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H. Baulig

This review discusses the Atlas of Canada, issued by the Canadian Department of the Interior in 1906 under the direction of James White. The work originated in the desire to present the results of the 1901 census in graphic form, but it goes far beyond a statistical atlas: besides synoptic tables and 44 diagrams, it contains 46 maps and plans that depict the principal geographical features of the Dominion. The maps use three scales, applied equally to old and new regions, which facilitates comparison. The plates cover relief, geology, minerals, forests and the limits of forest trees, telegraphs, telephones, railways, transcontinental railways, canals, lighthouses and sailing routes, meteorology, population density, Aboriginal peoples, ethnic origins, boundaries, explorers' routes, drainage basins, and city plans. The reviewer singles out the forest-tree limit map as particularly original, and notes that the railway maps clearly reveal Winnipeg's role as the gateway to the West. The meteorological plates show Hudson Bay acting as a cold centre, the steep winter thermal gradient along the Pacific coast, and the moderating influence of the Great Lakes; population maps contrast the settled south with the undeveloped north, and note that Saskatchewan and Alberta had been largely occupied by 1906. The atlas, by grouping and linking facts of distribution, suggests hypotheses about their interdependence; the reviewer concludes that it is a truly geographical work and that the Canadian government and Mr. White fully succeeded in making their country better known.

Goode, J. Paul

This paper presents a comparative evaluation of six atlases published in the early twentieth century (1904–1916), assessing their cartographic design, informational richness, production quality, and value for users. The analysis is based on a qualitative examination of physical specifications—such as dimensions, binding, colour plates, map types, text supplements, indexes, and price—to draw conclusions about the state of atlas-making in the Anglophone and Francophone worlds. The review begins with a fragmentary reference to an unnamed British imperial atlas, notable for a 70‑page index with geographical coordinates and a 134‑page gazetteer. White’s “Atlas of Canada” (1906) earns high praise for its completeness and excellent colour maps, mounted on stubs. Reclus’s “Atlas de la plus Grande France” (circa 1916) is singled out as a masterpiece: 160 colour maps, each double‑page spread accompanied by text or black‑and‑white diagrams, presenting maximal information in an aesthetically refined manner. The author laments that no English‑language atlas matches its value or craftsmanship. Rand McNally’s “International Atlas of the World” (1915) is judged a solid American reference work, employing wax‑process printing and offering detailed U.S. statistics at a modest price. Schrader’s “Atlas de Géographie Moderne” (1904) exemplifies the French tradition of page‑efficiency, with double‑page colour maps backed by monochrome graphics and text, particularly comprehensive on France and its colonies; its geographic vision is held to align with the best American ideals. Hammond’s “Comprehensive Atlas,” by contrast, represents low‑cost production with cursory drawing and careless workmanship, although it remains functional as a pocket reference. The survey reveals a stark quality spectrum: sophisticated French atlases like those of Reclus and Schrader set a benchmark for integrated physical‑economic cartography and presentational elegance, while less expensive English‑language alternatives often compromise detail and drawing quality. The paper implicitly advocates a model that combines rigorous geographic content with a clear, user‑oriented layout—a standard that, in the author’s view, was then best realised by French atlas publishers.

Benoit Brouillette

In 1943, the Canadian Social Science Research Council established a committee to explore the feasibility of a comprehensive Atlas of Canada. Distinguishing between dictionary-type and geographical atlases, the committee examined outstanding international examples and surveyed map resources within Canada. It concluded that Canada urgently needed a modern atlas, but whether it should be scientific or popular remained under investigation.

Grant-Suttie, G. L. P.

This paper examines the role and activities of the Canadian National Committee of the International Geographical Union, with a focus on its efforts to advance geographic science and address national deficiencies in geographic knowledge. The study reviews the Committee’s mandate, composition, and collaborative projects, highlighting its interdisciplinary reach across physical and social geography. Key contributions include promoting geography in Canadian universities, international research on agriculture in high latitudes, and strategic influence in wartime planning. A central finding is Canada’s significant lag in modern geographic mapping, particularly the absence of an up-to-date national atlas; the 1906 and 1915 editions are obsolete. The paper argues that a new comprehensive Atlas of Canada is urgently needed, integrating physical, biogeographic, economic, and human geography. It outlines a preliminary framework based on a survey by the Canadian Social Science Research Council and emphasizes the necessity of collaboration among federal departments and provincial authorities. The Committee concludes that planning must begin immediately to align with the 1951 census, enabling the atlas to include timely statistical maps. The project can be executed within the normal functions of existing agencies at minimal additional cost, with eventual cost recovery through sales. The paper underscores that the Committee is prepared to provide scientific guidance, pending governmental authorization, to produce a modern atlas serving education, industry, international representation, and public understanding of Canada.

E. D. Baldock

This paper describes the cartographic development of the new National Atlas of Canada initiated in 1949. Following the creation of an interdepartmental atlas committee and thematic subcommittees, a provisional base map at 1 inch to 100 miles was chosen, and the final sheet size and scales were approved in 1952; cartographic work began in 1954. The base-map programme comprised scales of 1:10,000,000, 1:20,000,000, 1:5,000,000 (in three regional sheets), 1:50,000,000, and 1:2,500,000 (in four regional sheets), all derived from a new 1:1,000,000 map of Canada using the Lambert conformal projection with standard parallels at 49° and 77° N and a polyconic projection above 80° N. The paper discusses the selection of stable drawing materials, the use of neutral colors for base maps so that thematic information would stand out, and the separation of name plates to facilitate color separation. To increase efficiency, the number of printing impressions per sheet was reduced from as many as twenty in special cases to an average of nine. A standardized set of contact screens and eight basic colors produced about thirty tones, with special combinations reserved for geological and land-use maps. Colored proofs were made on opaque plastic sheets, and final color negatives were exposed with appropriate screens before precise multi-exposure plate-making. The author concludes that the atlas project, although carried out alongside regular topographic mapping, provided excellent training in cartographic methods and fostered new ideas for solving diverse map problems.

N. L. Nicholson

This article recounts the making of the Atlas of Canada, a national atlas produced by the Canadian federal government. Following earlier editions in 1906 and 1915, the project was initiated in 1948 under the Geographical Branch of the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys. Its purpose was to depict the nature, extent, and use of Canada's physical resources and their impact on the country's economy, society, and political development. The planning involved an interdepartmental committee, while compilation used base maps at a scale of 1:10,000,000, with contributions from nearly all 150 geographers across Canada. The final product consisted of 110 looseleaf sheets published between 1955 and 1958. The atlas is organized thematically, progressing from historical exploration and physical geography to human resources, economic activities, transportation, and finally social and political patterns. It includes maps of climate, geology, population, agriculture, industry, cities, and Canada's political evolution. The author emphasizes that the atlas serves both as an authoritative reference and as a historical record of national development, and it stands alongside other major national atlases as an essential tool for understanding the geography of Canada.

N. L. Nicholson

The Atlas of Canada Project, released by the federal government in 1958, created a comprehensive national reference atlas building on earlier editions of 1905 and 1915. Originating from a 1945 report, the project was assigned to the Geographical Branch for coordination in 1948, with interdepartmental committees gathering authoritative data from across agencies. The atlas employed the Lambert Conformal Conic projection and four interrelated map scales under standardized base maps. Its 110 plates were arranged thematically: exploration and historical maps, physical geography, population, resources and economic activities, settlements and institutions, and finally political evolution and international affiliations. Through interdepartmental collaboration and systematic cartographic design, the project established a model for national geographic documentation.

O. Stollt

This announcement reports the completion of the new National Atlas of Canada by the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys. Containing 110 sheets and 450 individual maps, it comprehensively presents Canada's historical, economic, social, cultural, and political development and current conditions, serving as a key information source on the country and its regions, with special attention to eight major cities. The 50×40 cm atlas allows flexible removal or replacement of sheets; a French edition is due by year-end, distributed by Queen's Printer, Ottawa.

E. D. Baldock

In 1949, the Canadian government decided to produce a new national atlas covering the economic and physical features of the country, replacing the outdated 1915 edition. A Federal Atlas Committee was formed, with subcommittees collecting data in fields such as agriculture, fisheries, transportation, and natural resources. Cartographic work was formally assigned to the Surveys and Mapping Branch in 1954. The project involved designing base maps at multiple scales, primarily using the Lambert Conformal projection with standard parallels at 49° and 77° north, and selecting durable, opaque rag paper for printing. To address colour reproduction challenges, the cartographers developed a system of screened tints and colour combinations, reducing the average number of printings per sheet to nine. Techniques such as artificial negative colour separation, photographic proofing on plastic sheets, and precise plate exposure ensured accuracy and consistency. The atlas production not only fulfilled a national mapping need but also served as an educational stimulus, encouraging innovative cartographic methods and professional development among the staff.

Л. Р. Серебряный

This article reviews The Atlas of Canada, published in 1958. Initiated by the Canadian government in 1948, the atlas involved 150 geographers and 25 cartographers and comprises 450 maps, mostly in Lambert conformal conic projection at various scales. Its thematic sections cover physical geography, population, economy, transportation, and socio-cultural institutions, along with historical expedition routes and early maps. As a comprehensive cartographic reference to the country's territory and resources, it serves as an important source for regional studies.

L. Dudley Stamp

This is a review of the official Atlas of Canada, published in 1957 (released 1959). The author recalls the earlier editions of 1906 and 1915 and notes that the new atlas, planned by the Geographical Branch over eight years, is magnificent in both scope and technical execution. Using the Lambert Conformal Conic projection with a base scale of 1:10,000,000, its 110 plates cover history, physical geography, climate, geology, population and economy. The reviewer especially appreciates innovative features such as glacial geology, wildlife distribution, and urban land-use maps, while criticizing the lack of attribution for certain regional delimitations and the use of the Köppen climate classification. In conclusion, the atlas is hailed as a national masterpiece and a reminder of Canada's international commitments.

Norman L. Nicholson

This article examines several key elements in the early development of the National Atlas of Canada. It notes that the first reference atlases of Canada were published in 1906 and 1915, both in English, and that by 1937 the need for a new edition reflecting Canada's bilingual character in national affairs was increasingly felt. In December 1948, the federal government decided that the Geographical Branch of the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys should prepare such an edition. Since no records of earlier editions survived, this was essentially an entirely new project. An Atlas Committee, composed of representatives from major governmental agencies, was established to consider broad project issues, including the atlas's purposes, physical format and basic scales, the organization of subject matter (topical, regional, or both), and whether the atlas should be bilingual. Actual production was exclusively handled by the Geographical Branch, covering compilation, layout, design, drafting, and liaison with the printing agency. The article systematically presents the core decisions faced during the planning and production phases, offering valuable insight into the early development of a national atlas project.

N. L. Nicholson

This paper presents a systematic account of the problems encountered in the production of the National Atlas of Canada and the ways in which they were resolved. Canada's distinctive circumstances—its immense area of nearly 4,000,000 square miles (the second largest country in the world), its relatively small population of barely 18,000,000, its federal political structure, and its bilingual culture—made the task unusually complex. The compilation was organized by the Geographical Branch of the Department of Mines and Technical Surveys in cooperation with an interdepartmental advisory committee representing major government agencies such as the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries, Transport, and Northern Affairs and National Resources, together with the Dominion Bureau of Statistics, the Army Survey Establishment, the Canadian Meteorological Service, and the Public Archives of Canada. The committee first established the atlas's dual purpose: to portray the nature, extent and use of Canada's physical resources and their effect on the country's economy and society, while also serving as a historical record of national development at a particular point in time (the 1951 census period). A survey of existing single-country atlases guided decisions on format, projection and content. A loose-leaf binding was adopted to allow sheets to lie flat, be removed for study, and be revised as new data became available. The page size was designed to accommodate a full-page map of Canada on a scale of 1:10,000,000 using the Lambert conformal conic projection with standard parallels at 49°N and 77°N. It was decided that the atlas would be primarily topical in organization, with some regional maps for populated places. Approximately equal space was allocated to physical geography, human geography, and economic geography. Since a truly bilingual map series was judged technically impracticable, two separate editions were produced—one entirely in English (110 sheets, printed from September 1955 to October 31, 1958) and one entirely in French. The French edition posed three major challenges: toponymy (French equivalents were used only where established local usage already provided them—e.g., Nova Scotia became Nouvelle-Écosse, but London, Ontario was not changed to Londres); the adaptation of scientific terminology to Canadian French usage (e.g., physiographie for morphologie); and the technical adjustment of English printing materials to accommodate French lettering of different lengths and sizes without obscuring map detail. The atlas is arranged to provide a coherent geographical narrative: early exploration routes and historical maps; modern survey examples; physical geography including relief, geology, magnetism, tides, a fourteen-sheet climatic series, drainage basins, soils, forests and biogeographical distribution maps; human resources (population distribution, ethnic origins, religions, vital statistics); economic geography (fisheries, forestry, pulp and paper, agriculture, mining, electric power, manufacturing, transportation and communications); and finally institutional and settlement geography, including large-scale urban plans of eight major cities, census divisions, electoral districts, and maps showing Canada's political evolution and international affiliations. The author notes a progressive decline in reliance on statistical diagrams from the 1906 and 1915 editions, attributable to improved methods of field data collection and socio-economic analysis. The atlas thus serves both as a record of current knowledge and, through its gaps, as a guide for future geographical research—hence the deliberate choice of a loose-leaf format facilitating ongoing revision and supplementation. While no other country will face precisely the same conditions, elements of Canada's experience in organization, content planning, bilingual production and cartographic technique may offer useful lessons.

Ena L. Yonge

This article is a comprehensive review of regional atlases, written by Ena L. Yonge. The author begins by noting that, given the ever-increasing flood of atlases from around the world, individual reviews of each publication are impossible; therefore, a summary survey is adopted. She also stresses that no single reviewer can be sufficiently expert in all aspects of geography, cartography, and linguistics to render sound critical judgments. The roughly one hundred regional atlases discussed are grouped primarily by continent or large region and then arranged alphabetically by country. In the European section, the author evaluates national and thematic atlases from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, and other countries, covering topics such as road transport, historical geography, climate, population, economy, and land use. She comments in detail on cartographic quality, scales, printing techniques, and practical utility. For example, the Austrian national atlas, directed by Hans Bobek and Erik Arnberger under the Commission for Land Planning of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, was published in five annual parts and demonstrates excellent cartography and printing. The Atlas de Belgique and the Atlas du Survey National supplement each other with plates on hydrogeology, phytogeography, agriculture, basic industries, waterways, and railways. The Climatic Atlas of Czechoslovakia is praised for its beautiful large-scale maps of temperature and precipitation. The article then turns to North America, focusing on state atlases in the United States, including Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia. These atlases cover agriculture, forestry, economic resources, historical geography, and population, often compiled by universities or state agencies for educational and planning purposes. In the South American section, the author highlights notable publications such as the Atlas do Brasil, the Atlas de economía colombiana, and Venezuelan climatic and forest atlases. Throughout the review, the author acknowledges the scholarly value and cartographic achievements of many works while also pointing out occasional problems such as overly large formats or inappropriate scales. Overall, the article provides a broad and informative reference guide to regional atlases for scholars in geography, cartography, and related fields.

This paper examines how national atlases serve as indicators of scientific and economic change, using Canada’s three federal atlases (1906, 1915, and 1957) as a case study. By analyzing the subject matter coverage, methods of cartographic presentation, organizational order, and language policies across these editions, the study reveals the evolution of geographic knowledge, data availability, and national priorities. The 1906 and 1915 atlases focused heavily on physical geography, transportation, and population, but largely omitted economic activities, relying extensively on statistical diagrams rather than spatial maps. The 1957 edition significantly expanded coverage to include economic activities such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, while also incorporating advances in soils, flora, fauna, and glaciology. Cartographic presentation shifted from diagram-dependent formats to precise spatial distributions, reflecting improved survey techniques and data collection. The sequential study of these atlases demonstrates how each volume records the state of geographic science and the cartographic arts at its time, while also exposing knowledge gaps that can guide future research. Language policy evolved from English-only in early editions to bilingual English-French production in 1957, mirroring Canada’s developing biculturalism. The author concludes that national atlases, if produced in a continuing series, can function akin to a periodic census—providing a systematic, updatable record of national development and serving as a foundation for long-term geographical planning and institutional continuity.

N L Nicholson

This paper reviews six recent Canadian atlases—the Atlas of Canada (1958) and provincial atlases covering British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta—and identifies patterns, trends, and principles emerging from their compilation. It argues that the atlases should be understood less as purely commercial reference works and more as products shaped by government policy and the differing aims assigned to them. The national atlas was designed as a broad overview of the physical basis and economic development of Canada, while provincial atlases reflect the regional concerns, resources, and educational responsibilities of individual provinces. Although the atlases appear superficially similar, they differ markedly in scale, projection, weight, and content, largely because each was independently organized and funded by government or university bodies. The article also stresses the pedagogical function of the volumes: since education in Canada is a provincial responsibility, the atlases were intended to support schools and public reference. Yet their geographic methodology places them beyond the existing school curricula and links them to the tradition of regional atlases. The analysis shows that the Ontario Economic Atlas comes closest to the ideal regional atlas, while Saskatchewan and Alberta retain more elements of the national atlas model. The article concludes that the recommendations of the IGU Commission on National Atlases, though not followed in every detail, had a clear and general influence on all six publications and that the idea of an atlas hierarchy is only partially realized. These findings underline the value of international guidance for national and regional atlas-making.

Stephenson, Richard W.

This survey updates Ena L. Yonge’s earlier review by cataloguing and describing significant general and thematic atlases of the Western Hemisphere published over the subsequent ten-year period. It compiles 147 volumes, organized by geographic coverage from hemispheric to continental, national, and subnational scales, including atlases of the United States, Canada, and their constituent states and provinces. The descriptive compilation highlights the diversity of atlas production: comprehensive national atlases (e.g., *The National Atlas of the United States*, *The National Atlas of Canada*), regional economic and resource atlases, historical atlases, road and marketing guides, and specialized thematic works covering topics such as climate, vegetation, population, and industry. Key findings reveal a vibrant period of cartographic activity driven by government agencies, university geography departments, and commercial publishers. These atlases serve a wide range of purposes—from academic teaching aids and land-use planning to business decision-making and public education. The survey underscores the atlas’s continuing role as a vital synthesis of spatial information during a decade marked by notable advancements in thematic cartography and multidisciplinary resource documentation.

Michael Wood

This review assesses the first National Atlas of Canada (4th edition), a 284-page volume published as a government-private co-publication. The atlas adopts a smaller format and scale (1:15 million) compared to predecessors, aiming to refine public perception of Canada rather than utilitarian decision-making. Contents include physical geography (relief, hydrology, geology, soils, climate) and economic geography (trade, labour, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, transport). The reviewer notes high standards of design and reproduction, though some maps suffer from colour choices, small lettering, and misregistration. Overall, despite growing reliance on digital data, the atlas remains valuable for offering an accessible, integrated overview of the nation.

Groot, Richard

Canada's National Atlas Program has historically aimed to provide a timely cartographic synthesis of the country's geography for government administration and public understanding. This paper examines the function, evolving design, and technological transformation of the program in the computer era. Drawing on user needs analysis and cost-benefit considerations, the study identifies four primary user groups: government administrators, researchers, educators, and the public. To meet their diverse information needs, the 5th Edition abandons the traditional bound volume in favor of a dynamic, two-part system: a decennial Canada Gazetteer Atlas and an ongoing Thematic Atlas comprising large-scale data base sheets and interpretive overview sheets. The program emphasizes ready access to factual spatial data, with users free to combine maps for custom analyses. The paper further argues that digital technology, despite high initial investment, is inevitable due to the increasing availability of digital data and user demand for flexible spatial queries. However, cost-effectiveness hinges on designing a data base management system that enables on-demand map production and analysis from an integrated data base, rather than merely automating map drawing. Such an approach is expected to significantly enhance the atlas's utility and justify its continued evolution. The paper concludes that the national atlas function—providing an executive summary of national geography and rapid source reference—is more urgent than ever in the digital age, and Canada's program is being repositioned as a dynamic, digitally-enabled data base to fulfill that role.

This paper provides a comprehensive review of a selection of major world and national atlases produced in the twentieth century, including works from the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan, and other European and North American countries. Through detailed description and comparative analysis, the study examines the content, cartographic design, projection selection, symbolization, and overall scientific and ideological quality of these atlases. Key findings highlight the remarkable scope and systematic organization of atlases such as the Soviet *Great Soviet World Atlas*, *Atlas Mira*, and *Morskoi Atlas*, which emphasize socialist economic achievements and anti‑imperialist perspectives. British publications like *The Times Atlas of the World* and *The Times Atlas of World History* are noted for their comprehensive reference value and continuous revision, while the German *Berghaus Physikalischer Atlas* pioneered thematic physical geography mapping. The review also evaluates the innovative representations in the *Swiss Atlas*, the detailed environmental and socio‑economic coverage in the *Canadian* and *American National Atlases*, and the high‑quality design of the *Japanese National Atlas*. Several atlases are critiqued for projection inconsistencies, poor layout, or politically biased boundary depictions. The paper concludes that these atlases collectively reflect the evolution of modern cartography and serve as indispensable tools for geographical research, land‑use planning, and education, while also revealing the diverse political and scientific contexts of their production.

The fourth revised edition of The National Atlas of Canada, published by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, includes satellite images and 254 pages of maps at various scales, comprehensively covering physical conditions and socioeconomic aspects. Physical maps cover geology and climate with practical indicators, while human maps include population, economy, and historical evolution. Rich in content and well-produced, it also includes provincial atlases to support evaluation and rational development of natural resources.

В. Г. Плешков; А. В. Ребрий; Я. В. Степанова

This paper reviews the development of national atlases abroad, using the online versions of South Australia, the United States, Sweden, and Canada as case studies. The analysis shows that modern national atlases go far beyond their paper counterparts. They typically provide interactive maps with zooming, navigation, layer management, printing, and object query tools; thematic maps are accompanied by statistical charts, graphs, and explanatory notes; and gazetteers are integrated as a key component. Metadata increasingly follow national and international standards such as ANZLIC and FGDC, enabling integration into spatial data infrastructures. The U.S. atlas supports user-defined map creation and free vector data download; the Canadian atlas contains more than 200 interactive maps and an educational section; and the Swedish atlas, though based on a 17-volume paper edition, also offers a CD-ROM and an interactive map. Finally, the authors recommend that when building Russia's national atlas, it should provide rich functions and information via the Internet, adopt standardized metadata, develop place-name search and retrieval systems, and open selected data to users.

Claire Gosson

This article reviews the century-long evolution of the Atlas of Canada from its first edition in 1906 to the online sixth edition launched in 1999 and its subsequent development up to 2006. Drawing on archival maps and historical documents, the author traces how each edition responded to changing national needs and technological capabilities. The early editions (1906, 1915) were small-scale paper atlases focused on basic physical and human geography, while the third edition (1957/58) incorporated more comprehensive land-use and economic data. The fourth edition (1974) changed its name to the National Atlas of Canada and adopted a continuing program; the fifth edition (1978–1995) pioneered digital cartography and a standardized database at 1:2,000,000 compilation scale. The sixth edition, launched online in 1999, transformed the atlas into an interactive, Web-based geographic information system, emphasizing accessibility and partnership. The article argues that the atlas has always served twin purposes: as a utilitarian planning tool and as a means of fostering national identity and international understanding. Its evolution reflects broader shifts in cartography, from static printed maps to dynamic geospatial data services. The author concludes that the Atlas of Canada remains a leading national online atlas, and its future will be shaped by continued advances in information technology.