A. G. H.; R. W. S. · 1960
The Atlas of Kenya stands as an exemplary work of modern cartography, closely modeled on the esteemed Atlas of Tanganyika. Its loose-leaf binding facilitates updates, and a 1:3,000,000 scale presents the entire country on a single page with clear legends. Featuring 25 thematic maps, provincial series, 20 town plans, and historical maps, the atlas is beautifully designed with legible typography. While agricultural and communication maps could be simplified, and the population dot value is high, the overall production is excellent, offering invaluable reference for Kenya's geographical studies and representing a notable achievement of the Survey of Kenya.
G. R. C. · 1961
The *Atlas of Kenya*, compiled, drawn, and printed by the Survey of Kenya, was first published in late 1959 under the direction of R. J. Butler and edited by B. A. McArthur-Davis. Featuring 45 clearly produced plates of high cartographic standard, the atlas covers physical and human geography alongside a wide range of administrative maps. Provincial maps at 1:1M scale use layer coloring, emphasize communications, and include a limited selection of names, while thematic maps at 1:3M scale are based on data from government departments and research organizations. The atlas also includes reproductions of early maps, such as Erhardt and Rebmann's 1856 maps, offering valuable insights for historical geography scholars.
H.A.S.S. · 1961
R. A. S. S. reviews the first Atlas of Kenya, compiled, drawn and printed by the Survey of Kenya in 1959 from national survey and other governmental sources. Its 45 maps include 40 colour plates and five black-and-white historical maps, supplemented by place-name spelling and pronunciation notes and a gazetteer. Coverage includes physical geography, towns, administrative divisions, economic assets, pests and diseases, and thematic subjects such as soils, ethnography and communications. The reviewer praises its comprehensiveness and excellent colour registration, but finds the 1:3 million scale of most national maps barely adequate for dense information, some colour combinations harsh, and red road lines excessive on otherwise clear 1:1 million maps, especially the Nairobi environs sheet. Emphasizing the research and careful editing required to compile such maps, the reviewer singles out the Exploration plate, naming 28 early explorers, for its apparent depth of historical research, exceptional interest and commemorative value.
