Cartographical Progress: Atlas of Canada

Summary

This is a review of the official Atlas of Canada, published in 1957 (released 1959). The author recalls the earlier editions of 1906 and 1915 and notes that the new atlas, planned by the Geographical Branch over eight years, is magnificent in both scope and technical execution. Using the Lambert Conformal Conic projection with a base scale of 1:10,000,000, its 110 plates cover history, physical geography, climate, geology, population and economy. The reviewer especially appreciates innovative features such as glacial geology, wildlife distribution, and urban land-use maps, while criticizing the lack of attribution for certain regional delimitations and the use of the Köppen climate classification. In conclusion, the atlas is hailed as a national masterpiece and a reminder of Canada's international commitments.