Project “Atlas of the Federal Republic of Germany”

Summary

Christian Lambrecht describes the planning and implementation of Germany's national-atlas project, including the Atlas Bundesrepublik Deutschland—Pilotband and electronic demonstration presented in October 1997. Following an initial proposal in 1990, cost and scheduling constraints led to a less ambitious concept commissioned from the Institute of Regional Geography in 1995. Twelve thematic volumes were planned for specialists, families and schools, with individually credited contributors. The print design combines approximately 50% maps, 25% graphics and 25% text; maps are limited in complexity, and two- or four-page contributions allow about 40 topics per volume. Most of the article explains the electronic demonstration: an index and switching module connects view-only presentations with interactive maps. The view-only module uses HTML and JavaScript, hypermedia links and navigation aids, while deliberately excluding sound, video, animation and 3D. The interactive module uses Delphi and PC Map routines, allowing changes to classification, colours, symbols and topographic layers, alongside statistical queries, zooming and printing. Lambrecht explains why screen presentation requires adaptation from print. Proposed developments include a broader geometric database, analytical overlays, side-by-side map comparison and Internet access and data updates; data protection and fees remain unresolved.