On Some Features of Relief Maps in the Physical-Geographic Atlas of the World

Summary

This article examines the features and interrelations of relief maps, including hypsometric and geomorphological maps, in the Physical-Geographical Atlas of the World (1964). The study demonstrates that the adoption of a unified hypsometric scale ensured continuity with earlier atlases and provided a reliable geographic base for compiling geomorphological maps. Hypsometric data, particularly the 200-meter and 1500-meter contours, hold significant geomorphological value in delineating relief types and revealing relationships between land and submarine topography. The article also reviews the atlas's achievements in graphic and color design, noting that the color scheme for geomorphological maps remained experimental. Finally, it discusses broader trends in cartography, emphasizing the role of hypsometric maps as a foundation for thematic mapping and the emerging need for automated map reading and informatization.