地圖集是由一組地圖有系統地滙編而成，它能顯示世界各國或一國一地的地理環揖、自然資源、生產佈局以及政治、經濟、社會、文化等現象。地圖集是一部完整的地圖作品，其主要特性在於內容的完整性、內部的協調一致性、現時性和聲飾品質的優美。地圖集內各類地國所周之符號、色彩、文字註記的統一和系統化以及精寄的設計，都是衡量地圖集品質的基本條件。地圖集的編製是一項十分複雜而又艱鉅的工作，不僅需要深刻地了解製圖區域的地理環境，而且更要具備盟富的地圖知識，如此，才能編製出高水準的地圖集。

An atlas is a set of maps compiled systematically. It indicates the geographical environment, natural sources, productional distribution, as well as political, economic, social and cultural phenomena of certain region or certain country. As a complete work of maps, an atlas is characterized by the completeness of the content, its inner unison and integrity, and elaborate map decoration. Besides, the systematic map symbols, map colours, map lettering，and deliberate design constitute the basic requirements to appraise the quality of an atlas. Map compilation is very intricate and pain staking. It demands not only great knowledge about the geo-graphicial environment that is going to be drawn, but mastery of map learning to compile an atlas of excellent quality.