On the work on the National atlas of Norway

Britt Dale’s account, based on a June 1981 presentation, describes the early compilation of Nasjonalatlas for Norge (National Atlas of Norway). Proposed in the 1960s, the project was revived through the Norwegian Mapping Plan, guided by a 1977 preliminary report and funded in the 1978–79 budget. The Ministry of Environment held administrative responsibility; a steering committee appointed in 1979 directed the work, with Norges geografiske oppmåling providing the secretariat and technical execution. The atlas was intended to supply natural and human geographic information for decision-making, administration, education and wider public use. Planned publication comprised loose map sheets at 1:1 million or smaller scales and analytical booklets in A4 folders, with Norwegian and English text, allowing selective purchase and updating. Dale emphasizes standardized data, qualified specialist collaboration and electronic processing for storage, mapping and revision. Work had begun on seven of 21 main themes. Priority went to digital base maps, with the first folder nearly ready for printing, followed by physical geography and vegetation; agricultural and population themes were timed to use the 1979 and 1980 censuses. Interdisciplinary committees were developing proposals, participants and cost estimates for thematic projects. Dale presents coordinated data collection and comparable maps as intended benefits, while stressing the resources and cooperation required.