National Atlas of Canada

An Introduction to Foreign Atlases: *The Atlas of Canada*

Unknown · 1984

This paper presents a descriptive analysis of the fourth revised edition (1974) of *The National Atlas of Canada*, edited by Gerald Fremlin and published by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. The atlas, available in both English and French, measures 38×27 cm, is wire-bound, and features four color satellite images from August and September 1973 on the inner covers, showing the Mackenzie River estuary, the Chaleur–Quebec region, Vancouver, and Lethbridge. It contains 254 map pages; double-page spreads employ a principal scale of 1:15,000,000, while single-page maps are at 1:20,000,000. Smaller-scale maps (1:30,000,000 to 1:75,000,000) and regional enlargements (1:5,000,000 or 1:750,000) are also included, with some coverage restricted to the economically developed areas south of 60°N. Maps, diagrams, and textual explanations are harmoniously arranged, and the overall design and printing quality are high. The atlas provides a comprehensive and detailed portrayal of Canada’s physical environment and socio-economic conditions. Physical maps of relief, glaciation, permafrost, geology, tectonic structure, drainage basins, and climate are particularly well compiled. The climate section features practically significant indicators for agriculture and industry, such as dates of first and last frost, frost-free period, growing season duration, accumulated temperature, precipitation, and detailed snow data. Population maps depict urban and rural distribution, density, demographic change, ethnicity, language, and education. Economic maps cover agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, mining, industry, transportation, and trade. Additional plates illustrate the historical evolution of territory, northern and southern economic zoning, and census divisions. The atlas concludes with its principal data sources. The study also notes several provincial atlases—such as those of British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta, and Ontario—which complement the national work by highlighting regional natural wealth, geographical conditions, and productive capacity, thereby promoting public understanding and planned resource development.