National Geographic Society

National Geographic Society is a US-based non-governmental organization founded in 1888 whose goal is to support scientific research and education about geographic knowledge through various media. In 2005, a partnership was concluded between the World Heritage Centre, Hewlett-Packard and National Geographic Society to design, produce and distribute a new version of the World Heritage Map to increase its diffusion to the public.

In November 2006, a new agreement was signed between the World Heritage Centre and National Geographic Society to set up a free downloadable program, "National Geographic World Explorer", including high-resolution images, cartography and interactive thematic information. Location of World Heritage sites as well as information about them will be included in this program.

Objectives:

• Design a new World Heritage Map focusing on the editorial aspect to facilitate reading and comprehension.
• Update the World Heritage map on an annual basis.
• Distribute the map to State parties and National Geographic's distribution network
• Promote World Heritage sites through the computer program "National Geographic World Explorer"