Guadeloupe
National Atlases
The national atlas tradition of Guadeloupe, though brief, is a significant chapter in the cartographic history of French overseas departments. This tradition emerged in the early 1980s as part of a broader French initiative to document its overseas territories through comprehensive thematic atlases. The sole atlas in this collection, published in 1982, represents the culmination of this effort for Guadeloupe, completing a series that covered all French overseas departments. Produced by the C.E.G.E.T. Bordeaux team, this atlas stands out for its systematic approach, integrating physical, human, and economic geography into a cohesive regional portrait. Compared to earlier volumes in the series, it benefited from improved methodologies and a more refined visual presentation, reflecting the evolving standards of academic cartography at the time. The atlas was well received by scholars, as noted in contemporary reviews, which praised its depth and utility as a reference. Its legacy lies in establishing a benchmark for regional cartography in the Caribbean, influencing subsequent studies and serving as a foundational resource for understanding Guadeloupe's geography. Though no further national atlases followed, this 1982 work remains a lasting contribution to the island's intellectual heritage.
Versions and Their Documents
This is the first volume of the national atlas tradition in our collection.
Contemporary and Later Comment
- Journal Article1984L'Atlas de la Guadeloupe
Louis Papy
This article is an in-depth review of the "Atlas of Guadeloupe," published in 1982, which marked the completion of the series of atlases of French Overseas Departments (1975-1982). It first introduces the series' director, Guy Lasserre, and his academic vision of providing solid material for reflection to aid in the planning and development of these tropical territories. The review then details the atlas's contents. In physical geography, it covers the geology and geomorphology of Guadeloupe, particularly its volcanic structures (like the Soufrière volcano) and karst landscapes (such as the Grands Fonds). The climatology section analyzes the trade wind system, seasonal variations, and the formation and tracks of tropical cyclones (like Hurricane David in 1979). The vegetation and soil maps illustrate the altitudinal zonation of ecosystems. In human and economic geography, the article discusses population growth, shifts in employment structure (a sharp decline in agriculture, expansion of the tertiary sector), energy supply, modernization of transport networks (roads, ports, airports), and improvements in administrative, health, and educational infrastructure. It also pays special attention to the dependent islands (La Désirade, Les Saintes, Saint-Barthélemy, and French Saint-Martin), highlighting their demographic pressures, decline of traditional activities, and the socio-ecological challenges posed by tourism development. The article concludes by praising the atlas as a rich and meticulously crafted scholarly work, an indispensable and authoritative tool for the study and planning of the French overseas departments.
- Journal Article1985L'archipel Guadeloupeen en atlas
François Doumenge
This article reviews the Atlas of Guadeloupe, produced by the C.E.G.E.T. team in Bordeaux. This atlas, presented in 36 plates with extensive scientific commentary, comprehensively maps the geographical complexity of the French overseas department of Guadeloupe, including its dispersed island structure and northern territories such as Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin. As the final work in a series, it synthesizes contributions from 38 co-authors and reflects the legacy of tropical geography established by scholars like Guy Lasserre. The atlas not only highlights the unique physical and human environments of the islands but also serves as a crucial scientific tool for more effective regional development, standing as a distinguished achievement of the French school of tropical geography.
From the Physical Collection
Photographs are being prepared for this hall.