The National Atlas of the United States of America

Summary

This paper presents an overview of the planning and production of the new National Atlas of the United States, prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey following recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences. The study briefly reviews earlier national atlas initiatives before delineating the purpose, scope, and defining characteristics of the current project. Detailed cartographic specifications are provided and justified, covering map content selection, scale determination, typography, sheet sizes, symbolization, color schemes, paper quality, and binding style. The research incorporates a market analysis based on approximately 8,000 questionnaires, summarizing user preferences and projected demand. Additionally, the paper examines the relationships and distinctions between the National Atlas and existing regional or general-reference atlases, positioning the work within the broader cartographic landscape. A description of the electronic computer methods employed for atlas indexing demonstrates the integration of digital techniques in map production. The paper is illustrated with colored slides that showcase the evolving design of atlas maps and the production progress achieved to date. The findings clarify both the conceptual framework and the practical implementation strategies for a comprehensive national atlas, emphasizing user-informed design and technological innovation.