Cartographical Progress: Atlas of Australian Resources

Summary

This review assesses the Atlas of Australian Resources (1954–60), published by the Department of National Development, comprising 30 large maps with specialist commentaries. Reviewer Griffith Taylor organizes the maps into six thematic classes—geology, climate, agriculture, minerals, transport, and population—offering detailed evaluations of cartographic quality and scholarly value. He praises the geological and drainage maps while critiquing certain terminological choices and design limitations. The review also briefly examines Carlos Quirino's Philippine Cartography (1320–1899), acknowledging its bibliographic utility but noting inconsistencies and errors. Overall, the review underscores a shift in Australian geography from exploration toward national planning and applied research.