Könyvismertetés: Magyarország Nemzeti Atlasza

Summary

This review by László Bassa, a member of the editorial board, assesses the second edition of the National Atlas of Hungary (1989) compared with its 1967 predecessor. The purpose is to highlight innovations in cartographic representation and content that reflect the socio-economic and environmental changes over two decades. The atlas integrates traditional physical geography chapters with new sections on nature and environmental protection, social infrastructure, production, and regional planning. The author notes a shift from quantitative to qualitative mapping, including evaluative and typological maps. However, he identifies significant limitations: unreliable statistical data (e.g., commuters and agricultural employment), lack of representation of the emerging private sector, and insufficient synthesis of water resources and environmental issues. He argues that future national atlases should be connected to geographic information systems and more openly address critical problems. The review concludes that national atlases must adapt to changing economic structures and geographic paradigms.