Issue date: 14 May, 2020
150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPANISH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE
The Spanish National Geographic Institute (IGN) was created in 1870 for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Its work focused on cartography, geodesic triangulations, and weights and measurements.
This year is 150 years since its foundation, and over the course of a century and a half, its objectives and functions have evolved with the changing times, but its essence has remained intact.
It was originally centred on determining the size and shape of the Earth, creating maps and land registry.
The Spanish National Geographic Institute was also initially responsible for managing the official system of weights and measurements.
Now, in the 21st century, new technology in the fields of astronomy, geodesy, geophysics, cartography and geomatics are used every day at the institution.
Its main functions currently include planning and operating astronomy infrastructure and supplying information about astronomy, managing the Royal Observatory in Madrid, monitoring volcanic activity, and producing and managing topography databases.
Important official bodies have been connected to the IGN throughout its history. The current bodies are the Geographical Engineers, the Astronomical Engineers, the Topographical Technical Engineers and the Technical Specialists in Cartographic Reproduction.
This first stamp, of the two which Correos will dedicate to this onomastic, is framed within an interesting fold-out mini sheet, which represents a complicated orography once unfolded.
Different vignettes with images of cartographic maps, an erupting volcano and a river accompany a stamp that features the colourful logo of the 150th anniversary and a drawing of the silhouette of the Spanish National Geographic Institute headquarters, located at Calle General Ibáñez de Íbero in Madrid.
The scientific operation and planning of the astronomy equipment and infrastructure, including the research in radio astronomy, and the supply of official information regarding astronomy and preservation of the heritage at the Royal Observatory in Madrid.
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