National Institute of Geographic and Forestry Information facts for kids

The National Institute of Geographic and Forestry Information (often called IGN) is a special organization in France. Its main job is to create detailed maps and gather information about the country's geography and forests. It helps people understand and explore France, from its mountains to its cities. The IGN was started in 1940 in Paris, the capital city of France.

What is the IGN and What Does It Do?

The IGN is like France's official mapmaker and land expert. It collects lots of information about the land, including how high places are, where rivers flow, and where forests grow. This information is then used to create accurate maps and digital data that many people use every day.

Mapping France: Creating Detailed Maps

One of the IGN's most important tasks is mapping. This means creating detailed pictures of the land from above. They make many different kinds of maps. Some maps show the shape of the land, like hills and valleys. Others show roads, buildings, and towns.

• Maps help us find our way when we travel.
• They are used by hikers, pilots, and even emergency services.
• Maps also help plan new roads or buildings.
• The IGN uses special airplanes and satellites to take pictures of the ground.

Geodesy: Measuring Our Planet

Geodesy is a science that sounds complicated, but it's really about measuring the Earth. The IGN uses geodesy to figure out the exact size and shape of France. They also measure how gravity changes in different places.

• These measurements are super important for making accurate maps.
• They also help systems like GPS (Global Positioning System) work correctly.
• GPS uses satellites to tell you exactly where you are on Earth.
• The IGN sets up special points on the ground that act like anchors for all these measurements.

Cartography: The Art of Mapmaking

After collecting all the information, the IGN uses cartography to turn it into maps. Cartography is the art and science of designing and producing maps. It's not just about drawing lines; it's about making maps easy to read and understand.

• Cartographers decide what information to include on a map.
• They choose colors, symbols, and fonts to make the map clear.
• Today, much of this work is done using computers and special software.
• The IGN creates both paper maps and digital maps that you can use on your phone or computer.

Forestry Information: Protecting French Forests

Besides maps, the IGN also focuses on France's forests. They gather information about how many trees there are, what types of trees they are, and how healthy the forests are. This is called forestry information.

• This information helps protect the environment.
• It helps manage forests for wood and other resources.
• It also helps understand how forests are affected by climate change.
• The IGN uses aerial photos and ground surveys to keep track of the forests.

How IGN's Work Helps Everyone

The work of the IGN is very important for many reasons. Their maps and data are used by the government, businesses, and everyday people.

• For safety: Emergency services use IGN maps to find places quickly.
• For planning: City planners use the data to design new neighborhoods.
• For fun: Hikers and tourists use maps to explore the countryside.
• For science: Scientists use the data to study the environment and climate.

The IGN helps us understand our world better, one map and one measurement at a time!