Reviews: National atlas of Hungary

Summary

This review examines the National Atlas of Hungary, edited by Sándor Radó and published by Cartographia, Budapest, in 1967. Initiated under the auspices of the IGU Commission on National Atlases, this comprehensive cartographic work integrates Hungary's geology, geomorphology, climate, hydrology, population, economy, and transportation. A distinctive feature is its systematic representation of the SW–NE-trending structural lineament, evident across tectonic, paleogeographic, climatic, and economic maps. The atlas includes high-resolution thematic maps, such as flood-risk zones and groundwater tables, offering profound insights into regional geography. Despite methodological shortcomings—such as inconsistent symbology in language maps and anonymous settlement excerpts—the atlas remains scientifically invaluable. It also documents Hungarian place names beyond state borders but omits non-Hungarian toponyms and historical landscape development. The author recommends establishing a permanent publication series to update national atlases, thereby overcoming temporal obsolescence and transcending political boundaries.