National Atlas of the United States of America
The National Atlas of the United States of America
USA · Geological Survey · 1970
Related Reviews & Articles
Geographical Reviews: The National Atlas of the United States of America
Dean, William G.; Matthews, Geoffrey J.; Hare, F. Kenneth; Gerlach, Arch C. · 1972
This paper presents a critical review of *The National Atlas of the United States*, a landmark cartographic achievement compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey under the editorship of Arch C. Gerlach. The review systematically examines the atlas’s organizational structure, thematic content, cartographic design, and technical production, while also reflecting on the broader purpose of national atlases. Methodologically, the authors evaluate each major section, with particular attention to the economic maps, which introduce analytical innovations such as juxtaposing distribution maps with production and sales values. Key findings indicate that while the atlas excels in physical and technical design—demonstrating skillful color blending, diverse page layouts, and fine linework—it suffers from thematic imbalances and a lack of logical coherence among sections. The economic portion, though largest, overemphasizes agriculture, contains misleading business maps, and fails to offer a comprehensive synthesis of the national economy. Minor printing flaws, such as dust spots and streaky impressions, also detract from an otherwise polished production. The review concludes that the atlas, like its predecessors, functions more as a ceremonial monument than as an instrument for socioeconomic planning, reflecting geographic conservatism and bureaucratic compromise. Nevertheless, it remains a visually compelling and indispensable reference for professional geographers, with strengths and weaknesses mirroring the discipline itself.
The national atlas: its problem solving utility
Gerlach, Arch C. · 1968
This paper discusses the planning, design, and utility of the National Atlas of the United States, an official government publication that compiles comprehensive thematic and reference maps depicting the country’s physical, historical, economic, social, and administrative patterns. To ensure practical problem-solving value and scientific accuracy, the U.S. Geological Survey reviewed existing national atlases, consulted expert cartographers, and conducted a survey of over 8,000 potential users, yielding more than 7,700 responses. Results confirmed high anticipated utility across all major sections—general reference, physical, historical, economic, socio-political, administrative, index of map and chart coverage, and world relationships—and a broad intention to purchase. The atlas comprises approximately 500 pages, including a 1:2,000,000-scale general reference map series, maps of 26 urban areas, and about 350 pages of thematic maps covering topics such as administrative divisions, karst areas, land surface forms, population characteristics, and educational institutions. A detailed index of over 40,000 place names with geographic coordinates offers computerized locational data. Numerous applications are illustrated, from risk assessment in insurance and economic development planning to market analysis and educational reference, demonstrating the atlas’s multi-sector relevance. The paper also outlines production challenges related to paper, binding, and index compilation. The National Atlas is scheduled for decadal revisions aligned with the census, with individual sheets updated as new data emerge, and it is seen as a milestone in national cartographic reference, bridging current needs with future digital capabilities.
Cartography: Atlases
Unknown · 1964
This paper examines the unique cartographic and editorial challenges encountered in producing the first Hebrew edition of the Atlas of Israel (1964), a comprehensive work comprising 102 sheets and 720 large-scale maps. Although modeled on other national atlases, the Israeli atlas diverged significantly due to three primary factors: the country's rapid demographic and cultural transformations, its distinctive geographical position and elongated shape, and the uneven reliability of its documentary base. The most influential factor was the dramatic 600% population increase over two generations, which drove extreme changes in agriculture, economy, communication, and services. To capture this dynamism, the atlas employs time-sequence map series for most topics rather than single static representations, and includes supplementary maps to update content. Geographically, Israel's location on the arid zone boundary creates sharp north-south contrasts, with highly diverse physical, human, and economic elements in the north versus a monotonous south, compounded by varied topography over small altitude ranges. These spatial characteristics demanded specialized cartographic solutions. Finally, the area's political history under Ottoman, British, and Israeli administrations within 50 years resulted in data that differ greatly in coverage and reliability. The paper details how these interrelated problems shaped the atlas's content, design, and production.
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