Atlas of Canada
Canada · Unknown · 1957
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Some elements in the development of the national atlas of canada
Nicholson, N. L. · 1961
The problems of producing an atlas of Canada that shows the nature, extent and use of the physical resources and their effect on the country’s economy and society are intensified by the great size of the country. its federal political structure, and its bilingual culture. The work of compiling the information was organized by the Geographical Branch in cooperation with other governmental agencies that either produce maps or have source material. As it was impractical to produce a bilingual atlas, separate English and French editions were prepared, the nomenclature in the French edition being based on local usage, and French equivalents used for the geographical terminology. In addition to providing a record of what is known and unknown, the atlas provides a plan for future geographical research, and will be revised as new data become available.
The Evolution of the Atlas of Canada, 1906–2006
Gosson, Claire · 2006
This paper traces the century-long evolution of the Atlas of Canada from its first print edition in 1906 to its dynamic online sixth edition in 2006, examining how changing national needs and technological advances reshaped its purpose, design, and production. Drawing on historical records and cartographic analysis, the study reviews each edition’s content, scale, and format, using the western portion of a representative map to illustrate visual and structural transformations over time. The first (1906) and second (1915) editions provided small-scale thematic maps of physical, demographic, and economic geography for a young nation focused on settlement and resource development. Following World War II, the third edition (1957/1958) responded to demands for comprehensive geographical information for planning, while the fourth (1974) adopted a folio format and recognized the Atlas as both a planning tool and a reflection of national identity. The fifth edition (1978–1995) pioneered digital cartography, standardized base maps, and initiated a serial map publication from a 1:2,000,000 database. By the sixth edition (1999), the Atlas became an Internet-based interactive platform, transforming into a living database that integrates geospatial data and partnerships. The findings show a shift from static printed volumes to a flexible online service that enhances accessibility, interactivity, and collaboration. This evolution demonstrates how a national atlas can remain authoritative and relevant by embracing information technology, ultimately serving as both a national showcase and an educational resource in an information society.
The Atlas of Canada Project
Nicholson, N. L. · 1959
The Atlas of Canada, published by the Federal Government in December 1958, represents a landmark national cartographic reference. This paper traces the atlas’s historical development, from initial proposals in 1905 and the 1915 revised edition, through renewed calls in the 1930s culminating in a 1945 Canadian Social Science Research Council report that recommended federal production. Following a governmental decision, an interdepartmental advisory committee was established, with sub-committees from multiple federal departments and input from provincial and private experts. Planning was completed by 1954. Production began with the creation of base maps employing the Lambert Conformal Conic projection (standard parallels 49° and 77°, modified north of 80°N). Four primary scales were adopted—1:10,000,000, 1:20,000,000, 1:5,000,000, and 1:2,300,000—maintaining simple numerical relationships for national, multi-map, sectional, and regional coverage. Material compilation and cartographic design proceeded until the first sheet went to press in 1956. The atlas’s 110 plates are arranged sequentially to narrate Canada’s internal development and international linkages: early exploration routes and historical maps, contemporary topographic and aeronautical charts, physical geography, human resources, economic resource use, and the spatial distribution of institutions, settlements, and political evolution from colonial times to the mid‑20th century, including international political affiliations. This structure offers a holistic spatial narrative of Canada’s evolving geographical identity.
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