Modern Maps and Atlases: An Outline Guide to Twentieth Century Production

Summary

C. B. Muriel Lock’s Maps and Atlases (1969) is a reference guide to modern cartography and its literature. The visible introduction describes information on recent world, national and thematic mapping as scattered, particularly in English, and presents the book as an outline supported by representative examples and bibliographical references. Its contents are organized around modern cartographic techniques, international maps and atlases, national and regional mapping, thematic mapping, and map librarianship. Lock explains that the transition to modern mapping occurred at different times in different countries. Selected recent historical maps and atlases are included because their planning and cartographic techniques are relevant; hydrographic and aeronautical charts receive only passing reference, while celestial and space charts are excluded. The opening chapter cites United Nations and British Cartographic Society definitions covering surveying, production, reproduction, study and use of maps, and stresses accurate topographic coverage for administration and development planning. The introduction highlights international cooperation and exchanges of information and standards, while noting political disruption, recently established mapping agencies and difficulties obtaining detailed information or map sheets. The visible closing material consists chiefly of index entries and author and publishing information; it does not establish the arguments of the omitted chapters or a concluding assessment of the book.