Wo entstanden die ersten Nationalatlanten?

Summary

This paper examines the distortion characteristics of the perspective azimuthal projection ("betrachtungstreue" Azimutalprojektion) and its limitations in cartographic practice. Through numerical analysis, the study reveals that the length scale in the meridian direction decreases rapidly with increasing latitude, reaching zero at 45° latitude, which causes distant parts of the globe to be severely reduced and limits visibility. Compared with the orthographic projection, this projection exhibits more pronounced distortions; although it provides a natural spatial impression, this is achieved at the cost of strong perspective foreshortening and significant geometric deformation. Consequently, its practical application is restricted to special cases. An example of Africa in transverse aspect is provided for illustration. Furthermore, the article reviews the lives and achievements of two prominent Austrian thematic cartographers of the 19th century, Josef Chavanne and Franz Ritter von Le Monnier, with particular focus on their contributions to the "Physikalisch-Statistischer Hand-Atlas von Oesterreich-Ungarn" (1882–1887), which is regarded as the first national atlas of Austria-Hungary and influenced later Finnish national atlases. Finally, the paper briefly reports on the second geotechnica international trade fair for geosciences and geotechnology held in Cologne in 1993, emphasizing the growing importance of computer-assisted cartography in information systems.