Atlas of Australian Resources: A Review

Summary

This review examines the serial publication of the Atlas of Australian Resources, focusing on the sheets most valuable for geographical education. The author acknowledges the practicality of the serial format but notes that some early maps have become outdated. The review critically assesses the content, cartographic methods, and limitations of key sheets, including dominant land use, stock distribution, agricultural production, croplands, mineral industry, manufacturing, ports and shipping, roads and aerodromes, population distribution, and immigration. It highlights issues such as disproportionate symbol scaling and information overload in certain maps. The article also acknowledges the value of physical geography sheets and urges the responsible department to continue updating the atlas, potentially forming the basis for a future national atlas.