National Atlas of Brazil

Projeto Atlas Nacional do Brasil : a concepção teórica

Edmon Nimer; Maria Mônica Vieira Caetano O'Neill; Roberto Lobato Corrêa · 1988

This paper presents the theoretical conception of the National Atlas of Brazil, developed by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The Brazilian reality is viewed as a constant social transformation process, emphasizing temporal and spatial dimensions. Six dialectical dimensions (e.g., present-past, form-process, continuity-discontinuity) are proposed as analytical framework. The Atlas focuses on profound changes after 1950, covering three interdependent systems: natural resources, spatial organization, and environmental changes. It is conceived as a research tool revealing basic lines of spatial differentiation through thematic treatment, rather than a mere inventory of information.