National mapping agency

A National Mapping Agency is a government agency that collects data about the geography of a country and turns it into maps. Maps are important because they help us make sense of the world around us. For example, maps help us plan trips, find our way around a city, and decide which way to drive. National Mapping Agencies collect data from satellites, planes, and other sources, then use computers to turn that data into maps of roads, rivers, mountains, and other features of a country. They make these maps available to everyone so everyone has access to the same quality and detailed maps.