Atlas of the Azerbaijan SSR

Summary

The article reviews the comprehensive Atlas of the Azerbaijan SSR, published in 1963 in Azerbaijani (10,000 copies) and Russian (20,000 copies). The atlas was compiled by scientists from the Institute of Geography of the Academy of Sciences of the Azerbaijan SSR and other academic institutions, with the participation of specialists from ministries and departments. It contains 176 principal maps, 28 inset maps, numerous profiles, diagrams, tables and explanatory texts, with data mainly as of January 1, 1961. The atlas consists of an introduction and sections on introductory information, natural conditions, economy, cultural construction and history; the main map scales are 1:1,500,000, 1:2,500,000 and 1:3,000,000. The introductory section shows the geographical position of Azerbaijan, its share in the national economy, administrative divisions, the growth of Baku and population distribution. The natural conditions section includes six subsections: physical maps, geological and geomorphological maps, mineral resources, groundwater, climate and hydrology. Special attention is given to the 33 climatic maps, which reflect radiation, thermal, moisture and circulation conditions, as well as to detailed hydrological maps characterizing river networks, runoff, mudflows and water chemistry. The economic section covers industry, agriculture, transport and economic ties; ten economic-geographic regions are distinguished, and maps of agricultural specialization, mechanization, irrigation and mineral fertilizer application are presented. Cultural construction and history sections include maps of education, health care, resorts, archaeological and architectural monuments, showing the high cultural level and historical heritage. Alongside a positive assessment, the author notes some shortcomings: inconsistencies in showing mud volcanoes on geological and geomorphological maps, questionable boundaries of runoff zones on hydrological maps, occasional illogical ordering of maps within the agricultural subsection, lack of coordination between the Azerbaijan and Armenian atlases concerning similar natural maps, and unexplained local terminology in the Russian edition. Nevertheless, the atlas is characterized as a valuable scientific reference work, standing among the best domestic regional atlases, suitable for studying the nature and economy of the republic and for preliminary economic planning.