National atlas of Brazil

Summary

This review assesses the 1966 general volume of Brazil’s planned two-volume National Atlas. Its five sections cover political-administrative divisions, physical geography, demography, the economy, and selected sociocultural statistics, with the economic section receiving the most extensive treatment. The maps use consistent base mapping, restrained four-color design, supplementary maps, statistical tables, graphs, cross-sections, and explanatory texts. Although the atlas offers little methodological innovation, it generally selects appropriate established cartographic techniques. Weaknesses include omitted numerical scales, inconsistencies in boundary representation, thematic imbalance, and uneven density and detail across sheets. Nevertheless, the volume is regarded as an attractive, carefully produced, and commendable reference work that contributes substantially to knowledge of Brazil, while leaving high expectations for the forthcoming regional volume.