Plans for a National Atlas

Summary

This paper records an academic discussion on plans for a National Atlas of Britain. Chairman Professor Kenneth Mason recalled the Royal Geographical Society's evidence to the Royal Commission on the Geographical Distribution of the Industrial Population, emphasizing the need for such an atlas. Professor Taylor then presented her paper, followed by discussion. Dr. L. Dudley Stamp noted that Britain lagged behind many countries in this regard, citing exemplary works like the Atlas de France and U.S. agricultural atlases. He stressed Professor Taylor's broad support and quoted a Ministry of Health official's minute suggesting additional thematic maps based on geographical statistics to enable scientific comparison and use of data. The discussion focused on the atlas's content, potential uses, and its value for education and government statistics.