The thematic atlas of Italy

This is a review of Volumes 3 and 4 of the Thematic Atlas of Italy, published by the Touring Club Italiano in collaboration with the National Research Council of Italy, with Roberto Melis as geographical and cartographical director. The first two volumes were reviewed in 1992, and the publication of these final volumes completes the project. The review notes that the overall cartographic standard is exceptionally high, with fine line work, effective use of colour, and superior printing quality. However, the submarine topography depicted on maps 21 (Geomorphology I) and 22 (Geomorphology II) is criticized for its impressionistic slope shading, which fails to convey a clear picture of the sea bed around Italy and even creates a visual impression of inverted relief. Volume 4 breaks new ground by covering tourism, cultural heritage, and environmental quality across 12 map sheets, followed by environmental alteration maps and satellite imagery. The review concludes that this comprehensive, authoritative, and up-to-date atlas ranks among the best national atlases.