Lop Nur, known as the "sea of death" in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, will be fully unveiled in 2007 by Chinese cartographers.

Researchers have completed surveying to the desert and Lop Nur's relief maps will be published in early 2007, Surveying and Mapping Institute of Gansu Province has announced.

Located at the Tarim depression of the eastern Takla Makan Desert, Lop Nur is one of the most barren areas of China.

Researchers said they have surveyed the topography of more than 47,000 square kilometers by using aerial photography, GPS and other advanced surveying methods.

The survey also discovered that Lop Nur has rich reserve of sylvite and gold ore, researchers said.

Lop Nur used to be the largest lake in northwestern China before it dried up in 1972 as a result of desertification and environmental degradation.

It had once nurtured the civilization of Loulan (Kroraina). The ancient city was one of the pivotal stop in the famous Silk Road, but it suddenly disappeared around 3rd century AD and the reason has been remained as a mystery till now. At present, the abandoned site of Loulan has become a tourist attraction.

Due to its typical geology, geography and historical values, Lop Nur has allured the attention of scientists from home and abroad since the middle of 19th century.

Chinese scientists have launched many expeditions in the area without the guide of a complete map since 1949. As a result, some have lost their life in the desert.

Source: Xinhua