Cartographical Progress: A Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand

Summary

This review appraises the 'Descriptive Atlas of New Zealand' (1959), an official publication combining extensive text, photographs, full-colour maps, and a gazetteer. It covers the country's history, government, physical environment, natural resources, and population. Particularly valuable are fourteen thematic maps (1:3,200,000) showing geology, soils, vegetation, population, land use, and manufacturing. The reviewer praises the atlas's high standard and its usefulness for statesmen, businessmen, students, and teachers. However, it criticizes the climate maps for lacking scales and the Island Territories maps for inconsistent style. The review concludes by recommending a true 'National Atlas' for planners.