Introduction to Foreign Atlases: "National Atlas of the United States"

Summary

The National Atlas of the United States of America, published in 1970 by the U.S. Geological Survey with 84 cooperating organizations, contains 765 maps systematically depicting the nation's physical features, history, economy, society, and administrative divisions. It comprises general reference maps and thematic maps using various projections and scales, supplemented by transparent overlays for enhanced readability. Although rich in content, the thematic maps lack overall coordination, and some are of inferior quality. The atlas serves as a key reference for understanding the United States and exemplifies diverse approaches to regional atlas compilation.