The Atlas 2000, The new atlas of Israel

Summary

The Atlas 2000, the fifth edition of the renowned Atlas of Israel, is scheduled for publication in 2004, nine years after the fourth edition in 1995. This paper examines the fundamental differences between the fourth edition and Atlas 2000, focusing on two main axes: contents and sources of information. In terms of contents, the new edition introduces two emerging national agenda topics: global climate change and its implications for Israel's agriculture, water supply, and geopolitical stability, and economic globalization, which reshapes industrial distribution, transportation patterns, and socio-economic disparities. Regarding sources, the edition leverages advanced statistical databases, GIS laboratories, high-resolution satellite imagery, and the 1995 census to enhance cartographic accuracy and expand the atlas to nearly double the size of its predecessor. Atlas 2000 aims to represent the state of the art in cartography and geography for the early 21st century, with the potential to transform geography education in Israel.