East Germany东德

Edgar Lehmann

This paper explores typification as a core methodological issue in the compilation of the Atlas of the German Democratic Republic (Atlas DDR). Modern geography has shifted from a descriptive science to the study of the functions and structures of specific regions of the Earth, a development also reflected in thematic cartography. To represent spatial complexes on maps, the key to typification lies in combining the characteristics that define a given spatial complex, achieved through abstraction and generalization. If the intuitive principles of abstraction and simplification can be integrated with the legend in thematic maps, high expressive power can be attained. The Atlas DDR does not pursue encyclopedic content enumeration; each map serves as an exemplary case, with 52 maps collectively forming a comprehensive statement on the territory of the GDR. Among these, 18 physical geography main maps account for 36%, a relatively high proportion compared to previous regional atlases. Complex or comprehensive maps constitute the core at a scale of 1:750,000, supplemented by scales such as 1:500,000, 1:1,000,000, and 1:1,500,000. Although this scale does not conform to international recommendations, it suits the national conditions of the GDR and facilitates comparison with national atlases of countries such as Switzerland and Poland. The compilation work was organized into three editorial groups—physical geography, economic geography, and cartographic techniques—centered at the Leipzig Institute for Regional Geography of Germany. The article uses the transport map as an example to illustrate the difficulty of typification: transport maps are generally underdeveloped in national atlases worldwide, lacking comprehensive transport imagery. The transport map designed by G. Jacob typifies based on administrative districts and value hierarchies by analyzing the spatial relationships between road networks and settlement density, as well as freight and passenger transport with settlement networks, thereby revealing functional hinterlands and transport accessibility. Finally, it is emphasized that the principle of typification runs throughout the compilation, extracting spatial types (structural spaces, functional spaces, suitability spaces) according to natural, economic, and socio-cultural characteristics. Cartographic success depends on close cooperation between geographers and cartographers, with cartographers needing to creatively understand geographical concepts to convey geographical research results in an optimal manner.

H. Boesch

This article reviews and compares two newly published national atlases: the National Atlas of Japan (English edition, 1977) and the Atlas of the German Democratic Republic (first delivery, 1976). Written from the perspective of a geographer and map author, the review focuses on overall concepts and the design of individual map sheets. Both atlases follow a conventional structure, moving from physical geography to population and economic activities, but differ in emphasis: the DDR atlas devotes more space to production in the socialist sense, while the Japanese atlas highlights services, social conditions, and cultural institutions. The atlases also differ in their use of reverse sides: the DDR atlas provides multilingual legends and additional information, whereas the Japanese atlas offers extensive textual and graphic explanations that amount to a small geographical encyclopedia. Stylistically, the Japanese atlas is more traditional, employing predominantly choropleth maps and familiar symbols, with refined drawing and restrained colors; the DDR atlas presents more novel graphic solutions, such as a road-network map combining point, line, and area elements, and a half-page map of potash and rock-salt industry. The author notes that both atlases are highly stimulating despite some debatable choices. A separate brief review discusses Fehling’s study of Australia’s iron ore economy, praised as a model of economic-geographic description, though lacking a Japanese perspective. Overall, the article offers valuable insights for national atlas comparison and cartographic design.

E. Benedict; R. Ogrissek

This article provides a comprehensive account of the publication, editing, and structure of the “Atlas Deutsche Demokratische Republik” (Atlas DDR), a national atlas of the German Democratic Republic. Produced by the Academy of Sciences of the GDR in cooperation with the VEB Hermann Haack publishing house, the atlas aims to present a spatially differentiated overview of the natural, economic, and social conditions of the GDR territory. The article first describes the editorial organization: a commission led by Prof. Edgar Lehmann, with the Institute for Geography and Geoecology in Leipzig serving as the central coordinating body. Around 200 authors contributed to the map content, and nearly 20 cartographers were involved in map editing. The map contents were largely based on new scientific research conducted over several years, and in turn, the atlas work influenced the directions of geographical research. The atlas comprises 106 maps on 58 sheets at scales from 1:750,000 to 1:2,000,000, organized into seven sections: introductory and overview maps, natural conditions, population and settlement, industry, agriculture and forestry, transport and trade, and education/social/health services. Legends are provided in German, Russian, English, French, and Spanish to underline the atlas's role as an international reference. The atlas was issued in two deliveries, the first in 1976 and the second in 1980. The article then discusses the conceptual and cartographic design principles, emphasizing the use of complex-analytical representations instead of fragmenting phenomena into numerous elementary maps. The final part uses the “Economy — Overview” map as an example to illustrate how careful selection of indicators, consistent application of design rules, and coordination with detailed special maps allow a synthetic view of the regional economic structure. The Atlas DDR is presented as a model of national atlas production, whose methodological approaches also stimulated the development of medium- and small-scale thematic cartography in the GDR.

Helga Naumann-Tümpfel

This paper introduces the Ecological Site Type Map (Ökologische Standorttypen, scale 1:750,000) from the second series of publications of the Atlas of the German Democratic Republic (Atlas DDR). This map is dedicated to Professor Martin Schretzenmayr on the occasion of his 60th birthday. Unlike general maps with specific thematic content, this map belongs to a cartographic type characterized by a higher degree of abstraction and stronger model features, aiming to achieve a complex typification in geographical and cartographic terms based on the description of specific individual phenomena. The task of such maps is "to present, in an intuitive manner, complex facts that have been abstractly simplified." The theoretical foundation of this map is the conception of natural space as the "environment" of biological systems (organisms) in a systemic sense. Ecological quality depends on properties that are ecophysiologically relevant, i.e., significant for the life processes of organisms. The "potential supply" of water, energy (light and heat), and nutrients and building materials (including CO₂ and O₂, in addition to mineral nutrients) to plants is understood as a function of the two "determining elements": climate (atmospheric conditions) and soil (pedospheric conditions). The interaction of these ecological growth factors determines the (natural) productivity of a site. Limiting factors present at minimum or supra-optimal levels exert a decisive influence on plant development, stress resistance, and production quality. At the given scale, the three ecological growth factors—water, heat, and mineral nutrients—are most suitable for regional differentiation studies. The light factor, being strongly influenced by terrain (aspect, slope, elevation) and stand structure, cannot be represented within this framework; CO₂ in the air is uniformly sufficient everywhere; and the oxygen supply to plant roots is closely coupled with water supply, as excessive water leads to reduced soil aeration. Methodologically, the study makes full use of existing data: the climate atlas of the GDR region, climate maps from the Atlas, climatic standard values, and supplementary meteorological data; the 1:500,000 soil map of the GDR; and natural vegetation maps at scales of 1:500,000 and 1:150,000. The interpretation of soil mapping units is conducted from two independent perspectives: potential water supply and potential nutrient supply. Climate analysis employs a modified Walter climate diagram method (derived from Gaussen's proposal), utilizing monthly mean temperature and precipitation values to characterize seasonal dynamics and their ecological significance. Based on the degree of limitation in water, heat, and nutrient supply, a classification system for ecological site types is established. Site types with dual limitations (e.g., types 232 and 322) exhibit more unfavorable conditions for agricultural use, manifested in lower yields, reduced reliability of harvests, a narrowed cropping spectrum, and higher additional inputs. Sites at the outer edge of the classification triangle, with the most severe limitations, have at least one ecological growth factor at a minimum level, permitting only limited agricultural cultivation at the cost of high additional inputs, with significant impacts on yield levels, quality, and stability. In extreme cases, both agricultural and forestry use are impossible. The paper concludes that ecologically based site planning in agriculture—combined with knowledge of crop ecological requirements and deliberate regulation through breeding—enables the effective utilization of natural resources. This map provides a basis for determining the regional differentiation of relatively immutable natural production conditions.

Rüdiger Spengler

This article presents the map "Hydrographische Übersicht" at 1:750,000 scale, which is plate 10 of the "Atlas DDR". The map is part of a comprehensive national atlas and was compiled in coordination with the hydrological map (plate 11). The author describes the map elements: watersheds and drainage basins (up to 4th order, covering areas >500 km² with mean discharge >2 m³/s), river network (all perennial streams longer than 2 km, derived from 1:200,000 map), still waters (lakes >100 ha, reservoirs >1 hm³), and a novel element: drainage network density shown as area colors with a seven-class scale, with thresholds from 0.05 to 3.80 km/km². The map also shows canals and water transfers. The article then provides an overview of hydrographic conditions in the GDR. The drainage network reflects the recent water balance and paleogeographic conditions. Subsurface water transit through ancient valley sediments, karst, and fault zones causes deviations between surface and groundwater divides. The network exhibits a duality: southwest of the Baruth urstromtal, it is hierarchically organized; northeast, in young moraine areas, it is irregular with lakes and internal drainage basins. The development of the drainage system is traced from Tertiary to Quaternary, influenced by tectonics, salt dissolution, and glaciation. Ice sheets blocked rivers, creating ice-marginal valleys and new drainage patterns. The final part discusses anthropogenic changes: land drainage, river straightening, mill dams, and modifications for navigation and mining. Examples include the Jäglitz river diversion, draining of wetlands such as Wische and Friedländer Große Wiese, and modern melioration with groundwater regulation.

E. Lehmann

This paper aims to elucidate the character and efficacy of national atlases as precise, visually accessible means of information and communication, with particular reference to the Atlas DDR (Atlas of the German Democratic Republic). The author argues that national atlases, beyond providing true-to-scale locations of objects and groups of objects, offer a basis for registering spatial structures and functions by analyzing positional interconnections, without anticipating causal relationships. The static nature of maps, often perceived as a drawback, in fact enhances the value and efficacy of this atlas category. The paper discusses divergent viewpoints: some critics see a downward trend in the development of national atlases, while others emphasize the need for new responsive forms in the electronic era. Reviewing the publication of national atlases in Europe and America since the 1950s, the author highlights their unique role in providing indispensable insights into the integration of natural, economic, and cultural elements within national territories, as well as fostering a global comparative perspective. Regarding content treatment versus cartographic form, the author stresses the primacy of content analysis alongside the autonomy of cartographic representation. In the case of the Atlas DDR, with its preferred scale of 1:750,000, complex maps play a dominant role. Specific examples are given, including maps of natural region types, land use, population distribution, built-up area types, forest areas, and socialist agricultural enterprises, demonstrating innovative cartographic solutions. Finally, the author examines the possibilities and limits of information provided by national atlases. Maps are conceived as models of reality, creating a state of tension that encourages users to interpret map statics as a source of knowledge and causal insight. The paper compares the Atlas DDR with other national atlases, such as those of Austria and Switzerland, noting that the overall visual effect—termed the “look of maps” by A.H. Robinson—is a significant factor in efficacy. In conclusion, national atlases serve as irreplaceable means of general geographical information and orientation, not as instruments for special planning purposes, and their static character does not diminish their enduring scientific and political value.