A Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand
New Zealand · 1960
Related Reviews & Articles
Mirror for New Zealanders: A Descriptive Atlas Reviewed
The Editors · 1960
This article provides a comprehensive critical review of 'A Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand', published in 1959. The author begins by noting that while the atlas is well-produced, its purpose is ambiguous, as it is neither an ideal academic reference nor a fully qualified national atlas. The review then systematically examines defects in the atlas's binding, map content, text, and illustrations. Criticisms include the full binding hindering map updates and flat use, inappropriate map scales, outdated or over-generalized information, and inconsistent symbolization. The text section is criticized for verbosity, unclear phrasing, and missing crucial dates. Despite acknowledging merits such as excellent printing and some original maps, the article concludes that the atlas falls short of national standards. The author suggests that to achieve true national atlas status, a complete recasting with loose-leaf maps and comprehensive coverage of New Zealand's physical, human, and economic geography is necessary.
Ein Regionalatlas von Neuseeland
E. Reiner · 1960
This article reviews the new national atlas of New Zealand, published in 1960. Compiled under the direction of Chief Cartographer R.G. Dick, the atlas was completed in 1959 and presents the most up-to-date statistical information on New Zealand at the time. The work is divided into a text section and a map section. The text comprises 27 chapters covering topics from Maori settlement, discovery, and early colonization to geology, climate, flora and fauna, soils, land use, agriculture, economy, population, and tourism. The map section includes topographical and numerous thematic maps, complemented by high-quality aerial photographs. The review analyzes the atlas's structure, cartographic techniques (such as projections and color schemes), and its strengths and weaknesses, praising its thematic maps on economy and population while critiquing certain outdated map styles and binding issues. Overall, the atlas is hailed as one of the finest works on New Zealand's geography, combining scientific rigor with aesthetic appeal.
Reviews of Books: A Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand
J. S. D. · 1960
This is an academic review of the *Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand*, published by the New Zealand Government in 1959. The atlas comprises 48 map pages and 88 pages of text, systematically covering New Zealand's physical and human geography, including relief, geology, soils, climate, vegetation, population distribution, land use, manufacturing, and communications. The review identifies several cartographic shortcomings, such as layer coloring that inadequately represents the country's rugged terrain, binding that detracts from map usability, outdated maps not referenced in the text, and an erroneous caption for Tasman's map. Despite these flaws, the reviewer highly praises the 25 full-page photographs, mostly aerial obliques, with detailed captions that vividly illustrate the diversity of New Zealand's landscape. Overall, the review concludes that while the atlas is rich in factual content and visually appealing, it lacks the synthesis needed to integrate its parts into a cohesive whole, likening it to a lavishly illustrated yearbook. It also expresses hope that the atlas's unexpected success might prompt the government to reconsider an Historical Atlas project.
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