An accurate sheet map of the Maldives that leaves no portion uncovered. Starting with an overall map of the Maldives showing every atoll and inhabited island, this full color map has enlarged sections of all the tourist atolls. Each map clearly shows the location of reefs, inhabited and uninhabited islands, resorts and other features such as protected marine areas, wrecks, airports and heliports. A major addition to this map is the inclusion of all the popular dive sites and surfing locations. It also includes a map of Male, the island capital of the Maldives, that illustrates such features as accommodation, banks, government offices and places of interest.
Tim Godfrey is the author and researcher of Dive Maldives: A Guide to the Maldives Archipelago and Atlas of the Maldives: A Reference for Travellers, Divers and Sailors. In 1996, he established his publishing company, Atoll Editions, and has since released multiple editions and translations of his thoroughly-researched guides, atlases and maps.
Atoll Editions has quickly established a reputation for both quality and accuracy and our products have become the standard reference for both divers and instructors. The Ministry of Tourism in the Maldives have acknowledged the usefulness of Dive Maldives by using many of the stories, information and maps in its official Website and CD-Rom. Atoll Editions is going from strength to strength with more publications and translations due for release.
Research
We started out mapping divesites before GPS was available by using an underwater slate, compass and depth gauge. Our visual reference was the islands and our guides were fishermen and divebase leaders who shared our vision to make our divesites safer and more enjoyable for divers. Now we have invested in a purpose built research vessel, Shukuriya: a small but versatile vessel capable of making lighter work out of formerly difficult and time-consuming underwater mapping tasks. While there is no substitute for the powers of underwater observation, the shape and dimension of reefs can only be accurately displayed through the generation of geo-referenced 2D and 3D bathymetric data. With the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), our underwater mapping will continue to be a major focus of our marine research work. Through the increased accuracy of our maps, we hope to build on the creativity of others and work in partnership to improve the enjoyment, awareness and the protection of our marine environment for all to enjoy (check here for details of research and for boat details).
Products
Our first product was a hand-sketched divesite log-book, printed in 1987 by Novelty Printers and Publishers in Male'. They remain an integral part of our business through the distribution of our products in the Maldives. Through the proceeds of sales, our product range has been gradually extended to include other relevant items of interest, including atlases and photographic guides to marine life. However, our core focus remains with mapping divesites and unexplored reefs as well as researching marine life. With the aid of our new research vessel, we expect to increase the quality and range of our products in the future and continue to provide our valued customers with detailed, accurate guides to the Maldives Archipelago.
