Atlas of Colombia
Atlas de Colombia
Colombia · Unknown · 1967
Related Reviews & Articles
Geographical atlas of Colombia
Зонн, С. В.; Нарских, Р. С. · 1970
This article presents a comprehensive review of the second edition (1969) of the *Geographical Atlas of Colombia*, published by the Agustín Codazzi Geographical Institute with contributions from several Colombian institutions. The purpose is to evaluate the atlas’s thematic coverage, cartographic methods, and overall contribution to geographic knowledge of the country. The review systematically examines its sections: cosmography, physical geography, historical cartography, population and culture, economy, transport, and regional maps. The atlas contains 169 maps, city plans, and extensive illustrative material, continuing Colombia's rich cartographic tradition. Strengths include detailed climate maps, insightful reproductions of historical maps, effective population distribution cartograms, and high-quality general geographic and departmental maps. However, notable weaknesses are identified: the absence of geomorphological and hydrological maps; overly schematic soil and ecological representations; incomplete coverage of economic topics such as trade, finance, and tourism; a lack of quantitative indicators on many maps (e.g., river characteristics, port traffic); and occasional design errors. The economy section remains underdeveloped relative to other parts. Despite these shortcomings, the atlas provides a clear and accessible overview of Colombia’s history, physical environment, population, and culture in a visually appealing format. It is concluded to hold significant cultural-educational and scientific value, serving as a fundamental reference work for understanding the country’s geography.
Register of thematic maps: Atlas of Colombia
Becker, Bertha K. · 1968
The Atlas de Colômbia, published in October 1967 by the Agustín Codazzi Geographical Institute in collaboration with numerous public and private entities, offers a vast compilation of geographic information on the country. This review examines the atlas’s structure, cartographic quality, and thematic content. The volume assembles approximately 150 maps, plans, diagrams, photographs, and drawings at various scales, representing a major effort to systematize existing cartographic studies. However, the compilation results in significant heterogeneity: modern, detailed maps coexist with antiquated, generalized representations, and inconsistencies appear in colors, lettering, and symbols. The work is organized into three broad sectors—didactic (cosmography, astronomy, general physical geography, cartography), historical (extensive collection of old maps), and geographic (physical, human, and economic maps at national and departmental levels). Physical geography maps are particularly strong, with geology, relief, temperature variation according to altitude, soils, erosion, and ecology (following Holdridge’s classification) well represented and providing valuable insight into Colombia’s natural framework. In contrast, human and economic maps, despite covering many themes, tend to be superficial, merely showing the distribution of products and crops without conveying spatial organization. Exceptions include maps of population distribution, living-standard differentials (based on Lebret’s criteria), and geo-economic regions with attraction centers by Guhl, which attempt a more dynamic interpretation. The atlas thus reflects a transitional stage between the traditional descriptive, enumerative atlas and the modern dynamic, interpretative one. It mirrors a stage of economic development where natural conditions still heavily condition human organization, and constitutes a tangible advance in Colombia’s geographic knowledge.
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