Spanischer Nationalatlas - Atlas Nacional de Espana

Summary

This article reviews the Spanish National Atlas, published in installments since 1965. Comprising map sheets, a gazetteer, and geographical explanations, the atlas fills a long-standing gap in systematic cartographic coverage of the Iberian Peninsula. It first presents the peninsula's topography and orography through 17 double-page maps, notably a 1:2,000,000 overview combining northwest-illuminated relief shading with hypsometric tints to striking effect, followed by a series of 1:500,000 sheets featuring well-generalized drainage, settlement, and transport networks. The planned 62 thematic maps span 16 subject areas, including geology, climate, population, and economy, supplemented by explanatory texts. The reviewer praises the atlas's cartographic techniques and content organization, affirming its significant contribution to Spanish and international cartography, and expresses hope for its timely completion.