The National Atlas of the United States of America

Summary

This article reviews the history, organization, and production plans of the National Atlas of the United States. Following preliminary prototypes and a loose-leaf atlas initiated by the National Academy of Sciences, responsibility was transferred to the U.S. Geological Survey in 1963. A small technical team drafted content outlines, prepared standard base maps at multiple scales, and established liaison with federal agencies, universities, professional associations, and commercial firms. The atlas was planned to include over 400 pages, about 300 of which were thematic maps at 1:7,500,000, 1:17,000,000, and 1:34,000,000, covering physical features, history, economic and social conditions, education, and administrative divisions. The Survey would assume final editing, reproduction, and distribution to ensure uniformity. The volume was expected to be completed in 1967, with continuous revisions every decade.