The first national atlas of Canada

Summary

This review examines the 4th edition of The National Atlas of Canada, published in 1974 and the first to bear the name 'National Atlas'. Produced through a collaboration between the Canadian government and private enterprise, the atlas aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the interaction between Canada's population and its physical environment, using small-scale maps and diagrams. The review discusses the atlas's structure, cartographic design, colour usage, and print quality, noting its successful balance between information density and graphic clarity, despite minor issues in colour selection and label legibility. The author concludes that while instant cartography is advancing, such comprehensive national atlases remain essential for citizens to easily and enjoyably grasp the broader aspects of their nation's landscape.