Introduction to the Foreign Atlas: Atlas of Belgium

Summary

This article reviews the compilation characteristics and content structures of national atlases of Belgium, Canada, and the United States. The Atlas de Belgique (compiled 1947-1972), published in loose-leaf format in 6° size, includes maps of natural conditions and socio-economic aspects, with particularly detailed geological, forest, and population distribution maps. Economic maps combine dot and choropleth methods, accompanied by extensive annotations. The National Atlas of Canada (4th edition, 1974), published by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, contains 254 map pages at various scales, including satellite imagery, covering physical geography, population, economy, and historical evolution, primarily based on statistical data. The National Atlas of the United States (1970), compiled by the Geological Survey with 84 cooperating agencies, completes the review. All three atlases reflect distinctive national geographic characteristics and representative compilation methods, serving as important references for regional planning and resource development.