Design of the maps in volume II of the Great Soviet Atlas of the World

Summary

This article examines the design and cartographic practices of Volume II of the Great Soviet World Atlas. Covering survey, economic, and historical maps of the USSR, the volume employs a unified 16-step hypsometric color scale balancing readability and visual plasticity. Based on printing experience from Volume I, black was adopted for hydrography and settlements to improve element coordination and registration accuracy. Economic maps combine circular symbols, sector coloring, and varied line symbols to represent over 100 industries, agricultural types, transport networks, and mineral resources. The article also discusses typography, original drawing, and plate-making optimization, reflecting the integrated technical and aesthetic exploration of Soviet cartography.