About the Atlas of the Byelorussian SSR

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive review of the Atlas of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, a comprehensive national atlas published to mark the 40th anniversary of the republic. The atlas integrates physical, economic, population, cultural, and historical information. The author analyzes its structure and content in detail, covering natural maps (geology, climate, hydrology, soils, vegetation), economic maps (industry, agriculture, resources), population and cultural maps, and historical maps, evaluating their cartographic methods, depth, and design quality. While recognizing the atlas as a significant achievement in Soviet cartography, the author identifies certain shortcomings, including inconsistencies between some maps, the absence of synthetic maps, excessive detail in climate mapping at the expense of key elements, and a lack of innovation in physical maps. The article concludes by emphasizing the atlas's role as a model for similar regional atlases in other Soviet republics.