, related authorities and news media to strengthen publicity and education to enhance citizens’ awareness of national territory.

Education to enhance awareness of national territory should be included in the education of primary and middle schools, the regulations added.

The State supports innovation of geographic information technologies and development of the industry, and will step up structural adjustment and upgrading of the industry, said the regulations, adding that governments should improve mechanisms to share geographic information resources.

The regulations called on authorities to strengthen supervision and regulation of activities related to maps, such as compilation, publishing, demonstration, media coverage, production, sales, import and export. It also called for enhanced policy support as well as tightened regulation on the Internet mapping service industry.

According to the regulations, maps made public must be submitted to related authorities for review.

Having been approved by the State Council on Nov 11, the regulations are set to be implemented starting on Jan 1, 2016.