National atlas of Switzerland

Summary

This article reviews the academic value and editorial features of the first installment of the National Atlas of Switzerland, published in 1965. Commissioned by the Swiss Federal Council and edited by the renowned cartographer Eduard Imhof, the atlas is planned to comprise 86 sheets covering 12 thematic sections, including physical geography, population, and economy. Its distinctive characteristics include an unusually high proportion (one-third) of population maps and the inclusion of topographical maps of selected regions. Technically, the atlas continues the Swiss tradition of relief representation, employing multi-colored contour lines and shaded relief to depict Alpine terrain with exceptional clarity. All texts and legends are presented in Switzerland's three official languages: German, French, and Italian. The author acknowledges the atlas's high international standard but notes that some maps in the first installment show limitations in indicator selection and cartographic methods, and a full assessment must await the completion of the entire work.