A National Atlas for Ethiopia

Summary

Winid proposes a national atlas for Ethiopia, arguing that atlases can represent regional differences and spatial relationships for development planning even where statistical data are limited. He criticizes the relevant International Geographical Union commission for concentrating on countries with well-established cartographic and statistical services. The proposed atlas would contain approximately 100 maps covering physical geography, population, economic activity, socio-cultural services, politics, and history, with possible additional provincial and urban sections. Physical coverage would emphasize relief, hydrology, and climatic extremes; economic coverage would include agriculture, land tenure, industry, and transport. Recommendations include standardized scales, colors, legends, and comparison periods; loose sheets; transparent overlays; explanatory appendices; cross-references; and publication in Amharic and English. Production would be based at the Mapping & Geography Institute, with a small editorial board, scientific and technical editors, interagency cooperation, and funding for research and field checking. Winid suggests two years for manuscript preparation and releasing individual maps as they become ready. The article presents a proposal intended to stimulate discussion and institutional cooperation, not a completed atlas.