Mapy a Atlasy: Suomen Kartasto

Summary

This review examines the Atlas of Finland (Suomen Kartasto), published in 1960 as the fourth national atlas of Finland, following earlier editions in 1899, 1910, and 1925. Compiled by the Finnish Geographical Society and the Geographical Institute of the University of Helsinki under the editorship of Leo Aario, the atlas comprises 39 plates and 416 maps covering physical geography, population, agriculture, industry, transportation, and education. The reviewer praises its outstanding content and cartographic quality, particularly highlighting the 1:1,000,000-scale map comparing rural population distribution with cultivated land. The atlas employs continuous graduated symbols and choropleth maps with relative values, achieving clear visual presentation. Criticisms include the outdated statistical data (mostly from 1950) and the absence of explanatory text. Nevertheless, the atlas serves as an exemplary model for national atlases of smaller countries, demonstrating that a relatively compact atlas can achieve excellence in all respects.