Introduction to the Atlas of Foreign Countries: Atlas of France

Summary

This paper reviews the characteristics and academic value of three European national atlases from the early to mid-20th century. The Atlas de France (compiled 1931–1946) contains 80 plates covering geomorphology, geology, climate, agriculture, population, and transportation, employing multiple scales, hypsometric tinting, and dot methods with detailed content and high international acclaim. The Atlas des Formes du Relief (published 1956) systematically presents typical landform types in thirteen chapters, innovatively combining contour maps, aerial photographs, anaglyph maps, and geological cross-sections, while also illustrating dynamic geomorphic evolution. The Atlas de Belgique (compiled 1947–1972) is a large folio atlas with approximately 100 plates, addressing both physical and socio-economic themes. These three atlases exhibit distinct strengths in compilation methods, content organization, and cartographic techniques, representing a high standard of regional atlas production in Europe at the time.