Marc de Smidt · 1986
Marc de Smidt outlines the editorial plans for the second edition of Atlas van Nederland, scheduled for publication in 20 volumes between 1984 and 1988. He describes a problem-oriented approach combining geographical analysis with thematic maps under five headings: population and settlements, human welfare, human resources, natural resources and environment, and physical planning. The account relates map types and scales to each subject, noting limitations in statistical coverage and the use of historical data. Each volume is designed to contain 40–60 maps alongside explanatory text on 24 pages, with illustrations occupying 65 per cent of the space. De Smidt also describes the work of the 11-member editorial committee, approximately 60 unpaid contributors and the atlas bureau, where Nico J. Bakker coordinates production. The edition is intended primarily for the Dutch public, including professional, educational and administrative users; translated summaries and legends or an abridged international edition remain options under discussion.
Nico J. Bakker; Corné P. J. M. van Elzakker; Ferjan Ormeling · 1987
Bakker, van Elzakker and Ormeling describe the second edition of the Atlas van Nederland as a problem-oriented atlas centred on housing, employment, welfare, recreation, environmental pressures and spatial planning. Maps compare periods, include forecasts and place the Netherlands within western Europe; less dynamic topics may refer readers to the first edition. Publication began in 1984, with completion planned for 1988: twenty separately purchasable Dutch-language thematic volumes, each comprising 24 pages of maps, diagrams, photographs and explanatory text. The authors report that the editorial committee coordinated contributions from some sixty specialists, while a four-draughtsman atlas bureau housed in the Topographic Service produced the graphics. They describe a financing arrangement combining ministry support, unpaid expert contributions and publication at the Government Printing and Publishing Office’s own risk. The edition was intended to reach more students and interested citizens; at the time of writing it had approximately 6,500 subscribers.
Ferjan J. Ormeling · 1988
Ferjan J. Ormeling explains the editorial approach and assesses progress on the second edition of Atlas van Nederland, whose first fascicles appeared in 1984. He describes a problem-oriented, social-geographical approach centred on human well-being, resources and environmental pressures. The planned twenty thematic fascicles cover population and settlements, well-being, human resources, natural resources and spatial planning; six had appeared by August 1985, with completion scheduled for 1988. Separate publication was intended to make individual themes affordable and allow their release as material became ready. Ormeling identifies accessibility as a principal editorial aim, supported by explanatory texts and varied cartographic methods, including cartograms and mental maps. He also reports production difficulties: contributors often supplied data without finished map manuscripts, inconsistent classifications limited comparison between maps, and excessive reliance on text increased editorial work and caused delays. The edition was then available only in Dutch; foreign-language alternatives remained under consideration.
