Atlas zur Raumentwicklung: A new thematic atlas and a contribution towards the solution of regional-planning problems

This account presents the Atlas zur Raumentwicklung while it was still being compiled by the Bundesforschungsanstalt für Landeskunde und Raumordnung. Designed for planners, researchers, teachers and interested public audiences, it selects contemporary social problems and regional disparities in the Federal Republic of Germany. A 1972 survey of potential users informed the reduction from fourteen themes to eleven, graphic design, pricing and anticipated sales. Each theme was to combine an introductory map, detailed thematic maps, comparisons within selected regions and across European countries, and an updated development sheet. Sheets coordinate maps, legends and explanatory text with diagrams and tables; standardized colours and simplified base maps support readability. The institute's subject divisions undertake scientific and editorial work, with computer assistance for information preparation, graphic presentation and colour separation, and in-house cartography and printing. At the time of writing, Population was being printed for distribution in the first half of 1976, and Labour and Education had completed editorial preparation. The account argues that explanatory text can clarify statistical weaknesses and allow a more limited problem-oriented atlas where regional data are inadequate.