Canada

H. Baulig

This article is a review of the Atlas of Canada. Compiled from the 1901 census data, the Atlas extends far beyond mere census results, aiming to comprehensively depict the principal geographical features of the Dominion. The review details the Atlas's structure, including synoptic tables, 46 map plates, and statistical diagrams. The author highlights the Atlas's consistent use of uniform scales and colour gradations for both eastern and western regions, which facilitates comparison. Each thematic map—covering relief, geology, minerals, forests, transportation, meteorology, population density, and ethnic origins—is examined for its content and significance. The reviewer concludes that by synthesizing distribution facts, the Atlas effectively suggests hypotheses about their interdependence, making it a truly geographical work that successfully fulfills the Canadian government's goal of promoting knowledge about the country.

J. Paul Goode

This article reviews five significant atlases published in the early 20th century, including the Atlas of Canada, Atlas de la Plus Grande France, International Atlas of the World, Atlas de Géographie Moderne, and Comprehensive Atlas of the World. Each atlas is analyzed in detail regarding size, price, page count, map types, printing quality, and content coverage. The article highlights the features of these atlases in physical, political, economic, climatic, population, and historical maps, particularly noting the excellence of French atlases in information presentation and craftsmanship, as well as the advantages of American atlases in reference value and price. Overall, this article provides professional guidance for the selection and evaluation of atlases.

Benoit Brouillette

This article reviews the establishment and preliminary investigation of the committee appointed by the Canadian Social Science Research Council in 1943 to explore the preparation and publication of a comprehensive Atlas of Canada. It distinguishes between dictionary-type atlases and scientific geographic atlases, citing exemplary international works such as the Atlas of France and the Great Soviet World Atlas. The committee conducted a systematic survey of existing map resources across Canada, finding sixteen sources in Ottawa alone, yet only three provinces—Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia—were engaged in original cartographic work. The article concludes that Canada urgently needs a modern atlas, and the committee's central task is to determine whether it should be a strictly scientific publication or a more popular work for general readership.

G. L. P. Grant-Suttie

This article, written by Lt.-Colonel G. L. P. Grant-Suttie, Chairman of the National Committee of Canada, International Geographical Union, advocates for the creation of a new Atlas of Canada. It outlines the objectives and structure of the International Geographical Union and details the composition and work of the Canadian National Committee. The article highlights Canada's notable deficiency in geographical science, particularly the lack of a modern national atlas, contrasting dictionary-type and geographic-type atlases. Drawing on a preliminary survey by the Canadian Social Science Research Council, it enumerates the extensive range of maps proposed for the new atlas, covering physical, biogeographic, economic, and human geography. The author discusses the unique coordination challenges posed by Canada's federal structure and emphasizes the need for planning, especially in conjunction with the upcoming 1951 census. Finally, he calls for governmental and business community support, asserting the project's feasibility, long-term utility, and potential for cost recovery.

E. D. Baldock

This paper provides a detailed account of the cartographic development of the National Atlas of Canada, initiated in 1949. It begins by outlining the project's organizational structure, including the formation of an expert committee and various specialized subcommittees. The core of the article focuses on key technical decisions in map-making, such as the selection of base map scales (ranging from 1:2.5 million to 1:50 million), projection systems (Lambert Conformal Conic), and the choice of paper materials. The text further delves into the map compilation and production workflow, covering base map preparation, lettering, color scheme design, and printing techniques, with particular emphasis on color combination and screen ruling methods employed to control printing costs. Finally, the author notes that this project not only produced a high-quality national atlas but also provided excellent professional training opportunities for the cartographic staff involved.

O. Stollt

This article reports on the completion of the new National Atlas of Canada by the Canadian Department of Mines and Technical Surveys. The atlas comprises 110 map sheets with 450 inset maps, providing comprehensive coverage of Canada's historical, economic, sociological, cultural, and political development, serving as a unique reference on the country and its regions. It is bound in a loose-leaf format for easy updates, with a French edition planned. The article also documents the activities of the German Cartographic Society's Berlin chapter from 1958 to 1959, including a general meeting, lectures on Iceland cartography, the Berlin Atlas, official map series, and a visit to the Ullstein printing house.

E. D. Baldock

This paper reviews the complete cartographic development process of the National Atlas of Canada. In 1949, the Canadian Government decided to produce a new national atlas, establishing a Federal Atlas Committee with subcommittees responsible for data collection in various fields. Cartographic work was officially assigned to the Surveys and Mapping Branch in 1954. The paper elaborates on key decisions in atlas production, including base map colour treatment, selection of scale systems (1:2.5 million to 1:50 million), paper material selection, and page layout design. It details the drafting methods for base maps at each scale, particularly the negative scribing technique for the 1:2.5 million base. Regarding colour application, the average number of printings per sheet was reduced to nine through colour chart development and the artificial negative method, combining contact screens with eight basic colours to produce thirty tints. The paper concludes that although atlas production interfered with regular topographic mapping, it served as a tremendous educational stimulus, fostering new ideas and innovative approaches to mapping problems.

N. L. Nicholson

This article reviews the background, planning, production process, and content structure of the third edition of the Atlas of Canada. Initiated by the Canadian federal government in 1948, the atlas aimed to systematically present the physical, human, and economic geography of Canada while serving as a historical record of national development. The article details the interdepartmental planning mechanism, the design of base maps and projections, data collection and cartographic procedures, and the thematic organization of its 110 plates, covering historical, physical, demographic, economic, transportation, and political topics. The atlas not only provided an authoritative geographical reference for Canada but also contributed to the international advancement of national atlases.

N. L. Nicholson

This article reviews the background, organization, and production process of the Atlas of Canada, published by the Federal Government in December 1958. The project traces its origins to the first atlas in 1905, with subsequent revisions, and was formally initiated in 1948 under the coordination of the Geographical Branch of the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys. An interdepartmental advisory committee and various sub-committees were established to ensure broad coverage. The atlas employs the Lambert Conformal Conic projection with four base scales, facilitating coherent mapping. Its plates are sequenced to illustrate Canada's historical exploration, physical geography, human resources, economic activities, institutional distribution, and political evolution. The article also outlines land resource classifications, including agricultural, forested, and other lands, citing 1956 census data to highlight the vast and largely underutilized nature of Canada's land area.

Л. Р. Серебряный

This article reviews the Atlas of Canada, completed in October 1958. Initiated by a Canadian government decision in 1948, the atlas was compiled by the Geographical Branch with contributions from 150 geographers and 25 cartographers. It comprises 450 maps, with principal maps at 1:10,000,000 scale using Lambert conformal conic projection, alongside other scales. Content covers expedition routes, historical map samples, topographic mapping, physical geography (geology, climate, hydrology, soils, biogeography), population, economy (fisheries, agriculture, industry, transport), and socio-cultural aspects including land use in major cities. The loose-leaf binding allows for periodic updates, showcasing a systematic synthesis of national geographic information.

L. Dudley Stamp

This is an academic review of the official Atlas of Canada, published in 1957 (released 1959). The review traces the atlas's historical background, noting that its first two editions appeared in 1906 and 1915 respectively, while this new edition was prepared over eight or nine years by the Geographical Branch of the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys. The review provides a detailed account of the atlas's contents and features, including 110 plates covering historical maps, physical geography, climate, geology, population, and economy. It offers professional commentary on the choice of projection, scale design, and the acknowledgment of sources on certain maps. The author concludes that the atlas is a magnificent work in both comprehensive coverage and technical excellence, reflecting Canada's pioneering role in post-war national geographical scholarship.

Norman L. Nicholson

This paper reviews key developmental elements in the creation of the National Atlas of Canada. Early editions (1906 and 1915) were English-only, and by 1937 a new edition reflecting Canada's bilingual character was needed. In 1948, the federal government tasked the Geographical Branch of the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys with this project. Lacking prior records, it was essentially a new undertaking. An Atlas Committee, comprising representatives from major map-producing agencies, was formed to address broad issues: defining the atlas's purposes, determining physical specifications (sheet size and base scales), choosing between topical and regional organization, and deciding on bilingualism. Actual production rested solely with the Geographical Branch, covering compilation, layout, design, drafting, and liaison with printers.

Riccardo Riccardi

This article provides an in-depth scholarly review of several new atlases published in the late 1950s. The author begins with a detailed analysis of the fifth edition of the 'Grande Atlante Geografico' by the De Agostini Geographical Institute in Italy. Completed by U. Bonapace after the death of Luigi Visintin, this edition, while omitting the historical section of the fourth edition, significantly expanded its geographical content, adding 60 world maps on economic activities and updating economic maps for various countries, with about 200 maps for Italy published for the first time. The scale for Italy was increased from 1:1,500,000 to 1:1,250,000, and scales for Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, and others were also enlarged. The author notes that the new edition's strengths lie in its rich thematic maps and more effective relief representation, but the absence of the historical section is a notable drawback. The review then turns to the 'Atlas Général Larousse', criticizing its physical-political maps for poor relief depiction, inconsistent scales, and vivid, inharmonious colors, as well as frequent errors in names and details. However, its thematic maps, especially historical and economic ones, are deemed impressive and valuable. The final part focuses on new atlases in the Hölzel series, including 'The Prentice-Hall World Atlas' for American schools and the 'Nederlandse Wereldatlas' for Dutch schools. The former offers detailed coverage of the US and North America, while the latter excels in its sections on the Netherlands and the Benelux countries, featuring excellent thematic maps on geology, climate, and economy. The author also points out errors in these atlases, such as outdated place names in Italian maps. Additionally, the 'Oxford Australian Atlas' is briefly mentioned, with criticism of its inadequate relief representation. Overall, the article serves as a comprehensive evaluation of the editorial quality, content features, and technical details of the latest atlases of that period.

N. L. Nicholson

The problems of producing an atlas of Canada that shows the nature, extent and use of the physical resources and their effect on the country's economy and society are intensified by the great size of the country, its federal political structure, and its bilingual culture. The work of compiling the information was organized by the Geographical Branch in cooperation with other governmental agencies that either produce maps or have source material. As it was impractical to produce a bilingual atlas, separate English and French editions were prepared, the nomenclature in the French edition being based on local usage, and French equivalents used for the geographical terminology. In addition to providing a record of what is known and unknown, the atlas provides a plan for future geographical research, and will be revised as new data become available. The purpose of presenting this paper is to indicate the problems which were posed by the production of the national atlas of Canada, and the ways in which these problems were dealt with. It is inconceivable that any other country in the world will be faced with precisely the same situations in producing a national atlas. Every country is unique and four simple facts make Canada different from other national states. These are its great size—almost 4,000,000 square miles—the second largest country in the world; its relatively small population—barely 18,000,000; its federal political structure; and its bilingualism in national affairs. Nevertheless, other countries may be able to gain something of value to them from Canadian experience. Atlases that cover a single country or political entity have been produced in increasing numbers since the turn of the century, but Canada was one of the first to produce an atlas of this kind. The first reference Atlas of Canada was published in 1906, and a second, revised edition appeared in 1915. By 1937 the need for a new edition was being felt, and the suggestion that a new atlas should be produced was made in that year by the Canadian Committee of the International Geographical Union (Grant-Suttie, 1947). In January 1943, the Canadian Social Science Research Council appointed a committee “to explore the possibilities of the preparation and publication of a comprehensive Atlas of Canada” and its report concluded that this could best be done in a centralized agency of the federal government (Brouillette, 1948). In December 1948 the Government of Canada decided that the Geographical Branch of the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys* should be entrusted with the task of preparing a new edition. As there were no records of the 1906 and 1915 editions, this was essentially an entirely new project. The first situation that had to be faced was that there were a number of governmental agencies that were either producing maps, or had source material that could be used for producing maps. In order to obtain co-operation and assistance, an interdepartmental committee was established, made up of representatives of the most important of these. Representation was from the Departments of Agriculture, Northern Affairs and National Resources, Fisheries, Transport, and Mines and Technical Surveys, as well as from the Dominion Bureau of Statistics, the Army Survey Establishment, the Canadian Meteorological Service and the Public Archives of Canada.

Ena L. Yonge

This article provides a systematic summary review of approximately one hundred regional atlases from around the world, organized primarily by continent (or other large region) and then alphabetically by country within each group. The author begins by noting that the ever-increasing flood of atlases—national, regional, topical, and special—makes individual reviews impossible, thus necessitating summary evaluations to acknowledge important publications while respecting space constraints. The review covers representative works from Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, North America, and South America, encompassing road atlases, historical-geographical atlases, national atlases, climatic atlases, economic atlases, and school atlases. Each atlas is assessed in terms of its compiling institution, editors, scales, number of plates, content structure, cartographic techniques, printing quality, and scholarly value, with notable features and shortcomings highlighted. For instance, the European section evaluates works such as the Euroatlas, Atlas östliches Mitteleuropa, Atlas von Niederösterreich, Atlas de Belgique, Climatic Atlas of Czechoslovakia, Atlas of Denmark, and Atlas of Finland, while the American section covers state atlases from Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia, as well as national atlases from Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. The article emphasizes that these atlases not only reflect the research standards of geography and cartography in their respective countries but also serve as vital references for regional planning, economic development, historical research, and education. The author concludes by acknowledging that no single individual can possess sufficient expertise across all aspects of geography, cartography, and linguistics to render definitive critical judgments, yet such summaries offer valuable guidance to scholars, with a forthcoming review of world atlases and special atlases announced.

N. L. Nicholson; M. R. Chaudhuri

This paper examines national atlases as indicators of scientific and economic change, using Canada's three national atlases (1906, 1915, and 1957) as case studies. It analyzes four dimensions: coverage, method of presentation, order, and language. The study reveals that national atlases not only document geographical knowledge and cartographic techniques but also reflect national development in resource exploitation, urbanization, and sociocultural evolution. Significant differences across the three editions in size, thematic scope, cartographic accuracy, and reliance on statistical diagrams demonstrate Canada's deepening geographical understanding and advancing cartographic artistry over half a century. The paper concludes that national atlases should attain a status comparable to periodic censuses, facilitating continuity in staff and conceptual approach for future geographical research and planning.

N L Nicholson

The writer examines six recent Canadian Atlases, the 1958 Atlas of Canada and five provincial atlases, and comments upon some of the patterns, trends and principles that may be observed from their study. The effects of the original aims and purposes of these atlases and the effect of government policy upon them is considered, and it is observed that they may be regarded as pedagogical works organized in accordance with the methodology of geography. It is concluded that the recommendations of the IGU Commission on National Atlases have had an important influence upon each of these publications.

Richard W. Stephenson

This article reviews significant atlases published in the Western Hemisphere (including North America, South America, and Central America and the Caribbean) since Ena L. Yonge's summary survey in 1962. The survey is divided into two parts, with this part focusing on the Western Hemisphere, covering 147 volumes of general and thematic atlases of the entire hemisphere, continents, major regions, and individual countries, as well as atlases of individual states and provinces of the United States and Canada. Notable atlases mentioned include the 'Alpha Map Transparencies' series for teaching regional geography, Theodore R. Miller's 'Graphic History of the Americas,' David K. Adams and H. B. Rodgers' 'An Atlas of North American Affairs,' and the 'Oxford Regional Economic Atlas: United States & Canada.' The Canadian section details the fourth edition of 'The National Atlas of Canada,' the 'Atlas and Gazetteer of Canada,' historical atlases, and the 'Atlas of Alberta.' The South American section covers atlases from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Surinam, and Venezuela, such as the 'Atlas nacional do Brasil,' 'Atlas histórico geográfico y de paisajes peruanos,' and 'Atlas de Venezuela.' The article aims to describe the contents and features of these atlases rather than provide critical evaluations, and concludes by suggesting that the next decade may see an increase in the production of high-quality atlases by Western Hemisphere nations.

Michael Wood

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.

A. G. Bomford

This article is an academic review of the fourth edition of The National Atlas of Canada, published in 1973 by the Surveys and Mapping Branch of the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. The review details the atlas's publication background, physical structure, content organization (divided into physical, human, and economic geography sections), and design features, while focusing on two key issues raised by editor Gerald Fremlin in his preface: page size selection and the national function of an atlas. The author praises the atlas's design diversity and printing quality but notes its outdated aspects, such as reliance on 1961 census data and imperial units. Overall, it is deemed a valuable work for cartographers and geography educators.

Richard Groot

This article examines the functional positioning, user group identification, and digital technology application strategies of Canada's National Atlas Program in the computer era. Author Richard Groot argues that the core function of a national atlas is to provide a comprehensive overview of a country's geography in map form, fostering understanding of geographical interrelationships, and serving as an accessible, timely information source. The article identifies four major user groups: government administration, scientific research, education, and the public sector, leading to a program structure comprising a Canada Gazetteer Atlas and a Thematic Atlas. Regarding digital technology, Groot contends that despite substantial initial investments, the trend toward digital data supply and evolving user needs will compel national atlas programs to adopt digital methods. The key lies in applying digital technology to database management rather than solely for graphic output, thereby maximizing return on investment by enabling users to generate custom maps and analyses on demand. The conclusion emphasizes that the national atlas program should operate as an ongoing, dynamic initiative, utilizing digital databases to better serve users, with expected cost-effectiveness significantly surpassing traditional approaches that apply computer technology merely for map production.

李海晨

This article reviews two national atlases: The National Atlas of Canada and The National Atlas of the United States of America. The Canadian atlas, published by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources in 1974, contains 254 pages of maps with varied scales, covering physical, population, and economic themes, supplemented by satellite imagery and statistical data; provincial atlases also aim to promote rational resource development. The U.S. atlas, compiled by the Geological Survey with 84 cooperating agencies in 1970, was edited by Arch C. Gerlach. Both atlases systematically depict national physical and socioeconomic conditions with high cartographic quality, serving as valuable references.

В. Г. Плешков; А. В. Ребрий; Я. В. Степанова

This article reviews the online versions of national atlases from Australia, the USA, Sweden, and Canada, analyzing their functional features, technical implementations, and information organization. The study reveals that modern national atlases have evolved from static paper publications into dynamic online geoinformation platforms, integrating interactive mapping, geographical name catalogs, metadata standards, data download, and search services. Based on these international experiences, the article proposes recommendations for developing the Russian national atlas online version, emphasizing the need for rich interactive functionality, standardized metadata, open data access, and robust search capabilities to meet contemporary technological standards and user needs.

Claire Gosson

This article reviews the century-long evolution of the Atlas of Canada from its first edition in 1906 to the sixth edition online in 2006. As the world's second-oldest national atlas program, its development reflects shifts in cartographic technology, national perception, and user needs. The article sequentially introduces the historical context, content characteristics, and technological innovations of each edition: from early paper-based maps serving national construction and resource development, to systematic and thematic organization after World War II, to the introduction of computer databases in the 1970s, and finally to embracing the Internet in the 1990s, transforming into an interactive online atlas. The article argues that this evolution is not merely technology-driven but also signifies a functional shift of the national atlas from a static information carrier to a dynamic, comprehensive national geographic information platform, whose core mission remains providing an authoritative and comprehensive geographic portrait of Canada to both domestic and international users.