The aims and approach of geochemical mapping have been different in China and western countries. Geochemical mapping in western countries has been undertaken by research institutes and universities relying on large instruments with capacity of simultancous analysis of many elements. The aims of these research projects are to obtain fundamental information of academic interest about the distribution of many elements on earth surface. Geochemical exploration is undertaken by mining companies with analysis of a few ore elements in order to discover new ore deposits. In China we have made great effort to make geochemical mapping both having academic interest and also very useful in mineral exploration. This paper discusses the evolution of concepts and methodology in geochemical mapping and exploration in China & western countries and also foresees the expanding scopes of geochemical mapping in the future.