The National Atlas of The United States of America

Summary

This article reviews the background, costs, and distribution of the first edition of The National Atlas of the United States of America (published in 1970), and introduces its Separate Sales Editions program as well as the development of regional and state atlases. The paper focuses on key decisions made in planning the second edition: adopting a looseleaf format to facilitate updates and distribution, and extensively employing computer-assisted cartography to establish a National Atlas Data Bank. It also outlines planned deletions and additions for the second edition, such as removing administrative and urban street maps while adding thematic maps on climate, land use/land cover, and energy/environment. The article underscores the atlas's significant role in information dissemination, education, and decision support.