National Mapping and Resource Information Authority NAMRIA (Philippines)

Overview

The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA; Filipino: Pambansang Pangasiwaan sa Pagmamapa at Dulugang Kaalaman) is an agency of the Philippine government under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). NAMRIA serves as the sole central mapping agency, depository, and distribution facility for natural resources data in the Philippines in the form of maps, charts, texts, and statistics. It is headquartered at Lawton Avenue, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City, Metro Manila.

History and Founding

NAMRIA was created on 10 June 1987 by Executive Order No. 192, signed by President Corazon C. Aquino as part of the reorganization of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. It integrated the functions of four predecessor agencies: the Natural Resources Management Center (NRMC, established 1977 by Presidential Decree No. 1041), the National Cartography Authority (NCA), the Bureau of Coast and Geodetic Survey (BCGS, established 1901 from the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey's Manila Field Station), and the Land Classification Teams from the Bureau of Forest Development. DENR Administrative Order No. 31, series of 1988, prescribed implementation guidelines. In 1992, NAMRIA adopted the Philippine Reference System of 1992 as the standard reference for all surveying and mapping activities via Executive Order No. 45.

Collections and Holdings

NAMRIA produces, maintains, and updates topographic maps in various scales, nautical charts, planimetric and administrative maps (national, regional, and provincial levels), hazard maps, and land classification maps. The agency also holds an extensive collection of historical Philippine maps from the Spanish era through the present, as well as aerial photographs and satellite imagery used for land cover and resource mapping. NAMRIA operates 13 Map Sales Offices across the Philippines in addition to its main offices in Taguig and Binondo. A map gallery at NAMRIA headquarters displays historical maps from early Spanish cartography to the first NAMRIA-produced analogue and digital topographic maps.

Notable Materials Related to Journalism and Media

NAMRIA's collection of historical Philippine maps, including colonial-era Spanish maps, early American topographic surveys, and successive generations of Philippine resource and administrative maps, provides essential context for print media, journalism, and documentary research on Philippine geography, territorial disputes, and resource issues. The agency produces the official Philippine maps that are referenced in all government communications and publications.

Access and Usage

Maps, nautical charts, and publications produced by NAMRIA are available for purchase at NAMRIA Map Sales Offices. Free downloadable maps and resources are also available through the NAMRIA website at namria.gov.ph. Researchers and institutions may contact the Client Service Unit for inquiries about specific data products. The governance of NAMRIA is provided by a five-member Board of Governors chaired by the DENR Secretary, with an Administrator holding the rank of Undersecretary.