mapping. This points out a strong heterogeneity both thematic and methodological. The various approaches are analysed and gathered in two main categories: synthetic methods and analyti'cal ones. Then are described the present actions of the Atelier
Technique des Espaces Naturels (French Ministry of Environment), as national co-ordinator for GIS application and natural environment mapping in protected areas. Those actions are based on the following points: 1) ' project 'concept, 2) planing method