Planning the second series of the atlas of Australian resources

Summary

This article reviews the evaluation of the first series of the Atlas of Australian Resources (completed in 1960, comprising 30 map-sheets with commentaries) and details the planning and implementation of the second series (i.e., second edition). Recognizing that some maps were becoming outdated and new topics were needed, a decision was made in mid-1961 to proceed with further maps, partly to preserve the Atlas's value as a primary geographic reference and to avoid disbanding the production team. The core concept is the Atlas as a continuing series: maintaining 30 sheets, with each new sheet replacing an existing one (either as a second edition or a new topic), aiming for full replacement within ten years. Technically, most sheets retain the 1:6 million scale for single maps of all Australia, but a new layout is introduced for certain topics, combining 1:4.5 million sectional enlargements (eastern/southeastern Australia and southwestern Western Australia) with a 1:12 million overview map, enhancing detail. The base map projection is changed from the polyconic to a more suitable one, considering Australia's shape and distribution patterns. Early outputs include: Electricity (1963, replacing Power and Fuel, using the new layout), Soils (2nd edition, 1964, based on Stephens' map, with reverse-side source summaries), Population Distribution (1961 census and 1954–1961 change, with reverse-side city maps), Mineral Deposits (2nd edition, single 1:6 million map), Fisheries (new topic), and Geology (2nd edition). Agricultural maps, such as Agricultural Production, are being revised to include livestock and workforce. Other planning aspects cover data analysis, generalization, map design, and reproduction techniques. The Atlas is positioned within Australian geographic mapping as a concise small-scale reference, complementing medium-scale (e.g., 1:1.2 million) thematic atlases and large-scale special-purpose series, and may evolve into a generalized version of more detailed maps as trends toward larger scales continue.