Atlas of the USSR

Atlas der UdSSR

W. Stams · 1963

This article reviews the newly published "Atlas of the USSR," compiled by the Main Administration of Geodesy and Cartography under the USSR Ministry of Geology and Mineral Protection, intended as a cartographic reference for a broad readership to study geography in depth. The atlas is divided into three parts: the first contains general geographic reference maps, including physical and economic maps, with detailed hypsometric layer tinting and depictions of hydrography, settlements, and transport networks; the second features thematic maps of natural conditions, covering geology, tectonics, geomorphology, climate, soils, and vegetation; the third comprises economic maps, including industry, agriculture, and regional economic complexes. The article analyzes the cartographic methods, content, and strengths and weaknesses of each section, noting that the atlas surpasses the teacher's atlas in content but lacks explanatory text and has limitations in some representational techniques. Overall, it is considered a new type of regional atlas, offering a valuable model for the German Democratic Republic in developing its own regional atlas.