MEDIUM: Map, Poster
DESCRIPTION:
On November 12, 2024, Sun Yat-sen University, located in the Pearl River Delta of China, celebrated its 100th anniversary. As an alumnus, I created this memorial map to introduce this university—founded personally by the democratic revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat-sen—and to honor its spiritual emblem: Soaring Peaks, Everlasting Streams.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT:
This bilingual commemorative map celebrates the 100th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen University, not only showcasing its geographical layout but also weaving in rich historical and cultural elements. It reflects the university’s remarkable century-long journey of growth and achievement. The map illustrates the five campuses spanning three cities in Guangdong Province: Guangzhou (South, North, and East Campuses), Zhuhai, and Shenzhen. Key features such as campus gates, main streets, landmarks, and major bodies of water are clearly labeled. An inset map, positioned slightly above the center, provides a brief account of the university’s relocation during the Second Sino-Japanese War, highlighting its resilience and commitment to education during turbulent times. Designed in an elegant ink-wash style, the map integrates Sun Yat-sen University’s signature colors—dark red and deep green—blending geographical accuracy with the refined aesthetics of traditional Chinese art. The base map was created in Mapbox using data from OpenStreetMap. Additionally, motifs from the university’s emblem, such as the begonia-shaped window design, are subtly incorporated into key elements, including the compass rose, inset map frame, and point symbols. As a 2015 GIS graduate of Sun Yat-sen University, I present this map as a heartfelt tribute to my alma mater’s centennial celebration. To further enhance its significance, I have also carved a seal featuring the phrase “Soaring Peaks, Everlasting Streams”—a symbol of the university’s enduring spirit—serving as the finishing touch to this commemorative piece. Visit CartoGuophy.com to discover more about this map and view other works by Atlas Guo.
OTHER INFORMATION:
A printed version of this map was displayed in the Map Gallery of Wisconsin Land Information Association 2025 Annual Conference, and won the runner-up of Reference Map Award.