The production of the Atlas of Australian Resources

Summary

Konrad Frenzel describes the preparation of the Atlas of Australian Resources, which he edits within the Ministry of National Development’s Division of Regional Development. Planned since 1948 and worked on since 1951, the atlas is approaching publication of its first sheets. Its programme comprises 50 thematic sheets, mostly at 1:6,000,000, covering natural conditions, population, economic activities, infrastructure, and development projects; each is accompanied by an 8–12-page explanatory booklet containing diagrams, pictures, and sketch maps. Frenzel praises Australia’s recent cartographic advances while explaining the difficulties posed by incomplete mapping, contrasting environmental conditions, and inconsistent state statistics. He emphasizes reconciling data, adapting generalization, standardizing map design, and documenting sources. The ten-stage workflow runs from conception and information gathering through compilation, technical specifications, draft drawing, expert review, fair drawing on Astralon, reproduction, final correction, and offset printing. Specialist agencies supply original mapping for some subjects, reducing the division’s compilation work. A grey orientation base leaves stronger colours for thematic content; relief is deferred because adequate underlying data are lacking. Frenzel also discusses colour separation and prospective technical changes, and explains how the chosen scale and supplementary decimal measures facilitate international comparison. He reports close cooperation between atlas staff and Commonwealth and state specialists, with Australian interest centred on coordinated national presentation.