Description of print-ready maps from the first volume of the Great Soviet World Atlas

Summary

This article describes a series of maps prepared for publication in the first volume of the Great Soviet World Atlas. It begins by extolling the virtues of logarithmic calculation using a reformed abacus, claiming it significantly reduces calculation time, lessens mental strain, and minimizes errors compared to paper-based methods. The author argues that once mastered, this technique becomes indispensable. The core principle involves isolating the positive and negative parts of a logarithm on the abacus to facilitate mathematical operations. The article then provides detailed descriptions of numerous maps. These include: a world map of major mineral resources (coal, oil, gold, etc.); physical-geographic maps of oceans (showing temperatures, currents, pressure, winds, salinity); a world geological map; a map showing the cartographic state of exploration; political maps of the world for 1783 and 1876; maps of the world oil and coal industry; maps for artificial silk, rubber, and chemical raw materials; a map of the world forestry and paper industry; maps of significant migration flows; and a map of volcanoes. The latter part of the article continues with descriptions of other maps: world maps for wool, silk, flax, jute, cotton, sugar, tea, coffee, and cocoa production and trade; maps for the ferrous and non-ferrous metals industries (aluminum, iron, copper, zinc, lead, tin, nickel); a zoogeographic map of the world; a map of mineral waters and muds in the USSR; a map of the Kara and Barents Seas; and finally, maps of world government forms. For each map, the article provides technical details such as scale, projection, symbology, data year, and content highlights.