Cartographical Progress: Suomen Kartasto/Atlas of Finland/Atlas över Finland

Summary

This article reviews the fourth edition of the Atlas of Finland (Suomen Kartasto), published in 1960, succeeding the first edition of 1899. Compiled by the Finnish Geographical Society and the Institute of Geography, University of Helsinki, with cartography by the General Survey Office, the atlas comprises 39 plates containing 455 maps and diagrams at varied scales (largest 1:1,000,000; most thematic maps at 1:6M or 1:9M). The design employs small-scale, single-topic maps grouped by theme (e.g., Plate 5 features 18 climatic maps), enhancing legibility and visual comparison, thereby challenging the conventional requirement for uniform scales in national atlases. Printing utilizes five colors with 10-18 color combinations per plate (up to 29 on complex plates), though minor defects include careless masking on some plates and poor place-name legibility, especially on the folding administrative map (Plate 39). The atlas provides a comprehensive geographical picture of Finland for 1950-1959, demonstrating scholarly rigor and offering valuable lessons in layout and design for future national atlases.