Comprehensive Atlas of the Azerbaijan SSR

Summary

This article reviews the Comprehensive Atlas of the Azerbaijan SSR, published in 1963 as part of the Soviet series of regional atlases. Compiled by the Institute of Geography of the Academy of Sciences of the Azerbaijan SSR and cartographers of factory No. 2 of the GUGK, the atlas contains 210 maps covering physical geography, economy, culture and history. It is compared with earlier atlases (especially the Armenian SSR atlas). The review highlights the atlas's strengths: a well-balanced structure, extensive use of graphs and diagrams, and innovative maps such as the Caspian Sea complex, seismic zoning, thermal waters, atmospheric circulation, and soil erosion. However, it also notes weaknesses: population mapping is inadequate, with density shown by administrative districts and urban population included in a way that distorts settlement patterns; some sections lack logical consistency; and there are omissions such as agro-climatic and yield maps. Overall, the atlas is judged a successful contribution to Soviet cartography, reflecting both economic changes and advances in scientific research.