Edward P. Thatcher · 1980
Edward P. Thatcher reviews the third edition of Atlas de Colombia, planned and directed by Eduardo A. Latorre and published by the Instituto Geográfico “Agustín Codazzi” in 1977. He criticizes repeated national coverage and relief mapping as inefficient planning, while acknowledging that repetition emphasizes Colombia's rugged terrain. He finds the cultural and human geography section better planned, praising its accessible Spanish captions, clear map symbols, city maps paired with oblique aerial photographs, and selected color photographs. He also welcomes eleven historical cartography plates containing maps dated 1570–1927. The cloth-bound volume appears durable, but narrow outer margins and tight gutters impair its presentation. Despite these shortcomings, Thatcher prefers it to other South American national atlases, expects substantial use in scholarly libraries and Latin American studies collections, and considers its approximately US$46 price excellent value.
