The Atlas of Australian Resources in 1963

Summary

Editor T. W. Plumb reports on preparations for the second series of the Atlas of Australian Resources, whose first mapsheets and accompanying booklet commentaries were scheduled for publication by the Department of National Development in 1963. The first series was completed in September 1960, and the second was initiated in mid-1961. Plans called for three sheets annually, replacing, subdividing or combining existing topics while retaining the map and commentary formats and withdrawing older sheets from sale. “Electricity” would replace “Power and Fuel”, with fuels covered separately later. “Population Distribution and Growth” had been compiled and was being drawn, incorporating population change for 1954–61. The advanced “Soils” revision adapted C. G. Stephens’ 1961 map to the atlas’s 1:6 million base; Stephens prepared a commentary, and the map’s colour design and commentary emphasized land use. Plumb also outlines work or plans for minerals, fisheries, agriculture, underground water and geology. He welcomes suggestions and reports direct departmental distribution from November 1962, lower prices and expanded concessions for Australian educational bodies and government departments.