Second volume of the large Soviet world atlas

Summary

This article reviews the publication and significance of the second volume of the Great Soviet World Atlas. The volume provides a detailed depiction of the physical and economic geography of all Soviet republics, krais, and oblasts, summarizing the achievements of socialist construction. The article highlights methodological breakthroughs, particularly in hypsometric mapping, and notes the first systematic compilation of comprehensive economic maps and maps of the Civil War history. It compares the publication with contemporary Western atlases, emphasizing the Soviet Union's leading position in scale, speed, and content richness. Innovations in printing technology are also discussed. The atlas's release is regarded as a major milestone in Soviet cartography, laying the groundwork for future national mapping efforts.