Journal Article

The Evolution of the Atlas of Canada, 1906–2006

By Claire Gosson· 2006

Publication: Cartographica
Volume: 41
Issue: 3
Pages: 259-265

Canada · Version 3

1974

In her historical account, Claire Gosson describes the fourth edition, published in 1974 under the new title The National Atlas of Canada. She reports that distributing map folios before the bound volume prompted a reassessment of national geographical information needs, and that a continuing national atlas program was officially adopted and supported at this time. The physical geography section combined maps, diagrams and explanatory notes on physiography, geology, hydrology, soils, vegetation and climate. Human geography covered exploration and development, territorial changes, population, education, religion, languages, and Indigenous populations identified as Indian and Inuit. The largest section addressed the Canadian economy, from primary resources and production to communications and retail trade.

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Claire Gosson traces the Atlas of Canada through six editions, relating its changing content and format to national planning, public understanding and access to geographic information. James White's 1906 atlas combined physical, population, communications and historical maps with city plans; the 1915 revision incorporated expanded provincial boundaries and the 1911 census. Postwar information needs led to the third edition, with fuller physical, human and economic coverage. The 1974 fourth edition adopted the title National Atlas of Canada, and its distribution as map folios helped prompt a continuing atlas program. For the fifth edition, advisory consultations supported a computerized national database: data were compiled at 1:2,000,000, and maps published mainly at 1:7,500,000 using standardized bases. Digital cartography, satellite data and interagency cooperation supported production, but only 93 of roughly 200 planned map subjects were completed by its closure in 1995. Gosson then describes the 1994 Internet atlas, educational development through SchoolNet and the sixth edition's launch in 1999. Renamed Atlas of Canada in 2002, the online edition developed through scientific partnerships, improved navigation and accessibility, and interactive access to data. Gosson characterizes it as an integrated, evolving database whose principal publication is on the Web, serving as an authoritative national portrayal and educational resource.

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