A large atlas for New Caledonia

This article reviews the "Atlas of New Caledonia and Dependencies," published in 1981 under the direction of ORSTOM. Completed in just five years, this monumental work synthesizes contributions from about fifty researchers affiliated with various French institutions. Combining 53 full-page color maps with nearly 110 pages of technical text, the atlas systematically covers six major themes: geographical and oceanic environment, natural environment, populations and their origins, rural space, the Caledonian economy, and social infrastructure and urbanization. The reviewer praises the work's high scientific standard, didactic presentation, and cartographic excellence, emphasizing its role in showcasing the archipelago's diversity and potential. The atlas is hailed as a testament to the value of cartography as a rigorous tool for scientific communication and is predicted to remain a definitive reference for years to come.