National Atlas of Slovenia: Current Trends and Future Opportunities

Summary

This paper reviews the development, content scheme, and cartographic-technical solutions of the National Atlas of Slovenia, and discusses future plans for its updating and CD-ROM publication. The concept of a national atlas of Slovenia dates back to 1969, but it was not realized until the country gained independence in 1991. The project was undertaken by the Institute of Geography and the Anton Melik Geographical Institute of the Scientific Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, involving 53 leading experts from five geographical and twenty non-geographical institutions, along with six editorial board members. In 1998, the Slovenian-language Geografski atlas Slovenije (Geographical Atlas of Slovenia) was published by DZS Publishing House. The cover features a linden tree surrounded by twelve stones, symbolizing Slovenian national tradition and village assembly culture. The atlas aims to comprehensively present the natural, social, economic, spatial, and environmental characteristics of Slovenia, with chapters including Preface, Slovenia in Europe, Cartographic Image, Territory, Population, Human Endeavours, Settling, and Environment. It contains 190 thematic maps, 261 photographs, 145 graphs, 11 tables, and 51 other graphic illustrations. Written in a popular science style, the atlas targets the general public. Cartographically, the atlas maintains a uniform page design, with main maps at 1:750,000 scale, accompanied by legends and marginal data. Spatial data are shown within national boundaries, though analyses often consider surrounding regions, a general characteristic of national atlases. In 2001, the English version, National Atlas of Slovenia, was published with condensed content, featuring 105 main thematic maps at 1:1,000,000 scale and a special chapter 'Facts about Slovenia' for foreign readers. With recent advances in computer technology and the availability of 2002 census data, plans are underway to update the atlas and publish it on CD-ROM. Three-dimensional map presentation has become a key direction, offering more realistic terrain depiction, dynamic viewing perspectives, and simulation capabilities. However, principles for designing 3D cartographic symbols remain to be established, including symbol positioning, graphic variables, distance-dependent appearance, and toponym placement. Additionally, managing multiple levels of detail in spatial databases poses significant challenges. Future work will focus on exploring new 3D computer cartography programs, designing clear and understandable 3D symbols, and appropriately integrating geographical names.