An updated map of quake-hit areas will be sent to the frontline around 6 pm Sunday, said Qu Mingquan, general manager of Space Coordinate, a company engaged in mapping the earthquake.

Qu said the map includes information showing the exact epicenter of the earthquake, and the houses and roads damaged. It also predicts post-quake scenarios while taking weather conditions into consideration.

To release the road map for rescue workers as soon as possible, Qu and his colleague worked until 11 pm yesterday to finish the map. Qu went to bed at 3 am.

"I have not done so much. Some of my colleagues have not even closed their eyes until now,” Qu said.

Li Yu contributes to this story.