Venezuela
National Atlases
The national atlas tradition of Venezuela, as represented in this collection, emerged during a period of state-led modernization and resource mapping in the mid-20th century. The two atlases held here, spanning 1969 to 1979, reflect a pivotal decade when the country sought to consolidate its territorial identity and natural resource knowledge through comprehensive cartographic documentation. The 1969 edition, titled simply 'Atlas of Venezuela,' was an early comprehensive national reference, while the 1979 edition, produced by the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources’ National Cartography Directorate, signaled a shift toward institutionalized, environment-focused mapping. Both volumes were published in French, suggesting an international audience or diplomatic purpose, likely aimed at showcasing Venezuela’s geography to a global readership. The editorial approach combined physical geography—such as relief, hydrography, and climate—with thematic layers on resources and administrative divisions, typical of national atlases of that era. These works stand as milestones in Venezuelan cartography, establishing a baseline for later national mapping efforts and serving as authoritative references for planners, educators, and foreign researchers. Their legacy lies in their role as both scientific tools and symbols of national coherence during a time of rapid development.
Versions and Their Documents
Contemporary and Later Comment
- Journal Article1972Atlases of the western hemisphere: A summary survey
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.
- Journal Article1982Venezuela's map situation: past and present
細井将右
This paper reviews the cartography in Venezuela, focusing on official general maps of land and atlases from the colonial period to the present. It begins with a brief description of the country's geography and history. For the colonial era, figures such as Juan de la Cosa, Blaeuw, Betin, Gumilla, Solano, Fidalgo, and Humboldt are mentioned. In the 19th century, European-born scholars like Codazzi made significant contributions; his 'Atlas Fisico y Politico de la Republica de Venezuela' (completed 1839) served as a 'mother map' for a long period. In the 20th century, mapping became systematic: the Comision del Plano Militar was created in 1904, initiating official topographic surveys; the Direccion de Cartografia Nacional was established in 1937. A national basic control network was started in 1942, covering 70% of the territory by 1975. Aerial photography, begun in 1936, covered 85% of the country by 1975. Topographic mapping at 1:25,000 covered about 60% of the territory. The Direccion also produces maps at various scales and published two editions of the 'Atlas de Venezuela' in 1969 and 1979.
From the Physical Collection
Photographs are being prepared for this hall.