Register of thematic maps: Atlas of the Republic of Chile

Summary

This paper presents a critical review of the 1966 Atlas of the Republic of Chile, a collaborative work between the Military Geographic Institute and the University of Chile. The atlas is organized into three parts: “Antecedentes” with astronomical and political maps; “Mapas Físicos”, a 14-sheet physical map series at 1:1,000,000 employing a modified polyconic projection and adapted hypsometric tints (green extended to the 1000 m contour) to capture Chile’s elongated relief; and 15 thematic maps at 1:4,530,000 covering physical, demographic, and economic themes. The review praises the physical map section for its topographic detail and carefully selected photographs but recommends adding a small-scale hypsometric synthesis map. The thematic maps, while valuable as an initial geographic portrait, are criticized for omitting a regional division map and a vegetation map, and for demographic density symbology that fails to convey clear spatial patterns. The introductory section is judged overly diagrammatic and lacking historical cartographic depth. The paper concludes that the atlas demonstrates serious cartographic and geographic competence, and urges the Institute to move toward the elaboration of a comprehensive National Atlas of Chile, building on this successful collaborative foundation.