United States美国

Walter S. Dix

In December 1954, the Earth Sciences Division of the National Academy of Sciences' Research Council established the Committee on a National Atlas, chaired by Carleton P. Barnes and composed of representatives from federal agencies and scientific organizations. Its purpose was to explore ways to produce a national atlas comparable to those of France and the forthcoming Canadian atlas. Earlier investigations had concluded that a looseleaf format was the only feasible approach at the time. This initiative represented a coordinated effort to advance American national cartographic reference.

This report presents a plan for producing a loose-leaf national atlas of the United States. A committee representing federal mapping agencies and the American Geographical Society recommended standardized sheet size, scale, and projection to assemble maps issued separately by various agencies. The standard sheet is 16 by 22 inches, with 1:10,000,000 as the standard scale for full-sheet national maps; larger sheets folding to that size and a scale of 1:5,000,000 are also acceptable. Albers equal-area or Lambert conformal projections are recommended for national maps. Additional specifications cover territories and possessions, grouping of small maps, sample and status maps, folding, binding margins, explanatory text, sheet numbering, border format, and a central depository and list. The committee concluded that such an atlas is advisable and practicable, and could be achieved with little or no extra publication expense.

This paper examines the unique cartographic and editorial challenges encountered in producing the first Hebrew edition of the Atlas of Israel (1964), a comprehensive work comprising 102 sheets and 720 large-scale maps. Although modeled on other national atlases, the Israeli atlas diverged significantly due to three primary factors: the country's rapid demographic and cultural transformations, its distinctive geographical position and elongated shape, and the uneven reliability of its documentary base. The most influential factor was the dramatic 600% population increase over two generations, which drove extreme changes in agriculture, economy, communication, and services. To capture this dynamism, the atlas employs time-sequence map series for most topics rather than single static representations, and includes supplementary maps to update content. Geographically, Israel's location on the arid zone boundary creates sharp north-south contrasts, with highly diverse physical, human, and economic elements in the north versus a monotonous south, compounded by varied topography over small altitude ranges. These spatial characteristics demanded specialized cartographic solutions. Finally, the area's political history under Ottoman, British, and Israeli administrations within 50 years resulted in data that differ greatly in coverage and reliability. The paper details how these interrelated problems shaped the atlas's content, design, and production.

Arch C. Gerlach

This paper reviews earlier plans for a national atlas of the United States, then describes the purpose, scope, and design characteristics of the new National Atlas being prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey on the recommendation of the National Academy of Sciences. It justifies choices for map content, scales, symbols, colors, paper, and binding; summarizes findings from a marketing survey of 8,000 questionnaires; analyzes the atlas's relation to regional and general reference atlases; and outlines computer methods used for indexing. The presentation includes colored slides illustrating map design and production progress.

Arch C. Gerlach

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.

Благово́лин, С. Е.

This paper reviews the first Soviet comprehensive atlas of a capitalist country—the *Atlas of the United States*. Created through collaboration among the Main Administration of Geodesy and Cartography (GUGK), several research institutes, and Moscow State University’s Faculty of Geography, the atlas involved over fifty specialists. It presents detailed thematic maps of population distribution and density, industry, agriculture, transportation, external economic relations, unemployment, and immigration, drawing primarily on U.S. statistical sources from 1962–1964. The analysis highlights the atlas’s innovative cartographic approaches, such as displaying urbanized areas, differentiating rural farm and non-farm population, depicting freight flows on a uniform scale, and using concentric rings for industrial centers. At the same time, the paper identifies notable shortcomings: the absence of cultural, historical, and larger-scale city maps (only New York and Washington are represented), ambiguous classification of transport machinery and aviation-rocket industries, incomplete structural data for some economic regions, and insufficient representation of low-density population areas. Recommendations for future editions include incorporating typological city maps, distinguishing between aviation and rocket manufacturing, and ensuring greater consistency in data presentation. Overall, the atlas is assessed as a substantial and well-executed contribution to economic cartography, combining academic depth with accessibility. It effectively serves educational and research purposes and provides a valuable model for the preparation of regional atlases in the future.

Fritz Bartz

This is a review of the National Atlas of the United States, published in 1958 by the U.S. Superintendent of Documents. The atlas, produced by various federal agencies, is presented in loose-leaf format, with each sheet (56.5×41 cm) depicting one or more geographic phenomena. It includes climate maps, soil and aerial survey maps, and agricultural distribution maps prepared by the Bureau of the Census, supplemented by cartograms and explanatory texts on the reverse. The reviewer praises its excellent cartographic quality and considers it indispensable for anyone concerned with the geography of the New World, reflecting the U.S. commitment to geographical understanding.

Arch C. Gerlach

The United States was a latecomer among nations in producing a National Atlas. Following a 1950 prototype by the American Geographical Society and uneven efforts by the National Academy of Sciences committee (1954-1961), responsibility was transferred in 1962 to the U.S. Geological Survey. Specifications and plotting bases were completed in 1963; work was interrupted by lack of funds in 1964 and resumed in 1965. The completed atlas, scheduled for 1968, comprises approximately 400 pages, covering physical features, history, economics, social conditions, administration, and world relationships, with a gazetteer-like index. Over 40 federal agencies and numerous academic institutions contribute data; production is centralized in the USGS. This is the first systematic cartographic monograph of the United States.

Arch C. Gerlach

National atlases are distinctive reference works that depict the broad significant features of a country and serve as research tools for government agencies, commercial firms, research libraries, and planning organizations. This article outlines the design, production, and problem-solving utility of The National Atlas of the United States of America, prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey following a recommendation from the National Academy of Sciences. The atlas consists of about 500 pages: general reference maps at 1:2,000,000, urban-area maps, thematic maps covering physical, historical, economic, and socio-cultural subjects, administrative-division maps, coverage indexes of map/chart/air-photo series, and a detailed index of more than 40,000 named places with geographic coordinates. To ensure practical relevance, the Survey reviewed existing national atlases, consulted cartographers, and circulated a questionnaire to some 8,000 potential users; the overwhelmingly positive responses confirmed demand for all eight major sections and a preference for solid binding. The article then illustrates concrete uses: locational and thematic support for housing and insurance decisions, regional planning, fuel marketing, education, public-land law review, “new city” planning, advertising and market analysis, retirement choices, and recreation. It also addresses production problems—data reliability, cartographic generalization, paper quality, durable yet flexible bindings, and index design. The atlas will be reproduced and sold by the U.S. Geological Survey, revised every ten years in coordination with the census, with individual sheets updated as new data appear. It marks another milestone in national and regional atlas coverage, while future remote sensing and computer-based data storage may transform such cartographic reference works.

Rátóti Benő; Görög Ágnes

This paper reviews two thematic maps from the National Atlas of the United States. The first, a groundwater map (1967, scale 1:7,500,000), uses distinct colors to differentiate unconsolidated and consolidated aquifer rocks, marking sources yielding at least 3.5 l/sec of fresh water and major springs producing over 100 million m³ annually, thereby presenting the nation's hydrogeological conditions and water-supply potential. The second, a population map (1968), employs county-level (1:17M) and state-level (1:34M) scales with multi-color choropleth and diagrammatic methods to depict urban-rural population changes from 1950 to 1960, population change patterns between 1940-1950 and 1950-1960, and selected socio-economic indicators from the 1960 census. Both maps combine substantive content with high-quality cartographic execution.

George F. Jenks

This article reviews The National Atlas of the United States, a landmark cartographic publication produced with contributions from numerous federal agencies and experts. The atlas comprises 765 maps organized into three sections: reference, thematic, and international connectivity. The reference section centers on a 1:2,000,000-scale map of the United States, offering extensive place names, highway and railway networks, and land-holding information. While detailed and practical, this section is seen by the reviewer as too utilitarian. The thematic section is the most impressive, spanning physical, economic, social, and political geography, and including maps by renowned scholars such as Erwin Raisz and Philip B. King. It also covers newly mapped topics like earthquakes, air pollution, water purity, and power generation, with transparent overlays adding flexibility. Nevertheless, a number of maps suffer from symbolization conflicts and poor color choices, such as overlapping dot and choropleth patterns, clashing hues, and occasional registration errors. In conclusion, the atlas is among the best national atlases ever published and stands as a major achievement in American cartography, deserving the gratitude of geographers and citizens alike.

Court, Arnold

This review evaluates the climatic section of *The National Atlas of the United States*, a comprehensive government publication. Climate maps occupy 24 of its 335 map pages, covering solar radiation, sunshine, precipitation, temperature, pressure and winds, air pollution, and storms. Most maps rely on 1931–1960 climatological normals, though some employ shorter or inconsistent periods. A novel feature is the pressure‑wind map, which combines mean sea‑level isobars with 16‑point wind roses and resultant wind vectors; however, the 30‑year pressure normals are paired with only 10 years of wind data. The review notes that the maps are visually effective and well‑drawn, yet several climatic elements are missing: cloudiness, fog, hail, glaze, drought, reduced visibility, and year‑to‑year variability. The deliberate omission of a climatic regions map is explained by a lack of reliable large‑scale classifications. Comparison with earlier climatic atlases shows that while the new work is lavish, a cheaper black‑and‑white predecessor may suffice for purely climatic purposes. The review concludes that a second edition should fill the documented gaps, incorporate variability, and adopt a loose‑leaf format to improve flexibility and eliminate distortion at page folds. Overall, the atlas remains a welcome addition to U.S. climate documentation.

R. A. Gardiner

This review examines the recently published National Atlas of the United States (1970) within the broader context of national atlas production. It recalls the 1939 British definition of a national atlas and traces subsequent developments, comparing the U.S. volume with the International Atlas (1969) and with loose-leaf national atlases such as those of Spain and Australia. The review discusses key design decisions: the use of 1:2,000,000 reference maps, the absence of relief on reference sheets, the inclusion of administrative boundaries, the choice of firm binding, and the very limited textual commentary. The author acknowledges the atlas’s exceptional thematic coverage—especially in economic, demographic, and socio-cultural maps—and its practical value for planners and researchers. However, he criticizes the fineness of some lines and lettering, the questionable inclusion of rapidly changing or highly specialized topics, and the tendency to use symbols rather than built-up-area depictions for urban regions. The article concludes that the National Atlas is a major achievement and an indispensable reference source, while arguing that the time is now opportune to create a National Atlas of the United Kingdom, given the establishment of the Department of the Environment and the completion of the 1971 census. The review thus combines an evaluative critique with a forward-looking argument for national atlas development.

Stephenson, Richard W.

This survey updates Ena L. Yonge’s earlier review by cataloguing and describing significant general and thematic atlases of the Western Hemisphere published over the subsequent ten-year period. It compiles 147 volumes, organized by geographic coverage from hemispheric to continental, national, and subnational scales, including atlases of the United States, Canada, and their constituent states and provinces. The descriptive compilation highlights the diversity of atlas production: comprehensive national atlases (e.g., *The National Atlas of the United States*, *The National Atlas of Canada*), regional economic and resource atlases, historical atlases, road and marketing guides, and specialized thematic works covering topics such as climate, vegetation, population, and industry. Key findings reveal a vibrant period of cartographic activity driven by government agencies, university geography departments, and commercial publishers. These atlases serve a wide range of purposes—from academic teaching aids and land-use planning to business decision-making and public education. The survey underscores the atlas’s continuing role as a vital synthesis of spatial information during a decade marked by notable advancements in thematic cartography and multidisciplinary resource documentation.

William G. Dean; Geoffrey J. Matthews; F. Kenneth Hare; Arch C. Gerlach

This review examines the two major national atlases published in 1970: The National Atlas of the United States of America, edited by Arch C. Gerlach, and the National Atlas of Cuba, a joint Cuban-Soviet project. The U.S. atlas, an ambitious compilation involving dozens of agencies, contains general reference maps and extensive special-subject maps arranged from physical through economic and socio-cultural themes. The reviewers commend the atlas's technical excellence, innovative cartographic design, and effective use of color and typography, particularly in the physical maps. They also, however, criticize the lack of a coherent conceptual framework linking the sections, noting a traditional assumption that physical environment determines human activities. The economic section, while rich in maps, suffers from uneven treatment—agriculture receives disproportionate attention, while comprehensive maps of the entire economy and service activities are missing. The reviewers doubt the atlas's practical influence on national planning, contending that it functions more as a monumental self-portrait of the nation than as an operational tool. The Cuban atlas, published in Spanish and Russian, is structured as homage to the tenth anniversary of the Revolution. It combines maps and explanatory text to present the country's physical geography, economy, population, and social development, with explicit emphasis on socialist achievements, including new industrial installations since 1959. The review concludes by reflecting on the purpose of national atlases: they reveal both national aspirations and the conservatism of geographical scholarship, and the U.S. atlas, despite its flaws, remains an essential resource for geographers and a stimulus to further research.

Anderson, James R

This paper traces the history, achievements, and future planning of the National Atlas of the United States. Following a 1960s recommendation by the National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Geological Survey assumed responsibility and published the first edition in 1970 under the editorship of Dr. Arch C. Gerlach. Approximately 15,000 copies were printed at a total cost of about three million dollars, with distribution favoring educational and public libraries; the edition is now out of print. A parallel Separate Sales Editions program offered individual high-demand sheets and later added new thematic series on energy transportation and waterways. The paper also notes the flourishing of regional and state atlases, exemplified by the Atlas of Florida (1964) and A Comparative Atlas of America’s Great Cities (1976). Plans for a second edition, coordinated by a National Atlas Planning and Advisory Board, are centered on a formal statement of purpose—to enhance understanding of America’s environmental, demographic, economic, social, political, and historical dimensions, and to serve decision-makers and educators. Key decisions include adopting a looseleaf format for flexible updating and extensive use of computer-assisted cartography to streamline compilation, maintain a digital data bank, and facilitate analytical reuse. Content revisions involve deleting outdated mapping/charting sections and detailed urban maps, while adding new themes such as climatic hazards, land use/cover at 1:2,000,000, and socio-economic maps for major metropolitan areas. New graphic standards are under development. Although no direct funding is currently allocated, these planning efforts aim to produce a dynamic, data-rich national atlas suited to contemporary analytical and educational needs.

This paper provides a cartographic technical review of *The National Atlas of the United States of America*, a large comprehensive atlas compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with over 80 federal agencies and more than 20 academic societies, published in 1970. The study examines the atlas’s compilation history, general characteristics, mathematical foundations, coordination and consistency in design, thematic structure, and other distinctive features. Methodologically, the evaluation compares the atlas’s design choices with those of other national atlases and against ideal cartographic principles. Key strengths identified include a well‑chosen page size, a systematic and unified scale series (with reference maps at 1:2,000,000 for states and 1:500,000 for cities, and thematic maps at 1:7,500,000, 1:17,000,000 and 1:34,000,000), adoption of a single Albers equal‑area conic projection with two standard parallels (29°N and 45°30′N), and strong efforts at unifying base maps, data, classifications, and symbology. The general reference maps are exceptionally detailed, and the thematic maps introduce contemporary topics such as air and water pollution, while using consistent representation methods that facilitate comparison. Deficiencies are also pointed out: the natural environment section lacks a colored relief map, mineral deposits, and Quaternary geology; the historical section is overweighted and contains irrelevant materials; certain economic themes, like water transport and fisheries, are incomplete or oversimplified; the socio‑cultural section omits education, culture, and other vital topics; and the inclusion of a separate “world maps” section disrupts scientific classification. The paper concludes that despite its shortcomings, the atlas represents a high level of cartographic achievement. A careful analysis of its strengths and weaknesses can offer valuable lessons for the compilation of China’s own national atlas.

This paper provides a comprehensive review of a selection of major world and national atlases produced in the twentieth century, including works from the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan, and other European and North American countries. Through detailed description and comparative analysis, the study examines the content, cartographic design, projection selection, symbolization, and overall scientific and ideological quality of these atlases. Key findings highlight the remarkable scope and systematic organization of atlases such as the Soviet *Great Soviet World Atlas*, *Atlas Mira*, and *Morskoi Atlas*, which emphasize socialist economic achievements and anti‑imperialist perspectives. British publications like *The Times Atlas of the World* and *The Times Atlas of World History* are noted for their comprehensive reference value and continuous revision, while the German *Berghaus Physikalischer Atlas* pioneered thematic physical geography mapping. The review also evaluates the innovative representations in the *Swiss Atlas*, the detailed environmental and socio‑economic coverage in the *Canadian* and *American National Atlases*, and the high‑quality design of the *Japanese National Atlas*. Several atlases are critiqued for projection inconsistencies, poor layout, or politically biased boundary depictions. The paper concludes that these atlases collectively reflect the evolution of modern cartography and serve as indispensable tools for geographical research, land‑use planning, and education, while also revealing the diverse political and scientific contexts of their production.

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.